Ellen has been active with Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run on the local, state and international level for many, many years. Never wanting or expecting a “thank you,” she is always eager, willing, and happy to help in any way possible. She has volunteered at dozens and dozens of events, showing up sometimes before the sun comes up, and is normally the last one to leave, many times when the sun has gone down. The Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run has and continues to maintain successful fundraisers because of the support received from Ellen. We all know people who are good at what they do, but few people who excel in what they do. Ellen is the very best at her job, which allows other volunteers to do the best they can, for Special Olympics Virginia and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Ellen far exceeds any expectation that the Virginia Torch Run has. Plainly stated, she is, without a doubt, the Plane Pull princess. She has helped grow the Dulles Plane Pull from a $120,000 event, to well over a $300,000 event! It might literally be in her job description to assist the Torch Run, but you’d never know it! She always goes above and beyond, and is always available, even when she is on vacation, and also comes to region events even when she is not working them! She has helped grow both Northern Virginia Plunges, not only with fundraising, but also with participation. She is always willing to do that “something extra” – whatever is needed – to make things easier for everyone.
Although she is based in Northern Virginia, her help, and love for what she does, covers the entire Commonwealth – from Arlington to the North Carolina state line… from Tazewell to the Eastern Shore. Without her, none of us would be as successful as we are. She is not “one in a million”… she is “one of a kind!”… and Special Olympics Virginia, the Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run, every single Special Olympics athlete, and every member of Law Enforcement, is so very lucky to have her.
Congratulations, Ellen!