MILLERSTOWN - Ellie Ritzman may have a debilitating illness, but that's not keeping her from enjoying life to the fullest and helping others.
Ellie, daughter of Derek and Dianne Ritzman, of Millerstown, was born with cerebral palsy. Over the years, she has endured multiple orthopedic surgeries on her legs. Now, Ellie is an active fourth grader at Greenwood Elementary School and navigates her way through school with the use of a specialized wheelchair furnished to her by the Children's Miracle Network.
Each year, the Ritzman family hosts Ellie's Bake Sale, an event to raise money in support of the organization that has done so much to enhance her life. This will be the fifth year for the event which is held in conjunction with the Children's Miracle Network 7th Annual Kids Fun Fest Event 2012 and the car and truck show at Zimmerman Truck Lines on Industrial Road in Mifflintown.
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Ellie Ritzman, of Millerstown, will hold a bake sale to raise funds for Janet Weis Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Miracle Network.
"(Ellie) likes going to the bake sale and seeing she's helping others," Derek said. "She enjoys seeing so many of her friends wanting to help her."
Over the past four years, Ellie's Bake Sale has raised over $10,000 to benefit the Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville. The funds raised go toward buying medical and specialized equipment for the hospital, Derek said.
This year, Ellie's Bake Sale will be held at two locations. One sale will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 1 at her home at 401 Walnut St. in Millerstown. The second sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 2 at Zimmerman Truck Lines in Mifflintown.
Residents, friends, classmates and neighbors are encouraged to visit Ellie's Bake Sale to meet Ellie and support her effort to raise money for other children like herself.
The Ritzmans also welcome community members to donate to the bake sale by dropping off baked items at either location during the times of the sales. Monetary donations can also be made payable to ZTL Kids' Fun Fest, with Ellie/Children's Miracle Network in the subject line, and mailed or dropped off to Ellie at either location.
