Mansfield St. Peter's graduate gives back to veterans through philanthropic group
Elizabeth Dauterman has a soft spot for veterans, considering her brother spent a year in Kuwait with the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard.
As president of the Ohio chapter of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Dauterman, 19, recently returned from Kissimmee, Florida, where she participated in an event to honor those who lost their lives serving their country.
The Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express serves the surviving spouse/guardian and children of fallen heroes. It is committed to year-round programming and support for families that honors their fallen hero, encourages them to make new memories and provides opportunities to connect with others who know what they’ve been through.
"We spent the whole week with families who had lost members to war," Dauterman said. "It was quite an experience. One of the things that stuck with me was walking through the Remembrance Garden."
The Remembrance Garden was filled with 1,800 flags, each representing those who have been lost.
The Gary Sinise Foundation puts on the Snowball Express each December. The five-day experience includes a trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Dauterman graduated from Mansfield St. Peter's in 2022. She is a sophomore at North Central State College, where she is majoring in marketing.
While at St. Peter's, Dauterman participated in cross country, soccer, swimming and track.
Dauterman prioritized work with IORG
But her involvement with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) always came first.
"It was difficult to explain to coaches why I would be skipping practice or games," Dauterman said.
According to its website, IORG (Rainbow or Rainbow Girls) is a philanthropic group for girls ages 11-20 and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, orientation, disability or religion.
The organization prepares girls for responsible and purposeful adulthood through character and leadership development, encouraging unselfish service and higher ideals in life, and promoting teamwork and effective interpersonal communications.
Rainbow teaches girls the importance of service through leadership and hands-on experiences. Friendships made through Rainbow are lasting throughout the state and the country.
The Ohio chapter of IORG meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month in Columbus. Dauterman has been a member for seven years.
"It was actually my mom (who influenced me)," she said. "She was part of it when she was younger, when it was in Mansfield."
IORG began in 1922. It has assemblies in 46 states, as well as several in other countries.
Members raise money for worthy charities or other organizations. Dauterman chose the Gary Sinise Foundation.
"I wanted to do something for the military," she said.
The Snowball Express was a logical choice. One day, Dauterman had to get up at 3 a.m. to get ready for the Walk of Gratitude with families.
"It was worth it," she said of the early start time.
While Dauterman got up early for the Snowball Express, her time with IORG has resulted in some late nights.
"I wasn't getting back until 10:30 or 11 (p.m.)," she said of some meetings, adding being in college makes for an easier schedule.
Anyone who wants to support Dauterman's cause should make checks out to Ohio Rainbow with Gary Sinise Foundation in the memo. Send them to 4647 Mount Road in Alexandria, Ohio, 43001 in care of Crissy Willeke, deputy director.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield St. Peter's graduate gives back to veterans
