Children's Hospital Special Visit

One of the greatest things about being Mrs. Colorado is when a person requests your presence, knowing that it might brighten someones day. My mother and father-in-law have good friends who have a granddaughter, named Hailey, who was attacked by a dog when she was a young child, and was paralyzed from the waist down. Although Hailey leads a very normal life, she still requires surgeries every so often to keep everything in check. She was scheduled for one of her surgeries in August, and it was requested by her grandparents that I make a "special visit" to see her.

I had a wonderful time with Hailey, as we chatted about her involvement in 4-H where she participates riffle shooting and "Decorate Your Duds" (in which she received Grand Champion this year). She will go to the State Fair and compete in both categories in a few weeks, and looks forward to going elk hunting with her family this winter.

Make-A-Wish Foundation "Wine and Wishes"

On August 7th, I attended the “Wine and Wishes” event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The objective of this event was to raise enough money to help send five “Wish Kids”, along with their families, to Hawaii. The theme for the night was a “Hawaiian Luau,” with delicious Hawaiian cuisine, hula dancers, and a silent auction with a multitude of great items to bid on. During the evening, I assisted at a raffle table where a $500 Tiffany’s gift certificate was awarded to the winner. While I made valiant efforts to win that gift certificate, it didn’t happen. None-the-less, it was a very successful evening with many people out to celebrate this noble cause.

For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to get involved, or to make a donation, visit their website at http://www.wishcolorado.org/.

My handsome husband, Scott, was my date for the evening. I’m so fortunate to have a husband who is so supportive. With most of my appearances being at least two hours away from home, he has graciously taken off work multiple times to be by my side as “Mr. Colorado.”

Karlyn Tilley of CBS4 was the emcee for the evening, and she did a fabulous job!

This was one of the “Wish Kids”, she was absolutely adorable! She entertained the crowds while cutting a rug on the dance floor, and even sang a song as a “bribe” to coerce more bidders during the silent auction. Looks like her “wish” of meeting her favorite musician, Demi Lovato, has inspired a star in the making.

Another “Wish Kid”, who was absolutely hilarious! He performed a bit of a comedy routine for the crowds, telling funny stories about his recent trip to Hawaii provided to him and his family by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

And this was the third “Wish Kid” of the night, who had just had his “wish” come true the week prior to the event. As an aspiring chef, he wanted to meet with the top chefs of Denver to learn their secrets. Watch out Denver…..this kid is going to take the cooking world by storm someday!

The most desired item of all the silent auctions was this authentic Fender guitar, autographed by Denver's own “The Fray”. This was the lucky guy who won the bid, and as you can see he was grinning from ear to ear.

"A Precious Child" Golf Tournament

Based on the concept of “A little laughter and a lot of love,” the A Precious Child organization is one based on providing children the basic essentials in life. From food and shelter, to providing school supplies, to offering support when difficulties arise in the home, A Precious Child is dedicated to meeting the needs of a child. On August 7th, I was given the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament benefiting this wonderful organization. Also offering her services for the morning was a very talented photographer Julie Karp, of Julie G Photography (http://juliegphotography.com). All the pictures displayed below are her work.
For more information on the A Precious Child organization, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please visit their website at http://www.apreciouschild.org/.

These wonderful ladies and myself drove around in golf carts on the course taking pictures and cheering on the golfers at the tournament. On my left is the founder and Executive Director of the A Precious Child Organization, Carina Martin.

Here I am pictured with Jeff Bailey and Dr. Lori Kemmet, who are supporters and sponsors of this noble cause. In addition, Jeff and Lori were both my judges at the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year.

Here I am ATTEMPTING to look like a golfer, my husband laughed hysterically needless to say.

A great snapshot taken by Julie G Photography

This cute pooch belongs to Carina Martin (Executive Director of A Precious Child), and was featured in Oprah’s June 2009 issue of “O Magazine”. He is named after Denver Bronco’s football player, Champ Bailey.

Another great photo by Julie G Photography

2009 Miss and Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant

The 3rd Annual Miss and Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant was held on July 25th. The pageant began in 2007 when former Mrs. Colorado, Tiffany Sawyer, decided to organize this event donating all the profits to the families of fallen soldiers. Thirty-nine participants entered the pageant this year, raising over $4,000 for this great cause. With Tiffany being one of my “Queen Sisters” and a good friend, I was happy to lend a helping hand however I could. I acted as the “Judge’s Escort” and auditor, as well as assisting with handing out awards to the winners. For more information or to participate in the 2010 pageant, please visit the website at http://www.misspatrioticcolorado.com.

The 2009 Miss and Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant winners, the Director (Tiffany Sawyer) and myself.

The Pageant Director and my dear friend, Tiffany Sawyer. I was Tiffany’s 3rd Runner Up in 2007 when she was crowned Mrs. Colorado.

Standing next to the most coveted table of the afternoon….the banners, trophies, and the CROWNS!

2009 Toddler Miss Patriotic Colorado

2009 Miss Pre-Teen Patriotic Colorado

2009 Baby Miss Patriotic Colorado

2009 Little Miss Patriotic Colorado

2008 Jr. Miss Patriotic Colorado

All 39 participants singing along to the National Anthem in their “Patriotic Wear”

After Five Women's Group

These pictures got lost in my camera, so this post is making it up a bit late. This was my first “hometown” appearance as Mrs. Colorado. So not only was it extra special being my first hometown appearance, but the titleholders and some of the candidates from the pageant I direct (the Canon City Music and Blossom Festival Pageant) were also in attendance at this event. It was a wonderful evening put on by the After Five Christian Women’s group. They had a great guest speaker, and we dined on delicious food. I acted as the “Gown Commentator” while my titleholders/candidates modeled their evening gowns for the ladies.

A proud director with her titleholders, a few of the candidates and dear friend, Jamie Patrick

Jazz Concert Benefiting the Mrs. Colorado Foundation

On July 30th, I attended a wonderful event that benefited the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. It was held at the Solid Grounds Coffee House in Littleton, and the featured entertainment was a very talented jazz group called the Michael Shults Quartet. They graciously donated over percent of the cover to the foundation.

Here I am pictured with the Michael Shults Quartet