July 15, 2011~Phoenix Children's Hospital with HopeKids

What a wonderful way to spend the morning!  I had the opportunity to visit with so many strong willed, determined children who are fighting cancer, severe heart problems and other life threatening medical conditions at Phoenix Children's Hospital.  The strength that they and their families have is truly amazing!  Thank you to HopeKids for taking me to visit these amazing children and their families.  If you know of a child who has a similar condition, I strongly recommend that you reach out to HopeKids.  "HopeKids provides ongoing events & activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition." 

National American Miss Pageant

Wow, what a weekend!  I spent it judging the Arizona National American Miss Pageant (NAM).  There were five age divisions with girls ranging from 4-18 years old, and 290 contestants!  I had my work cut out for me, to say the least.  It was amazing to see these talented, smart and poised girls who are so beautiful on the inside and out.  They are starting now by setting goals, striving to be the best that they can be and building a future for themselves.  This was an amazing experience, and I feel so blessed to have been surrounded by so many incredible people this past weekend!  (Pictures with the newly crowned winners coming soon.) 

Pictured:  Me & Corrie Hill Francis~Mrs. Arizona America 2010.

Arizona United States Pageant Send-off Party and Charity Event

On June 30th, I had the opportunity to attend the send-off party and charity event for the Arizona United States Pageant queens.  It was an honor to be part of the celebration and help support Jordin Sparks M.A.D. Girls charity.  Best of luck to all of the titleholders as they compete at nationals this week! 

March of Dimes & St. Josephs's Hospital

I had a wonderful meeting with Terri Spitz-State Director of Communications for the March of Dimes and Lauren Beglin-March of Dimes Community Director.  We have a big event coming up in November that you won't want to miss!  More information coming soon!  After my meeting, I was off to St. Joseph's Hospital to meet with families who have babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Five years ago, my twins were in the NICU when they born, so I can truly relate to what these parents are going through.  Having a baby go straight into ICU after birth is something that is hard to grasp unless you've been there.  I remember what it was like, and those memories are so clear in my head.  I'm so glad that I now have the opportunity to help those who are going through what I went through five years ago.

Miss Arizona America 2011 Pageant

Saturday, June 18 2011: What a wonderful night it was catching up with some of my pageant sisters and seeing so many great friends tonight at the Miss Arizona America 2011 pageant! Congratulations to Jennifer Sedler....the new Miss Arizona America!

Meet & Greet for 2012 Mrs. Arizona America Pageant

Thursday night we had our first "Meet & Greet" for the 2012 Mrs. Arizona America Pageant.  We are going to have a great group of ladies on stage next year!  If you are thinking about competing, or have ever dreamed of competing, now is the time get started.  We will be having workshops throughout the year to help you prepare for the 2012 pageant that will take place next February.

Texas Roadhouse Charity Event

What an exciting evening it was at the Texas Roadhouse in Gilbert last night! It was the Gilbert Firefighters vs. Gilbert Police Department in the 3rd Annual rib eating contest. The money raised goes to help those who have been displaced due to losing their home in a fire. The firefighters have won this event for the last two years, but this year the trophy went to the Gilbert Police Department!  Boy can these men eat!!!  Thank you to all of the police officers, firefighters, their families and all of you that purchased raffle tickets and made donations.

 The beautiful U.S.A. flag, the Arizona state flag and a beam from the World Trade Center that will be used to make the 9/11 memorial in Gilbert, AZ.

          Me and Ron Hoon from Fox 10 News