Arizona Pageant & Evening Wear's Holiday Event

On Sunday, my family and I had the chance to attend Arizona Pageant & Evening Wear's Holiday Event.  Suzanne Demski invited titleholders, models, friends and family to a fantastic holiday event filled with great food, drinks and good times.  Suzanne thank you for the invitation to attend, but more importantly thank you for making sure that all of Arizona's "pageant gals"  always look breathtaking! 

Miss Arizona Send Off Show

This past Saturday, I had the honor to attend Miss Arizona 2010's Send Off Show.  Katy Bulkley showcased her Miss America wardrobe and let me just say it was FABULOUS!  I was very excited when Katy first contacted me to borrow my state costume dress for the traditional Show Us Your Shoes Parade.  This parade has been an annual tradition since Miss America's founding days, but was temporarily discontinued when the pageant moved to Las Vegas.  This year will be the first year of the parade since leaving Atlantic City.  Unfortunately, the dress didn't work out perfectly for Katy but we did detach my train so she could have it attached to her own dress!  After seeing Katy's wardrobe, I've already called "dibs" on a few items in exchange for borrowing the train - Hehe!  I wish Katy the best of luck at Miss America.  I'm thrilled to not only have her represent our state but also to call her a Miss Arizona sister!  Katy, no rock that stage and bring home the "big" crown!

Festival of Lights Electrical Parade

This past Saturday evening, my family and I were invited to be in the Festival of Lights Electrical Parade on Mill Avenue.  Thank you to Scottsdale Lexus for generously donating a beautiful black IS350 convertible for me to light up in the parade.  My husband, son and both of my parents crowded into the convertible to join me in this beautiful parade.  5 strands of lights, a lit crown and a packed car - we were quite a spectacle.

Pictures coming soon!

Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thanksgiving morning I bundled up, put on the sash and crown and headed to Fountain Hills to be in the Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade. I was fortunate enough to be offered a ride in the Wells Fargo Stagecoach. As a Wells Fargo employee of over 6 years, this was the first opportunity I had been presented with to even get up close to the legendary stagecoach. Greg and Jackson were able to join me in the stagecoach during the parade. By the end of the parade, Jackson had gotten down waving to people – it was so cute!

Ronald McDonald McNight to Remember

I somehow missed posting about my wonderful evening at the Ronald McDonald House McNight to Remember Charity Gala.  I was asked to model a beautiful 18 carat diamond necklace from Schmidtt Jewelers.  I had a great time selling raffle tickets, modeling the amazing necklace, but getting to know loacl Ronald McDonald House volunteers.

2011 Miss Arizona USA Pageant

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Miss Arizona USA Pageant at the Mesa Performing Arts Center.  I was thrilled to be there cheering on my "gal" Kalysha Manzon, Miss Mesa USA.  Kalysha you did amazing and I hope you enjoyed your first pageant.  I have a feeling you might have caught the "pageant bug".  Congratulations to Molly Argue, Miss Arizona Teen USA 2011 and Brittany Dawn Brannon, Miss Arizona USA 2011.

For more pictures, go to http://arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/photo-gallery.html?func=detail&id=53718

2010 Gilbert Days Parade

A special thank you to Superstition Springs Lexus for donating a beautiful silver IS350 Lexus convertible for the 2010 Gilbert Days Parade.  My husband was sweet enough to drive me and Mrs. Gilbert 2011 Lori Skutnik in the parade.  I've been going to the Gilbert Days Parade for years, so it was so much fun to be in it this year.

2010 Runway For Research

This past Sunday afternoon, I was invited to model and speak at the 2010 Runway For Research benefitting Steele Children's Medical Center.  This organization is amazing at how much it gives to Arizona's pediatric cancer patients, their families, survivors and local medical facilities.  I was so glad to see "The Dananator" and her family again!  This little girl has won her battle with cancer -  Congrats Dana!!!

Celebration For A Cure for the Susan G Komen Foundation

 A special thank you to my friend and former Mrs. Arizona America for the invitation to attend the Celebration For A Cure event at the amazing Superstition Mountain Golf Club in Gold Canyon.  I was part of the "Volunteer Dream Team" tasked with selling raffle tickets, encouraging higher bids for the Silent Auction and spotting bidders in the live auction.  The venue was amazing, the people were fun and the cause was great!  Thank you to Cherly, Lori, and Tammy (Mrs. Arizona 2011 contestants) for coming out to help with the event.  A special thank you to our server, Joe, who waited hand and foot on us - talk about service!!!

Gilbert Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association Golf Tournament

On Saturday, October 30th I was asked to attend the GCPAAA Golf Tournament at the Western Skies Golf Club.  Lori Skutnik, Mrs. Gilbert and I headed out to the Golf Course at 6 am to sell raffle tickets.  Let me just tell you - these guys had no chance to walk by our table and not buy a ticket.  I was shocked when I was able to convince a gentlemen to buy 100 tickets at $1 a piece, rather than $20 worth of tickets.  We had another gentleman that said "So if my wife was in this pageant, would she look this good at 6 am".... we both just chuckled and joked "oh yeah, we always look like this at 6 am!".  Here is a photo of Lori and me a this great event!

