Barrett Jackson

This is a week that I've been looking forward to for the past couple of months.  Although I participated in Barrett Jackson last year as Mrs. Gilbert, it was honor to come back this year as Mrs. Arizona America and be involved in so much more. 

My first event of the week was the ChildHelp Drive the Dream Gala.  Childhelp is the largest non-profit, non-governmental organization in the nation dealing with the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.  At the beginning of the evening, myself along with some of the contestants who will compete for my title in March were able to spend a few minutes watching Michael Bolton practice some of his songs.  He was the entertainment for the evening and his voice, after all of these years, is still amazing!  The 2012 contestants and I sold tickets for the raffles that were occurring later in the evening.  At $1,000 a ticket to attend the event and dinner, I have to say that the prizes that they were raffling and those that were in the live auction were incredible!  I never know what's going to happen at the events that I attend, but one thing that comes with the job is that I always have to be on my toes and ready for anything...such as the two on the spot interviews and many photos with local magazines that I had tonight.

My next event for the week was all about my kids.  My three little ones were on the Barrett Jackson stage where they modeled for the first time.  They had a wonderful first experience and it was nice for me to out in the audience watching and enjoying the show.  After the show I was interviewed by Cox Communications TV (as a mom and Mrs. AZ).  Watch for my interview with them which will be running for three weeks beginning February 10th!

My final event for the week was modeling on the Barrett Jackson runway.  Thank you to MomBomb for the outfits that you dressed me in!  If you haven't been to their boutique, be sure to visit them in Phoenix! 

It has been a great month and a busy one!  I try to post as much as I can on my blog, but I honestly don't have time to blog about every single event that I do. :0)  This weekend I'll have my final photo shoot as Mrs. Arizona America with the incredible Vanessa Menendez!  One of the photos from the shoot will go on the cover of the 2012 Mrs. Arizona America Pageant Program. 

If you're still thinking about competing for the title of Mrs. Arizona America 2012, there will be a "Meet & Greet" on Friday night.  Message me for details!  On Saturday, I'll be at an all-day workshop for the 2012 contestants.  I can still remember this time last year as I was anxiously preparing to compete for the title.  Working hard, staying focused and counting down the days!  Two months from tomorrow (March 23rd) I will crown my successor.  However, you should see my calendar until then...it's jammed packed!  Loving every moment!

Lori Skutnik
Mrs. Arizona America

January 2012

Happy New Year!  Wow, just like that 2011 came to a close and here we are in 2012.  This also means that I am 2 1/2 months away from crowning my successor.  I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many charities and organizations in 2011, and I have so much more that I want to accomplish before I move on to the next chapter in my life.

Today, I had a wonderful time at Tempe Town Lake Beach Park supporting Mesa Assoc. of Sports for the Disabled.  MASD is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation opportunities year round to individuals with all types of disability.  Having grown up with a paraplegic father from the time that I was four years old, this was something that I was truly honored to be a part of.  These individuals are amazing and I admire each of them for their perseverence, courage and determination.  They are strong, positive examples to everyone that they meet. 













While I was at the event I also had the priviledge to spend time with John Rhode, the Season 12 winner of BIGGEST LOSER!  What a remarkable, humble man he is.  He lost 225 pounds and is such an inspiration to so many people.

January is filled with a lot of wonderful events for me, so stay tuned!  And, although I initially thought that the 2012 pageant would be in February, one year from the time that I won, it will actually be held in March.  Yes, that means that I get a 13 month reign, and that much more time to make a difference!

Happy New Year!

Lori Skutnik
Mrs. Arizona America