40 Stories for 40 years: Dawn Yates
Rediscovering My Value One High‑Five at a Time
When I was first asked to help raise funds for Special Olympics through our local REALTOR® board, I honestly thought my broker husband—who was serving as our local board president at the time—was crazy for appointing me to chair the fundraising committee.
Life had dealt me some serious gut punches, and I was walking through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I didn't feel capable of helping anyone. More importantly, I didn't see my own value.
Believing it was simply part of the job, I recruited fellow REALTORS® to assist with volunteer opportunities and began attending Special Olympics events. We invited athletes to our fundraisers and participated in many activities, including the once-in-a-lifetime Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America.
Every event left an impression on me. The opportunity to high-five athletes, congratulate them, interact with them, and even place ribbons around their necks was incredibly rewarding.
But the greatest impact came from watching them.
I witnessed their passion, determination, commitment, and relentless drive to be better. During one of the biggest personal challenges of my life, these athletes taught me something I desperately needed to learn: no matter what obstacles stand in your way, keep striving. Keep pushing forward. Stay determined. Stay committed. And never forget your value.
No matter what people may say, every one of us has a purpose.
These incredible athletes taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life. Because of them, I found strength when I needed it most. I am deeply grateful and truly blessed to continue to be a part of the Special Olympics family.
My heart will forever be full of gratitude.
When I was first asked to help raise funds for Special Olympics through our local REALTOR® board, I honestly thought my broker husband—who was serving as our local board president at the time—was crazy for appointing me to chair the fundraising committee.
Life had dealt me some serious gut punches, and I was walking through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I didn't feel capable of helping anyone. More importantly, I didn't see my own value.
Believing it was simply part of the job, I recruited fellow REALTORS® to assist with volunteer opportunities and began attending Special Olympics events. We invited athletes to our fundraisers and participated in many activities, including the once-in-a-lifetime Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America.
Every event left an impression on me. The opportunity to high-five athletes, congratulate them, interact with them, and even place ribbons around their necks was incredibly rewarding.
But the greatest impact came from watching them.
I witnessed their passion, determination, commitment, and relentless drive to be better. During one of the biggest personal challenges of my life, these athletes taught me something I desperately needed to learn: no matter what obstacles stand in your way, keep striving. Keep pushing forward. Stay determined. Stay committed. And never forget your value.
No matter what people may say, every one of us has a purpose.
These incredible athletes taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life. Because of them, I found strength when I needed it most. I am deeply grateful and truly blessed to continue to be a part of the Special Olympics family.
My heart will forever be full of gratitude.
Published June 2026
