07/17/2026
💙Tessa Effland💙
✨ The Woman Behind the Magic ✨
While Sally Strong is powered by an incredible team of volunteers (and we’ll be celebrating them next!), there is one person who deserves a post all her own.
Tessa Effland is the heart and leader of Sally Strong.
If you’ve ever been to the event, you’ve probably seen her running around in her signature tutu, smiling, laughing, hugging people, running with triathletes and somehow seeming to be everywhere at once. She brings the fun and the energy that make Sally Strong feel so special.
But what you don’t see is everything happening behind the scenes.
The planning for next year’s event begins almost as soon as this year’s ends. Tessa starts organizing meetings for the team in January. She navigates permits, insurance, road closures, safety plans, volunteers, logistics, vendors, sponsors, timelines… the endless list that most people never even think about.
On event day, she’s not just the smiling face in the tutu. She’s putting out fires before anyone knows they exist. She’s answering questions, directing volunteers, solving problems, making difficult decisions when they need to be made, and keeping the entire event moving forward. She knows when to bring the joy, and when to be the steady leader who says the firm “no” that’s sometimes necessary to make an event of this size successful.
Tessa has a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and because of her, hundreds of people show up each year excited to honor Sally’s legacy.
More than anything, this event is a reflection of the love she had, and still has, for her friend.
Tessa was one of Sally’s beautiful friends in life. Today, she continues to show up for Sally in the most extraordinary way possible. Pouring her heart, soul, and countless hours into making sure Sally’s light continues to shine brightly.
Tessa, there simply aren’t enough words to thank you. Sally Strong exists because of your vision, your leadership, your relentless work ethic, and your incredible heart.
We love you, we appreciate you, and we are endlessly grateful for all that you do.
Thank you for making the magic happen. ☀️💙💛