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Breath of Life Gala

Oh, who doesn't love a night at the Ritz!  Saturday night I worked the Breath of Life Gala for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  I was put to work selling Mystery Raffle Boxes - surprisingly this was easier than selling checking accounts at my job!  During the Gala, I was invited to model the Dierks Bentley autographed guitar that was being auctioned off.  I enjoyed being Vanna and was glad to help in getting over $2700 for the guitar!  After the aution, I assisted in the Bid 4 A Cure where participants bid for a personal donation towards Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  It was wonderful being part of an event where hundreds of individuals were donating to such a great cause, even with the economic challenges we are all facing right now. 

Tonya Allen Foundation Red Carpet Fashion Show & Gala

   

On Friday, I was invited to attend and model at the Tonya Allen Foundation Red Carpet Fashion Show and Gala.  Everyone had such a great time at the event!!!  When I first arrived, I was interview by Channel 3's Brittney Shipp!  Then I had the chance to work the red carpet with several other pageant gals - America's Outstanding Mom Melanie Britton, Kirin Christianson, Elisa Rister Mrs. Arizona America 2009, Cheryl and Allie. 

Thanks to my amazing sponsor, MomBomb, I rocked the runway in the cutest clothes. 

Tombstone's Helldorado Days Parade

This past weekend my family and I attended the Helldorado Days Parade in Tombstone.  We started the weekend off by 4 wheeling in Florence, then stayed the night in beautiful Sierra Vista.  We enjoyed breakfast with the National Guard who are currently protecting our border and then headed off to Tombstone.  At the Parade, I joined Kathy Lauer in the "Ladies of Pageantry" parade entry.  We had a great time throwing candy and ironically enough watching all of the parade attendees dressed in their period wardrobe. 

 

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

On October 10th, I got my husband and son up early and headed down to the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 2010 at Wesley Bolin Plaza so I could run in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.  I have ran in countless races, but this race had to be the largest I've ever participated in.  It was awesome to see the thousands of supporters as well as breast cancer survivors.  I ran in celebration of my mother and in memory of my Aunt Betty.  Thank you to all who showed up to run, walk or simply cheer on participants at this year's race!  With organizations like Susan G Komen I know we will one day find a cure for breast cancer!

2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride

This morning, I had the joy to attend the 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Ride in Peoria.  This event is led by Teresa Fillemann, a 16 year breast cancer survivor!  Teresa and Southwest Bike did a phenomenal job organizing an event for a very worthy cause.  Over 125 riders showed up this year! 

Eddie Money's BizBash benefiting HopeKids

This past Thursday night, I was invited to be a part of Eddie Money's BizBash benefiting HopeKids.  Wow, what a fabulous event!!!  It was held at the Venue of Scottsdale - which is set up so you feel like you are outside on a New Orleans street.  This event was amazing - great entertainment, fantastic food and a very very worthy cause.  HopeKids is a group that provides children with terminal illness and their families hope, support, and fun.  The organization hosts dozens of events every month ranging from concerts, sports games, formal parties, pool parties, etc for the kids to participate in.  During the BizBash I had the chance to meet several of the HopeKids.  One particular HopeGal really inspired me.  Rosie was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor when she was a young teenager.  Doctors told Rosie she wouldn't live past 18, and she simply responded "I'm not done here".  Rosie is now 20 years old and still let's people know that she is not going anywhere anytime soon, that she is not done here.  She is an amazing young woman who has overcome such adversity and has one of the best attitudes I've ever encountered.  What a fighter!!!!

Mrs. America-Day One

Mrs. America _ Day six

Mrs. America _ Day Three

Mrs. America _ Day Four

Mrs. America _ Day Two

Mrs. America _ Day Five

Mrs. America 2010

Mrs. America - 2010

Flowers Galore

Thank you to each and every one of you that sent me beautiful flowers during me week at Mrs. America.  It was so nice to walk into my room after a long day and see a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.  My room began to look more and more like a florist.  By the I left I had 9 bouquets of flowers.  Here are some pics:


From Kirin



From Di and my fellow state contestants



flowers from Diane



Flowers from my boys - Greg and Jackson

Thanks to all of my cheerleaders!



Who started it all - Julie Dilorenzo! 
Thank you so much for asking me to enter your pageant 15 years ago!



Mr & Mrs. World, Tommy and Diane Tucker.  I'm so glad I met you at Miss Arizona in 1998!



Elisa Rister Mrs. Arizona 2009 and me.



Ashley McCants one of my former contestants from state. 
Girl you better compete again!



Rosalie Michaels Mrs Arizona '00 and me.



Nicole Koester my 2nd RU and Sissie Ahn. 
My Mrs. Az playdate gals!

