1.
Ben Ripstein

2.
Introduction
 Since 2009, Ben Ripstein has served as president of
Midwest Motors, Inc., where he oversees the sales
department and purchases all vehicles. Outside of his
leadership role at Midwest Motors, Ben Ripstein
contributes to several charitable organizations, including
Special Olympics Illinois, which hosts the annual Law
Enforcement Torch Run.
A year-round fundraising event for Special Olympics
Illinois, the Law Enforcement Torch Run also bolsters
awareness of the athletes who participate in Special
Olympics Illinois. Over the course of 30 years, the event has
raised over $39 million for the cause.

3.
Special Olympics Illinois
 Founded in 1986, the Torch Run began with fewer than 100
runners, who carried the torch along just five routes.
Although the initial Torch Run raised only $14,039.93, the
event grew in popularity and raised $500,000 in 1997. The
fundraising capacity of the Torch Run has since grown
exponentially, with the event raising more than $1 million
in 2001, $2 million in 2006, and $4.1 million in 2015.
In the 2016 Torch Run, some 3,000 officers from all law
enforcement branches carried the Flame of Hope along 23
routes throughout the state for a total of nearly 1,500 miles
before reaching the City of Normal, the site of the Opening
Ceremony of the Summer Games.