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MT Torch Run Director, Lt Jack Allen with Athlete Ambassadors Vivienne Shockley and Tawny Gray Notes from Montana Torch Run Director, Lt Jack Allen

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

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