What motivates you to wake up for work every morning? Is it the culture? Is it the money? Or is it something deeper like finding a meaning in your daily activities? It might be something bigger than just getting a sale. It might be really making a difference in someone’s life.

Someone once told me to do something with your life that evokes emotion. I sat down for a meeting with a man who worked for my old company. We discussed my goals and hopes for the position in which I was currently working. He read right through me only to say, “you want to own your own business one day.” I pondered the thought for a moment, continued to sip on my water just trying to hold back tears. He was right and that’s when I knew what really evoked my emotions. So here I am, following my passion and more importantly, raising awareness for causes in which I truly believe.

Kathy McLaughlin has been working for Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) as the Director of Development for 11 years. She hadn’t been looking for a new job and actually enjoyed where she currently was working but thought, “put a resume in and see where it takes you.”

Special Olympics began in Illinois in 1968. There are now 22,000 athletes in the state of Illinois alone! The organization focuses on individuals with intellectual disabilities. It has expanded across the world and is now in 170 countries. There will be a World Games in Austria in 2017!

McLaughlin has seen how much of an impact this organization has had on individuals close to her. Her brother has been a part of SOILL for over 25 years and it has become his world. She has seen how he has developed many deep relationships he might not have had he never became a part of SOILL.

“There is a real strong impact on self-esteem, physical abilities such as growth motor and fine motor abilities, and communication skills,” McLaughlin says when asked about the effect this organization has on athletes.

Originally, an athlete had to be at least eight years old to participate. Now there is a Young Athletes program that targets children age two through seven. McLaughlin mentions that parents are looking for this type of activity for their kids.

“It’s hard for people with intellectual disabilities to meet people, establish friendships, and find ways to nurture a friendship,” McLaughlin mentions. SOILL gives them this opportunity.

No two days are the same for McLaughlin and that is her favorite part. She focuses on finding ways to raise funds for SOILL. Some of her day-to-day activities include finding sponsorships for some of the sports competitions, acquiring meal donations for the competitions, and writing grants.

“I always want to make sure the public knows we’re so grateful for their support. It comes in many ways, financial contributions, support, or just their awareness,” McLaughlin states.

So wake up everyday fully excited for what you’re about to do! Chose the path that lights your fire. Help us light the fire for these athletes and order your stitch today! Seven percent of our profits will be donated to SOILL during the month of June!

What motivates you to wake up for work every morning? Is it the culture? Is it the money? Or is it something deeper like finding a meaning in your daily activities? It might be something bigger than just getting a sale. It might be really making a difference in someone’s life.

Someone once told me to do something with your life that evokes emotion. I sat down for a meeting with a man who worked for my old company. We discussed my goals and hopes for the position in which I was currently working. He read right through me only to say, “you want to own your own business one day.” I pondered the thought for a moment, continued to sip on my water just trying to hold back tears. He was right and that’s when I knew what really evoked my emotions. So here I am, following my passion and more importantly, raising awareness for causes in which I truly believe.

Kathy McLaughlin has been working for Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) as the Director of Development for 11 years. She hadn’t been looking for a new job and actually enjoyed where she currently was working but thought, “put a resume in and see where it takes you.”

The Special Olympics began in Illinois in 2000. There are now 22 thousand athletes in the state of Illinois alone! The organization focuses on individuals with intellectual disabilities. It has expanded across the world and is now in 170 countries. There will be a World Games in Austria in 2017!

McLaughlin has seen how much of an impact this organization has had on individuals close to her. Her brother has been a part of SOILL for over 25 years and it has become his world. She has seen how he has developed many deep relationships he might not have had he never became a part of SOILL.

“There is a real strong impact on self-esteem, physical abilities such as growth motor and fine motor abilities, and communication skills,” McLaughlin says when asked about the effect this organization has on athletes.

Originally, an athlete had to be at least eight years old to participate. Now there is a Young Athletes program that targets children age two through seven. McLaughlin mentions that parents are looking for this type of activity for their kids.

“It’s hard for people with intellectual disabilities to meet people, establish friendships, and find ways to nurture a friendship,” McLaughlin mentions. SOILL gives them this opportunity.

No two days are the same for McLaughlin and that is her favorite part. She focuses on finding ways to raise funds for SOILL. Some of her day-to-day activities include finding sponsorships for some of the sports competitions, acquiring meal donations for the competitions, and writing grants.

“I always want to make sure the public knows we’re so grateful for their support. It comes in many ways, financial contributions, support, or just their awareness,” McLaughlin states.
So wake up everyday fully excited for what you’re about to do! Chose the path that lights your fire. Help us light the fire for these athletes and order your stitch today! Seven percent of our profits will be donated to SOILL during the month of June!