On February 6th, I captured the title of Miss Florida Sunshine 2010. This blog is meant for updates, stories about my endeavors and my quest for the job of Miss Florida 2010.
February 9th, I had the honor of watching the Miss University of Miami Pageant. I was so excited to see one of my closest friends Jenise Fernandez, Miss Miami. Jaife Calil danced effortlessly as she gave up her crown as Miss University of Miami. What a talented group of young women! Congratulations to Ke'ala Kamalu, you did a wonderful job!
February 28th, I traveled with my Sunshine Princess, Shelby Bomford, to the Miss Palm Beach County Pageant. It was wonderful to see my new sister queen Meghan Orsely, Miss Lakeland 2010 give up her old title, and crown Jessica Wittenbrink as Miss Palm Beach County 2010. After the pageant I enjoyed catching up with my princess and our families during dinner, only 5 more months and counting till Miss Florida 2010.
March 12th, I made a trip to Oviedo to attend the "Party with a Purpose" event which benefited HOPE preventing homelessness through housing, outreach, prevention, and education. There was a fantastic turn out, a talented band and amazing silent auction items. I wasn't lucky enough to win anything, however I certainly tried! I had a blast catching up with Racheal Todd, Miss Florida 2009 and even got the chance to meet Jake and Vienna from this past season of the Bachelor. It was truly a memorable night with endless dancing, jokes and laughter.
March 14th, I was able to take the night off of work to go support the contestants of the Miss Miami Pageant. I met Lissette Gonzalez, who was hosting the pageant, she was hilarious! I also had the opportunity to meet some of the other contestants that I will be competing with at Miss Florida in July, I can't wait! There was tough competition; each and every contestant did a fantastic job. I would like to congratulate Jenise Fernandez on winning the title of Miss Miami Dade, Jaife Calil on winning the title of Miss Miami and Laura Mckeeman on capturing the title of Miss Suncoast!
March 16th, I drove to the American Heritage School to watch Johanna Kendal President of the Alliance for Eating Disorders speak, as well as Allison Krieger, Miss Florida 2006 and the founder and president of H.O.P.E Helping other people eat present. Both were equally inspiring and absolutely wonderful to watch. They truly got the message across, that its okay to be you and to be comfortable in your skin! Maude Leclerc was the host of the event for a third year in a row; the trio was able to speak to roughly 2,500 students today. Simply amazing.
March 18th, I made my way to the WIRK radio station for the St. Jude's Radiothon! What a rewarding experience, I volunteered with the St.Judes crew from 10-3 and within those 5 hours we raised over 10,226 dollars for the foundation. It was a fantastic time between, building friendships that will last a lifetime and eating the best snacks sponsored by various places around West Palm Beach. Thank you to all the donors and your generosity! Today, you truly made a difference and changed a child's life.
March 24th, I drove up with team "South Florida" to lobby in Tallahassee for the Mental Health Parity bill. I traveled with Johanna Kendal, founder of the Alliance for Eating Disorders as well as survivors from eating disorders, after a long 7 hour trip we finally made it! After getting much needed rest, the next morning we met Deborah Krieger, Allison Krieger Founder of H.O.P.E and Kelly Redouty Miss Ocala/ Marion County for a morning of training before everything began. After training, we headed to the capitol for our voices to be heard. What an amazing experience! I was able to speak with Mary Jo Marenhoff who is the Legislative Aide to Charles Van Zant, as well as Katie Dickerson, who is the Legislative Aide to Nick Thompson, both seemed to be very receptive of our concerns. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ron Ragean as well as Representative Homan who is actually a cosponsor of the Mental and Nervous Disorders Bill (HR7) that we were lobbying for. After a long, but rewarding day we headed back to South Florida. I have to say this will be a memory to last me a lifetime, I walked away with a first hand look at our Florida government and a stronger tie to my platform "Love your Body".
March 28th, I loaded myself up in the car to drive to St. Petersburg to be a part of the Honda Grand Prix as a grid girl. Well, when I got there was no sun to be found and I continued to get the infamous question, "Where is the sunshine, Miss Florida Sunshine"? After an hour of waiting too see what mother nature was going to do next, the Grand Prix team postponed the race due to lightening and heavy wind for the safety of the drivers, I can't say I blame them. It is always better to be safe then sorry! It wasnt a day wasted though, I was able too see many girls I haven't seen since Miss Florida 2009. We made the best of it I mean, what else could you do? Only three more months and counting until Miss Florida 2010!
