My last month of activities and events before the pageant is under-way. Meanwhile an online voting link has been posted for friends, family and fans. It costs $5 to vote, with proceeds going toward the Miss Teen Texas International scholarship, as well as my primary cause; The American Heart Association.
Vote here to support me as I represent Tarrant County in the Mrs. Texas International Pageant.
Thanks to everyone!
Two great programs are ACES and PACES. Now, children can still enjoy Project ACES at school, but participate in PACES at home. PACES Day not only promotes exercise time, but family time. On Saturday May 8, 2010 we will celebrate the third annual PACES Day (PACES Day will always take place on the first Saturday in May that follows Project ACES Day). On this day parents will exercise with their children for 15-45 minutes at some time during the day. This website offers many ideas for families on PACES Day. You can also download the 52 weeks of fitness work sheet on the downloads page for some other great ideas.
On Sunday I was invited to help out at Wal-Mart in Arlington, with the “Toys for Tots” efforts of the United States Marine Corps. As a former Marine it was a pleasure and an honor for me to assist with this worthwhile endeavor. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. In tough economic times this program is especially needed. Visit www.toysfortots.org/ for more information.
As 2009 comes to an end I would like to thank the Mrs. Texas International Pageant and all of my fellow contestants for the work we are doing and will continue to do in 2010. Each day I seek opportunities to challenge myself and I think it is fantastic that the organization provides an “official” outlet through which ladies can make a positive difference in their communities. The pagent’s stated goal is to uplift women who want to excel in their lives and I am honored to join hands with them and my sister contestants on this journey. A full list of contestants is available on the Mrs. Texas International website.
What a cold December day in Fort Worth! Eight hours of ringing a bell keeps your blood moving, but wow does that arm get sore.
It’s all worth it, of course. There is nothing as uplifting as seeing person after person step up to the bucket and give spare change, dollars and even checks. I’d like to thank the anonymous gentleman who did not give his name, but did give several $100 bills. The holiday spirit is alive and well in Fort Worth!
Support the Salvation Army and your fellow Americans by giving spare change where you see the dedicated volunteer bell-ringers.
Every girl and boy grows up having their idol. I love the fact that the NFL is onboard with www.nflrush.com . This is a dynamic site that encourages 60 minutes of exercise per day for every child. This is a positive use of role models and peer pressure, and each Sunday when I see these commercials I want to applaud. Professional athletes have such a huge reach. Thank you to everyone involved… Kudos to the NFL with this program and working to prevent childhood obesity!
Get Kids Moving Exercards® are fun flashcards which combine children’s physical fitness activities and academics; working to prevent childhood obesity while promoting cognitive development. Jenny from Get Kids Moving is kindly ofering visitors to my website a 20% discount for a set of Exercards® (thank you Jenny!). GKM was discussed here previously in this post from September.
The 22nd second annual “Cruisin Days” in Newark, TX, was a nostalgic step into the 1950′s, complete with cashmere sweaters, poodle skirts, rolled up t-shirts and pedal pushers. My fellow judges were Fran DeArman, Mrs. Collin County International 2010, and our current Miss Texas International 2009 , Jade Monfils. We judged three catagories: “Tiny Mr & Miss Cruisin Days” ages 1-3 years; “Little Mr. & Miss Cruisin Days” ages 4-7 years; and “Mr. & Miss Cruisin Days” ages 8-12 years. With so many terrific young contestants it was difficult to make decisions. [Images in Gallery]
I’d like to personally thank Sherry Edgemon, Secretary for the City of Newark, the Newark Fire Department, the contestants, their parents, the City and my fellow judges. I had a great time and look forward to my next visit to this wonderful town.
Every day a plane full of about 150 troops arrives at Dallas Forth-Worth International Airport. These men and women have been serving our country in Iraq & Afghanistan and are arriving back in America for two weeks of R&R. I’m a veteran of the Armed Services and know how much our troops need to hear that they are appreciated for their bravery, committment and service to the USA. Each one of them is living an oath they took to serve, protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States. They are to thank for the freedoms we enjoy every day.
As a former service member, wife, mother, and now as Mrs. Tarrant County International I would like to voice my sincerest appreciation. I will be at DFW airport twice a month as one of the hundreds of grateful citizens saying “Welcome Home.” You can call 972.574.0392 to get information about the arrival time and location of the next flight. Come help us shake hands and thank our brave mean and women for their service!
Information: http://www.dfwairport.com/heroes/index.php
Citi is one of the biggest fundraising contributers for United Way. I work for Citigroup and this year had the honor of being selected as a Team Captain. “Getting into the Game” was the strategy and we had bake sales, a chili cookoff, silent auctions, and a softball tourney where the Regent Campus took on Las Colinas Campus. So far our individual yearly contributors have assisted in raising over $800,000. The United Way raises money for mutliple charitable agencies. Several which benefit locally are The Salvation Army DFW, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities of Dallas and the Visiting Nurses Association (Meals on Wheels). Thank you everyone!
The American Heart Association and the Greater Tarrant County YMCA partnered to host a youth forum during KidsFest at the Will Rogers Convention Center in Fort Worth on September 26. It was a fun day of activities and information, with volunteers from the AHA reaching out to children and getting pledges to do at least one healthly thing daily. The West Hall was full from start to finish with families engaged in learning and sharing. I met so many wonderful parents and children, and spent time with my fellow AHA volunteer Miss Dallas International. [Images in Gallery]
Childhood obesity is one of our nation’s leading health threats. In fact, it has topped drug abuse and smoking as the number one health concern among parents. Nearly one in three children and teens are overweight or obese and facing life-threatening health conditions, reduced quality of life and higher healthcare costs. If obesity among kids continues to increase this current generation of young people could become the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.
I attended this fabulous fundraising event sponsored by Century 21 Judge Fite Company at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport. Nearly 400 guests enjoyed the Mardi Gras theme, a silent auction of hundreds of items, dinner, dessert and dancing until midnight with DJ Bill Cody of Party Time Texas. The evening’s spotlight was on Jessica Segal, the inspiring fashion designer and 2009 Easter Seals National Adult Representative. Also in attendance was Victor Villalba, whom all of us from Tarrant County know as the voice of the Dallas Cowboys. Thanks to everyone for a fun evening of charity. [Images in Gallery]
How can you go wrong with grapes and great people? I’ve made several appearances at this festival in Tarrant County; a yearly street party where one can sample award winning wines and food. It is one of DFW’s best celebrations, held at the very heart of the metroplex. It’s a carnival for the kids, interesting live music, sophisticated and casual wine tastings and more… I really enjoyed meeting everyone at this year’s Grapefest. Thanks to everyone who came out and offered their support.
Despite a cold rainy Saturday we still had a great turnout for the 2009 heart walk. This is one of the American Heart Association’s signature fundraising events. The goal is to raise money to support cardiovascular research, combat heart disease and stroke (the number one and number three killers in the country) and provide educational programs for the Tarrant County community. The fun, non-competitive 5K (3-mile) walk along the Trinity Trails at Trinity Park promotes walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. And everyone there discovered that a positive spirit and smiles could banish the cold and rain until it was a distant memory.
Story: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3026562
I want to thank “Get Kids Moving” for work in the fight against childhood obesity. I appreciate Jenny Goebel of Ohio for the content maintained at www.getkidsmoving.com. There are recipes, research and creative ideas for keeping children healthy through diet and exercise. Childhood obesity doesn’t just threaten a child’s future, there are short-term consequences as well. The spread of education among parents, adult leaders and older siblings is critical to reducing this problem among our young people. I appreciate Get Kids Moving for allowing me to contribute to their website.