Rosalie (Mrs Az '00), me, and Julie (Mrs In '00). 
Julie thank you so much for getting me in touch
with Ro when I moved to Az.  I couldn't have had a
better person to teach my a swimsuit walk!

A huge thank you to every single person who came out to support me at Mrs. America. I can't even begin to tell you how much that meant to me to have you "whooting and hollering" for me. 

And the BIGGEST thank you possible to my husband for putting up with "all this pageant stuff".  Not only did he take care of a 1 year old all week while I was at Mrs. America, but he never once complained about it.  Greg thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to work towards my dreams and goals.  I hope I made you and Jackson proud!!!

Day 8 - Finals

Well, today was the big day - Finals competition.  While I wasn't selected for the Top 12, I know I did my absolute best.  The tiny disappointment of not making top 12 was short lived when my good friends - Colorado and Conneticut were called for Top 12 and then top 6!  Ultimately, Shelley Carbonne Mrs Conneticut was crowned Mrs America!!!  I was so happy for Shelley that I was screaming and crying when they called her name as the new Mrs. America.  I would have been jumping up and down too but I was on the top riser in 4 inch heels. 

While I was packing everything up I was thinking about my performance.  My goal was to better than I did at Miss America.  While I may not have the "top 12" title to contest my performance, I know I competed better now than I did during my Miss days.  I have grown so much from this experience as a woman, mom and wife! 

Thanks to Mrs. West Virginia for the mini wine bottles for all of us gals.  Cheers to a job well done!

Day 7 - rehearsals again!

Yep, we spent day 7 doing you guessed it - rehearsals!  We managed to get through prelims, now it was time to focus on Finals.  I don't really have many pictures from day 7 because I think I was pretty tired after a long week and was really focused on getting the finals show down pat!

Day 6 - Rehearsals & Prelims

We spent all day finalizing the Final Show!  I can't tell you how many times I heard our opening number song "Celebrate" as we kept hammering out all the final touches of the production number.  I still can't believe that the final competition is tomorrow night.

Maryland (1stRU), Colorado (top 6), Arizona and Conneticut (Mrs. America 2011)
during rehearsals before the prelim show. 

After several hours of rehearsals, we were able to go back to primp and get ready for our 1st night of competition - Preliminaries.  Thankfully I had Leslie and Kelly waiting to make me look my absolute best, so I didn't have to stress at all! 

What a whirlwind of a show.  Before I knew it, I was headed off the stage after competiting in swimsuit. I honestly don't remember what I did or how I looked in swimsuit.  One of the joys of being AZ, is that we model in alphabetical order of our state.  Since all of us had to exit the stage after our opening number together, Alabama, Alaska and me Arizona had to be back onstage together in 2 1/2 minutes.  Hence, why I don't really remember modeling - I think I was still trying to catch my breath after a quick change.  A huge thank you to all of my fans in the audience, you made me feel incredible.  There is nothing better that walking out on the Mrs. America stage and hearing the audience go crazy for you.  Diane Ritter, my director, did a great job of making sure my fans were holding up my "face on a stick" - haha!  Thank you to Julie Phillips for helping me choose the most amazing gown ever - I felt incredible in my gown!  Thank you to Jeff at JDM Personal Training for making sure I was in the best shape possible without being too ripped!

Day 5 - Interviews

Today we had interviews.  I started the morning with a quick jog and a light arm workout to get my blood pumping and my brain working.  Then I grabbed a bite to eat, showered and headed to the "magic room" - where my makeup artist Kelly W and my hairstylist Leslie L worked their magic.  I, of course, didn't take any pictures... but I know my ladies did. I will post them once I get them.

I rocked my interviews and really connected with several of the judges.  National interviews are a walk in the park compared to our state interviews. Thanks Di for preparing me so well! 

After interviews I had the whole day to do whatever I pleased.  So I hung out with Kelly and Leslie as they worked on other girls, headed to the gym for a short workout, uploaded pics and updated Facebook.  Then my good friend Julie arrived from Indiana and we got to catch up with one another. 

Later that night, we had rehearsals.  It was great to see all the girls in their comfy workout clothes.  We all let our hair down tonight!

Mrs America Dinner

Tonight we had an amazing dinner with all of the contestants, the Mrs. America Organization, Mrs America 2009 Andrea Robertson, the GM of Loew's Ventana Brian Johnson and a few other dignitaries.  At the dinner, each contestant had the chance to present Brian with their state gift. I gave Brian an amazing gift basket filled with a variety of chocolates made from Arizona's own Cerreta's Candy Co.  Yumm!!!

I shared the table my my good buddies - Conneticut, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Alaska and Maine.  It seems most of us have really connected with those who states are next to our's alphabetically.  We are lined up alphabetically for almost everything - so you really get to know the gal in front and behind you.  But for some reason, CT, ME, MT, WY, NM, and AL have all connected despite our states being all over the "road".  Love you gals!!!