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We are moving
forward! We have a lot of individuals, both
old-timers and up & comers, that are passionate
for Torch Run! There are so many aspects to
Montana's Torch Run program, that it is
virtually impossible to have each facet shining
all at the same time, but, when viewed as a
whole, our state program is truly a world class
diamond!
Always remember that our core function as Torch
Run is to raise funds and awareness for Special
Olympics. We are annually seeing funds increase,
and we are on course for another banner year.
Last year we raised $257,000, which kept us as
the 2nd Highest Per Capita
Fundraising program in the world! It also
garnered us the
“Sapphire Award,” which is presented
to only those programs which exceed a quarter
million dollars annually.
We are increasing
our presence in Montana, and we have impact
beyond our borders, even internationally.
Programs we have pioneered, for example, “The
World Tour,” are being copied and will result in
even more athletes in other states being
served. Other states have also attended our
top-notch Kickoff Conferences and have taken
those ideas and that enthusiasm back to their
programs.
Speaking of the
Kick-Off Conference, we had a wonderful keynote
speaker, Gordon Graham, who presented on “Why
Things Go Right, Why Things Go Wrong.” All in
attendance seemed to really appreciate the
information. The date of the next Kick-Off
Conference has been set:
Feb 22 - 23, 2008. We're planning
some extra special activities and programs to
celebrate the 10th Anniversary of
our Kick-Off Conferences. Please mark your
calendars now. We want all Regional
Coordinators, Leg Leaders and Special Event
Coordinators to attend. The venue is still being
finalized, but be assured, we're going to do it
up right!
We had a healthy
turnout in May for the Final Leg and Circle of
Honor in the 2nd of 3 years in Great
Falls (it then moves to Bozeman). I want to
recognize Cascade County Deputies Bob “Wojo”
Wojciechowski and Jay Groskreutz for all the
effort and personal time they put into the
reception and the door prizes for the officers.
The food was also great and some even enjoyed
the bowling! Thank you also to those of you who
took the time to attend.
I wish to
recognize some capable, enthusiastic new
officers who have joined the program: Derek
Mahlum in Havre, Gordon Schmill in Missoula,
Dave Headley in Sanders County, Taylon Bain with
Glendive Police Department and Roosevelt County
Undersheriff Ron Kemp. Derek jumped right in,
literally, and as the event coordinator, raised
over $4000 during the First Annual “Sub-Zero
Super-Hero Plunge.” Gordon has been working
behind the scenes on developing a $15,000
T-shirt sponsor for the state. Dave Hedley
attended the Kick-Off Conference, as well as the
Final Leg & Circle of Honor in Great Falls, and
then, along with Taylon Bain, stuck around and
attended many Special Olympics events in uniform
during the State Summer Games. Ron confidently
committed to developing much needed new legs in
the northeastern part of the state and followed
though There are many
more that have joined the Torch Run family this
last year....WELCOME TO EACH AND EVERYONE!
Many of these
start ups are a direct result of our most recent
leg of the “World Tour,” which occurred in
January and covered the Hi-Line, specifically:
Shelby, Havre, Malta, Glasgow, and Sidney.
We have many
innovations that we continue to develop, such as
Jason Johnson's MLEA Basic Session
presentations, POST certification for the
Kickoff Conference, and Mike Pfau's Montana
Torch Run Newsletter “The Finish Line.” We are
strengthening our Regional Coordinators level
and will continue to demand even more from them.
We involve athletes in our Executive Committee.
We are able to send folks to represent us at
International Conferences, International Final
Legs and National Final Legs. Finally, our
leadership is recognized internationally: Grant
Holle is the Region VIII Coordinator, and
Jason Johnson was tapped as a National Games
Final Leg Team Leader.
It is exciting to
see Torch Run gaining momentum in Billings &
Yellowstone County. Sheryl Shockley has done a
fantastic job of forging ahead over recent
years, but now we are seeing law enforcement
again jumping in and taking a lead role. Even
the chief of police, Rich St. John, is visibly
involved. He attended the Area Games and led the
Torch Run through their community.
I could really go
on and on about all the positives in our
organization. I've heard it said that when it
comes to this fine organization, we should try
to feel the wind direction and go with it. I
disagree. Instead, we create the wind and leave
it to others to feel which way it's blowing.
Keep running, keep
believing, keep inspiring.
Lt. Jack Allen, MT LETR State Director
Great Falls Police Department |
