This week’s Ambassador Award goes to John Porter. John has a passion for volunteering and helping others. He has been volunteering for the Team Ortho Foundation since 2009 and has been a tremendous help to Team Ortho. John has spent countless hours helping prepare for the Minneapolis Duathlon as well as other upcoming events. We asked John a few questions about why he enjoys volunteering at Team Ortho.

TO: What is the most satisfying part of volunteering?
JP: Knowing that Team Ortho events provide opportunity and incentive for many people to to be more active. The events are always well organized and include really good swag, so they're very popular. I'm certain Team Ortho events motivate already active people to train more than they otherwise would and I imagine they also inspire a good number of less active people to take that first step toward a more active lifestyle.

TO: How did you first become active in Team Ortho events?
JP: Walking around Lake Harriet during the Monster Dash last year, I noticed how much fun everyone was having and had to check it out. I've worked on 3 events as a volunteer so far but the Minneapolis Duathlon was my first as a participant.

This week’s Ambassador Award goes to Lisa Black. Lisa is a diehard volunteer that has been with Team Ortho since 2008 and has been a tremendous help prepping for the upcoming Minneapolis Duathlon. We asked Lisa a few questions about why she enjoys volunteering.

TO: What is the most satisfying part of volunteering?
LB: The most satisfying part of volunteering is knowing that what I do makes such a positive impact on both the participants and the event. I love talking to a first time racer, sharing my experiences, and seeing them head off to the start line with a smile, feeling more confident about what they are about to accomplish.  You will often hear a Team Ortho staff member say that they could not put these events on without all of the volunteers and how much they need us. After volunteering for several events, I have a much better understanding of this. They really mean it! I am always amazed at how much has to come together and how many volunteers it takes for these races to be flawless. I am proud to be part of that group.

TO: How did you first become active in Team Ortho events?

This week’s Ambassador Award goes to Sue Tambornino! Sue has been a loyal and dedicated volunteer for Team Ortho since October of 2009. We asked Sue a few questions about why she enjoys volunteering and are excited to share her enthusiasm with you.

TO: What is the most satisfying part of volunteering?
ST: Working with so many different people to make an event successful and see how the participants appreciate your hard work. I think when a person comes up to me and thanks me for my hard work that is the most satisfying part of volunteering.

TO: How did you first become active in Team Ortho events?

This week’s Ambassador Award goes to Kelly Hansen! Kelly has a passion for staying active and helping others. She has been a dedicated volunteer for Team Ortho Foundation since August of 2009 and played a large role in helping Team Ortho Foundation prepare for the 2010 Minneapolis Marathon.

TO: What is the most satisfying part of volunteering?
KH: I love getting to meet new people whether it's for a day or a lifetime, and you always feel good when you're contributing to a worthy cause.

TO: How did you first become active in Team Ortho events?
KH: My first event with Team Ortho was the Minneapolis Duathlon. I moved to the Twin Cities in August of 2009 and thought the Duathlon sounded like a great way to get out and meet people as well as exercise.

TO: What is it about Team Ortho that makes you want to volunteer your time to our foundation?
KH: Team Ortho has become more than just volunteering for me it's my "adopted family". Moving to a state where I didn't know anyone was scary, but this organization has made my transition easy. I love volunteering because it allows me to get to see people again and cheer on runners trying to realize their dreams.

TO: How long have you been participating in running/biking events?
KH: For years my main focus was Lacrosse. I had a scholarship to play in college, but after 12 years of playing I wanted to focus my attention on other activities. I participated in my first triathlon in 2008 and the Monster Dash was my first half-marathon. Team Ortho even inspired me to start training for my first marathon in my hometown.