The VA/NC State Essence Pageant

Jan. 29, 2011

I attended the Virginia/North Carolina State Essence Pageant in Richmond, VA!  It was great getting to meet all of the contestants and help prepare for the show.  I had the opportunity to speak on stage about my experiences as a National title holder and co-emcee the swimsuit competition.  Along with 3 other queens, I was one of the talent judges as well.  The VA/NC pageant was so much fun!  With a "Mission: Impossible" theme these girls proved the Mission IS Possible!!!  Every single one of those ladies were deserving of a crown as they did such an amazing job.  At the end of the evening 7 girls were crowned and they will be competing at the National Essence Pageant in June.  Congratulations to the new Miss Teen Virginia, Miss Virginia, Mrs. Virginia, Miss Teen North Carolina, Miss North Carolina, Mrs. North Carolina and the People's Choice queen.  Great job to Kevin Wade the VA/NC State Essence Pageant director and his staff for putting on a great show.  I am pictured with other Essence Pageant title holders and the National Exec. Director Sue Drakeford.

 

Celebration of Hope

Jan. 27, 2011

I spent the morning at the WY State Capitol where cancer survivors, advocates, health & wellness employees, ACS employees and supporters attended the 6th Annual Day of Hope.  Daffodil flowers decorated the inside of the building- that flower has a special signifigance with the ACS as it is the first flower of Spring and is a symbol of Hope.  We visited both the House and Senate.  There was also a press conference where Lisa Eades (founder of Jason's Friends Foundation   http://www.jasonsfriends.com/index.php), Dr. Brent Sherard, Roxanne Homar, Susan Thomas and Governor Mead all spoke.  I am pictured with Governor Mead.  Being part of events that support Cancer prevention, research and advocacy are important to me.  My brother-in-law is a 3 time cancer survivor!

American Cancer Society (ACS) Reception

Jan. 26, 2011

Tonight I attended the ACS reception at the Cheyenne Depot.  ACS employees from all over the state, advocates, lobbiests, legislators, the Governor and supporters were in attendance.  On display were the top decorated bras from a state wide contest that accummulated over 60 entries!  I am pictured with the winning entries.  (One of which I am proud to say is from my hometown of Powell- all decked out in pheasant feathers!)  It was also very special meeting Susan Thomas, wife of the late U.S. Senator Craig Thomas.  She is such a wonderful lady.  After visiting with her I asked if we could have a photo taken together and she said she wanted to stand like a pageant queen so I showed her how to do it. She did great!!  Susan is a leading advocate in the fight against breast cancer.  She founded The Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation.       http://www.thomas-foundation.com/about.cfm

Boys and Girls Club Career Launch Program

Jan. 26, 2011

Today I spoke at the Cheyenne Boys and Girls Club Career Launch Program.  Kids 12 years old and up that are interested in learning about different career fields, developing a resume, and all things associated with careers are welcome to attend.  I talked about my pageant experience, achieveing goals and over coming obstacles such as my weightloss.  At the end they asked questions and I autographed some photos to all who wanted one.  Thanks Boys and Girls Club for having me!

  

Camp Beverly Hills

Jan. 22, 2011

I was invited by the Montana/Wyoming Girl Scout Council to attend the Camp Beverly Hills over night event in Billings, MT.  What a fun time we all had!  About 80 area Girl Scouts attended along with troop leaders and moms.  Girls ages 7 to 14 enjoyed having their hair, nails and makeup done by local cosmetology students.  They had ice cream, a pajama fashion show and burned off some energy by doing Zumba!  I was there to autograph photos, talk with the young ladies and I was the guest speaker for the evening.  I spoke on overcoming obstacles and accomplishing goals using my own life experiences as examples.  I loved letting the girls try on my crown and ask me all kinds of questions!  The best question of the night in regards to my crown asked by a little girl, "Does it light up?" 
Girl Scouts was a big part of my childhood and I was delighted to be part of this event and feel like a kid again.  The Girl Scouts helped shape who I am today by giving me an opportunity to learn skills for life, make friends and experience new things.  http://www.girlscouts.org/  Thank you Girl Scouts for such a fun evening!!!  Photos used with permission.