March 30th, I was honored to visit the elementary school that I attended! I was able to use Mrs. Green's 5th grade class for my activity and coloring book. The book will now consist of various artwork made by the students on how they feel about themselves, the principle even chose one of the young women to create my cover! How exciting!! I gave a short presentation to the class and was asked to come back and present to the entirety of the school that I grew up in, what an absolute honor. Tomorrow I go back for the kick off of the jean drive to promote "Be comfortable in your genes"! I have no doubt in my mind that they will exceed beyond my greatest expectations during the 2 weeks that it will be going on! I'll keep you posted! More to come tomorrow!
March 31st, I dropped off all the boxes at PCE today for the Jean drive. Everyone including the faculty seem excited! I cant wait to see how many pairs of jeans they will come up with, I know the response will be wonderful! Get ready for a hectic April!
April 13th-14th, I took the long drive to Tallahassee yet again for Children's Week at the capitol. I was able to get there a day early so I could spend some needed time with one of my sunshine princesses Emma. We giggled, ate junk food, watched movies and did our nails can't get better then that right? After a night of fun it was back to business the next morning at 5 am!! We went straight to the Capitol for school tours for special needs children. We were able to tour over 85 children what an experience. After the hanging of the hands and the tour around the capital my princess and I had the opportunity to attend a cabinet meeting, what an honor to be invited. To top it off we had lunch the secretary of state! It was absolutely a weekend to remember.
April 23rd- 24th, I went to Dade city to support the teens in the Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Pageant. Each and everyone one those girls were deserving of their local titles, I have never seen so many talented and accomplished young women in one place, those judges had a tough job. Myranda Jones was absolutely stunning when she gave up her title to her successor, she is so poised and such a talented twirler, congratulations to a wonderful year. I was extremely proud of my teen Miss Florida Sunshine Victoria Cowen on her first runner up placement, she was absolutely beautiful. And extend congratulations to the new Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen Mary Katherine Fetchel. During the day of the finals some of the miss contestants and I went to the Wild Things Endangered Zoo, what an amazing place. There is no federal or government funding for this park so every one that works there is a volunteer and makes sure that these beautiful animal shave a home. I was able to pet a small leopard and hold a yellow python! One thing I did learn was never look a monkey in the eyes or show your teeth its a sign of aggressiveness and it is a bit scary when they respond!
April 25th, I went to lunch with one of my closest friends Kristina Janolo along with her family and was able to catch up with jokes and girl talk. After lunch we made our way back to Dade City to watch the Sweeps pageant, the pageant was short but resulted in 5 new beautiful and well deserving titleholders who will join me in competing at Miss Florida in July.
April 27th I went to Orlando and attended Harriets Favorite this Fashion show. I was a model in the Fashion show that showcased Harriets favorite things. I was chosen the wear the most beautiful coat and hat made of rabbit fur. It was soft, sleek and classy I didnt want to take it off! It was the most beautiful event; the entertainment, the décor and the atmosphere were absolutely breath taking. I was honored to be in a sea of such influential and poised women. It was a complete honor to be part of Harriets day.
May 7th, After 4 long months of hard work and planning my Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser "Celebrating a Night of Miracles" finally came to fruition!
I had a beautiful Hors D'oeuvres buffet, a colorful Candy Bar for the children, a scrumptious dessert table, a 25 item silent auction and the most talented band in palm beach. I t was definitely a night of miracles and a night to remember. I would like to thank all of whom participated and donated money to such an amazing cause. As well as a special thank you to the volunteers and the band Crush who donated their time to play some of the most popular music of our time. In just one night we raised eight hundred dollars, which is fantastic. However, I still believe I have it in me to raise the bar and raise even more money. Please check back for my next Children's Miracle Network event which will take place in late June where I hope to meet my goal of $2500. Remember this is a special cause and every penny counts. If you would like to donate click on the link below... More to come soon.
https://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=10052D6227693ACAA&e=EF+A
July 3rd, My computer has been down, so I do apologize for not keeping you up to date. Since my last entry I have had the opportunity to squeeze in a few more appearances. I was able to not only attened but also be apart of H.O.P.E's History as I took part in the Get R.E.A.L taping. Allison Kreiger did a fantastic job, she is such an inspiration to many as well as myself. The next event I attended was H.O.P.E's Golf Tournament, Kelly Redoutey as well as Allson Kreigher out did themselves raising 20,000 dollars, it was beautiful and a huge success. I hosted an impromptu Live auction and Bake sale for Children's Miracle Network shortly after rounding out my goal for the year. It was so much fun and a new experience, I even found a love for baking! I now head off to Miss Florida, I am all too excited and nervous all at the same time. Through the week I will blog everyday and post pictures. I'll add another tab for my Miss Florida Adventure, my absolute dream job. I hope you will enjoy as much as I will!! Talk to you soon!
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