News 3 cameras are rolling as we head upstairs to a Virginia Beach consulting firm where our guest of honor works.
In moments, we'll surprise her in her office conference room.
Huddled with other supporters of Special Olympics Virginia, we wait for Diane Crawford, who coaches the local Special Olympics rollerskating team.
And the members on the Team Inclusion, like Daniel Adam King, love her.
"She's a wonderful person; she always goes above and beyond to help her athletes."
Soon we get word that she's nearby. Everyone in the room goes quiet and then moments later, Diane opens the conference room door to loud cheers and applause - and a very surprised expression on her face.
I told her we had heard about all her hard work with the skating team, which is why News 3 wanted to present her with a People Taking Action award, along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner, Southern Bank.
I asked why she's so passionate about supporting the Special Olympics.
"It started years ago... it's the athletes - it's just the people. It all started with a hug. I got hugged by a woman with special needs," she told us.
Related: Virginia Beach school is top fundraiser for special athletes for the 10th year!
That hug came from a woman when Diane was working at a jewelry store 32 years ago.
"She told me she bowled, so I went to one of her bowling meets, started helping... didn't realize it was Special Olympics."
Ever since then, Diane has been taking action for the Special Olympics for three decades!
"I'm just always amazed at what they can do, what they prove they can do over and over again."
And not only does she coach the rollerskating team, she will be plunging this Saturday with Team Inclusion!
If you want to join Diane and take action in a variety of ways for Special Olympics Virginia, click here.
To nominate someone for a People Taking Action Award, email us at takingaction@wtkr.com.