Relay For Life Kick-Off

Jan. 20, 2011

Tonight was the Cheyenne Relay For Life (American Cancer Society) Kick-off event.  This was open to the community for those who wanted to find out more about Relay, Sign up teams early and find out about team fundraisers.  I handed out the door prize tickets and talked with members on the Relay committee.  I chatted with people about my title and why I am involved in Relay For Life.  My brother-in-law has had cancer three times in his life and is currently cancer free!!  Please visit www.relayforlife.org/cheyennewy Special thanks to Texas Roadhouse for sponsoring the food for tonight's event.

Miss Wyoming Princess Essence

Jan. 13, 2011

I am excited to announce that my daughter, Juliana, is Miss Wyoming Princess Essence and she will be participating in the Essence Pageant Princess Program.  Go, Juliana!!!

Safehouse Services Celebrity Waiter Dinner Fundraiser

Jan. 7, 2011

After several meetings and lots of preparation it was time for the highly anticipated Celebrity Waiter Dinner benefitting Safehouse Services of Cheyenne.  Safehouse is a private, not-for-profit organization which provides services to victims or survivors of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.  Safehouse operates a shelter for persons who are in a violent or potentially violent environment.  It is a residential center designed to provide a comprehensive set of services for these victims and their children.  http://www.wyomingsafehouse.org/

It was an honor to be a celebrity waiter at this event.  Community members and politicians by day became celebrity waiters by night! There were many stars in attendance- Madonna, Annie Oakley, Peyton Manning and Fergie- the Duchess of York and sooooo many more!  I of course was there in my Ms. Essence apron and later in the night wore my sash and crown.  I was the waiter for the Cheyenne Light Fuel and Power table.  They tipped me well and we had a great night raising money for Safehouse!  We enjoyed music, dancing and watching all of the celebrities antics!  While each "celebrity" was being introduced they performed like their character and I did a "crowning moment" definitly worthy of an Oscar I must say!! We were reminded of the purpose of the evening with a very brave woman recounting her personal story of domestic violence and how Safehouse helped her get back on her feet.  Her story is something I will remember forever and why it is so important to support organizations that help those who are being abused. 

I also put together a basket fit for a queen to be part of the live auction.  It included lots of great items: haircut gift certificates, a tanning package, photo session gift certificate, a manicure and pedicure, a cocktail dress and several gift sets just to name a few items!  My "queen" basket brought in $275 in the auction.  Thank you to County Commissioner Gay Woodhouse for being the top bidder!   

Thank you to Sue Castaneda who organized this great fundraiser and inviting me to be part of it! I hope I will have the opportunity to be a celebrity waiter again!  Thank you to the following for your contributions the "Queen" basket: Melissa Richardson and Rae Jean Bosley of Chris' Hair Port, Kieu Allen of Lady "Q" Nails, Totally Tan and Tanya Brown of Lunar Studios Photography.

Here is the overview of the evening that was provided to the guests-

Welcome to Safehouse Services "Celebrity Waiter Dinner," where you never know which "celebrities" you'll rub elbows with while you're here...from Mayor Rick Kaysen to Elvis to Secretary of State Max Maxfield to Beth from 'Dog the Bounty Hunter'!


Waiters will be raising money by collecting tips for serving a three course meal and if the price is right, might be coaxed into performing zany antics for big tips.  Silverware, napkins, drinks and maybe even the guests' dinner could be withheld by the waiter until a tip is given.  If you run out of money, you can purchase more at two for one ($10 in real money= $20 in "funny money.") Your waiter will also be offering a "menu" of items that are needed for the new Safehouse.  If you can help sponsor any of these items, that amount will be added to your waiter's tips.

Photo Credit- Christine Kronz