Schools
Whiz Kid: Ellie Gustafson
Ellie's passion for sea mammals has led to generous fundraising and national recognition.
Name: Ellie Gustafson
School: Veterans Elementary School
Key to Awesomeness: Fifth grader Ellie Gustafson is very passionate about seals and sea lions. In just two years she has raised $5000 to support The Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit veterinary research hospital and educational center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals – primarily elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions.
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Two years ago Ellie was the first person in the country to raise more than $500 for the Center. She flew to California and got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Center and cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the new hospital.
During pupping season this year she again raised money, surpassing her goal and raising a total of $5530 (so far). You can donate at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/elliegustafson/elliegustafson as her quest continues. She hopes to rais $$10,000 by the time she is in 8th grade.
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Earlier this year, Ellie was one of only three kids in country to be chosen as a youth ambassador for Dawn Dishwashing Liquid's Junior Wildlife Champions campaign. The goal of the campaign is to teach 1,000,000 elementary-aged children to be responsible for our environment and encourage them to get involved, just like Ellie is doing.
