Ellie Ambrose

Ellie Ambrose, a sixth-grader at Christ Presbyterian Academy, initiated an annual fund-raising run and carnival that have yielded more than $40,000 over the past two years for sick and disadvantaged African children.

Ellie was motivated to begin her project when she saw a slide presentation on poverty in Africa. “It showed tiny houses, droughts, and illnesses,” said Ellie, “Some children were so skinny it looked as if their skin would become too tight and break their bones. Once I saw this, I wanted to help!”

After deciding that she wanted to raise money with a race and a carnival, Ellie put together a plan with her parents and friends. She then delivered speeches to school and local groups to promote the run and raise awareness about Africa, made TV and radio commercials, and attended a lot of planning meetings.

On the day of the first “Ellie’s Run for Africa,” more than 70 volunteers helped Ellie and her family set up and manage a five-kilometer run, a one-mile “family fun run,” and a carnival featuring games, a dunk tank, an African cultural marketplace and African dancers and drummers.

A second event last September brought the total amount of money raised so far to $43,000, and a third run is scheduled for later this year.