• Name: Ellen
• Age: 12
• Activity: Fundraising for a local homeless shelter and volunteering to help its residents
• Grand Prize Award: $5,000 to Lazarus House and $5,000 to her school in Illinois, plus Nicki Fleming’s Whole World Collection
• Nominated by: Her mother, Amy

My daughter Ellen is a true inspiration to our family and many others within our community. Three years ago, our family made our first trip to Lazarus House, a local homeless shelter, to help with a painting project. When a tornado siren went off, everyone in the shelter gathered in the basement, where Ellen was surprised to discover that the homeless people were regular, everyday people.

Ellen was amazed at how much “stuff“ she had, and that was when the idea hit her—she’d have a sale and give the money to the local homeless shelter.

Weeks later, while cleaning her room, Ellen was amazed at how much “stuff” she had, and that was when the idea hit her—she’d have a sale and give the money to the shelter. For the past three years, Ellen has tirelessly solicited friends, neighbors, and local businesses for items. She recruits her friends to help her work the two-day sale and organizes a baking date in the church kitchen to make her “famous” brownies to sell. Last August, Ellen hosted the Third-Annual Ellen’s Excellent Sale, which raised $4,600 for Lazarus House. In total she has raised almost $9,000 for the shelter and increased awareness of homelessness in her community.

Ellen’s commitment to Lazarus House is evident all year round. Right before Thanksgiving, Ellen invited some friends over after school to create more than 60 cards for the residents of the shelter. The cards featured encouraging words about being thankful and hopeful. During her Christmas break, Ellen is at the shelter, usually with a friend in tow, helping to sort and wrap gifts donated to the residents. This year she helped to plan and organize a “Kid’s Shop” where the children picked out and wrapped gifts to give to their families.

What a blessing and inspiration she is to us all.