Wrapping Up October

On October 27th, myself, along with some of the local title holders who will compete in the 2012 pageant were invited to attend the Dress for Success-Suit for the Stars “A Toast to Triumph" event.  This organization promotes economic independence to disadvantaged women by providing them with professional attire and the skills they need to help them with their career development.  It was such an inspirational evening and I was honored to be there!

 Pictured:  Mrs. East Valley 2012, Lori Skutnik-Mrs. Arizona America 2011 & Mrs. Chandler 2012.

On October 29th I spent the day with the beautiful and talented contestants who were competing in the Miss Maricopa County, Miss Scottsdale and Miss Maricopa's Outstanding Teen Pageant.  We had a wonderful day of rehearsals.  That evening, myself, along with Jennifer Sedler-Miss Arizona America 2011 had the pleasure of emceeing the three hour pageant.  We had so much fun together!  I thought that it was going to be so much easier being on stage as an emcee, but that was not the case.  I still felt the excitement and anxiety as I watched each contestant compete in swimsuit, talent, evening gown and on stage questions.  Even though I wasn't the one competing this time, I knew exactly what they were going through so I couldn't help but feel nervous for them.  At the end of the night, Danielle McBurnett captured the title of Miss Maricopa County; Tiffany Hilburn was crowned Miss Scottsdale & Maddi Esteves took home the title for Miss Maricopa's Outstanding Teen.  Congratulations to the new titleholders and best of luck at the state competition next year!

Jennifer Sedler-Miss Arizona America 2011; Lori Skutnik-Mrs. Arizona America 2011; Danielle McBurnett-Miss Maricopa County 2012.

Channel 15~Modeling for "Dress for Success"

This morning I had the opportunity to be on Channel 15 (Sonoran Living segment) modeling for "Dress for Success." This organization was founded in 1997 as a way to help homeless women and women on welfare get back into the workforce.  If you haven't already bought your tickets, be sure to do so for the annual "Suit for the Stars, A Toast to Triumph" event to be held at FireSky Resort in Scottsdale on October 27, 2011 to help support this great cause!

Pictured:  Jessica Evans, Kirin Christianson & Lori Skutnik.

October 22 & 23, 2011

10/22/11:  Thank you to Jyl Steinback, Exec. Director of Shape Up Arizona, for inviting me to this exciting event on Saturday!  Shape Up Arizona is a wellness event for pre-school age children, teens, families, schools and the entire community that included 100 plus exhibitors and a 5K Run.  It was a hot day, but what a great opportunity to promote health and wellness across the state of Arizona.

10/23/11:  Today was such an emotional day at the HopeKids Walk.  This organization provides ongoing events & activities and a powerful support of community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. Most of the children that I visit at Phoenix Children's Hospital are part of the HopeKids family.  A special thanks to Bridget Asheim, Executive Director of HopeKids, for allowing me to be involved with this amazing charity.  I LOVE HOPEKIDS!

                                                               Me & Logan

Lori Skutnik (Mrs. Arizona America 2011, Bridget Asheim (Executive Director/HopeKids) & Jennifer Sedler (Miss Arizona America 2011).

 

Ohio: Mrs. Arizona America & Mrs. Ohio America 2011

One of the best things about competing at the Mrs. America Pageant was the opportunity to meet 50 other women, one from each state!  As I traveled back east on vacation with my family earlier this month, I could not pass up the opportunity to spend time with my friend, Melanie Miller, Mrs. Ohio America 2011.  After a delicious lunch on the campus of Ashland University we headed to the Salvation Army Kroc Center where Melanie works.  This new facility was the third Kroc Center built in the U.S. and it it gorgeous!  I had the opportunity to tour the facility and meet numerous amazing people who make a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis.  Thank you Melanie, for making me feel welcome!

Beauty of a Bonzer

I had an amazing time last night at the 11th annual "Beauty of A Bonzer" event benefitting Chandler Compadres and other valley charities. Myself, along with some of the incredible ladies who will be competing in the 2012 Mrs. Arizona America pageant sold $12,000 in raffle tickets in just two hours!

We enjoyed a pre-concert party, an Aussie dinner from Outback Steakhouse and watched the live auction bidding on outrageous auction packages!  We were then treated to an evening of music from some of country music's biggest hits "The Frontment."  They included country music icons Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Larry Stewart (of Restless Heart), and Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) – with an opening performance by Tyrone Vaughan.   They were amazing!  Thank you to "Outback" for inviting us to this amazing charity event!

                              Mrs. Arizona America 2011 & her husband, Derek.