Mrs. Colorado Foundaiton

Mrs. Colorado Foundation Luncheon

Feb 17th

The Giving Circle

Leading by example is what being Mrs. Colorado is all about, that is why it was important for me to attend the Mrs. Colorado Foundation Luncheon started by Marney Duckworth, Mrs. Colorado 2007.  She has been instrumental in showing us all the value of the crown.  She started the foundation during her reign to help women further their education by awarding them with a scholarship. 

The luncheon acknowledged the giving circle which included the many women who have contributed financially to the foundation.  Tricia Dampier was the guest speaker and spoke on "Chasing the Blue Ribbon".   It was nice to be surrounded by women who value education and encourage excellence and drive.

Veterans Hospital

Feb 16th

with Jonella, Jodi, and the volunteer coordinator, Lee Thompson

Visiting the VA is an annual Valentine’s tradition for the current Mrs. Colorado Queen and titleholders.  Jonella Roth and Jodi Michael Horner made the rounds with me during our visit, while Cara Marshall, Ayme Austin Kramer and Angelina Slack made their appearance the day before.

We had the opportunity to visit with patients who were recovering from different surgeries and also with patients going through physical therapy waiting to be released.  We also had a chance to visit with a representative from the PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) program, which effects many men and women of war.  It takes so much courage to get help and this program has saved and helped many veterans.

What an honor it was to thank the veterans for their servitude. 

Ayme, Angelina, Cara, and their escorts for the day

eating lunch with the girls and our escorts

with Marty, my awesome escort for the day and Father Dan

36 Hours for Kids

Alice 105.9 Radioathon

Feb 15th

with Emily and Sheli answering the phones and taking pledges

My passion and desire to be a part of Children's Hospital continues to grow.  I am continually in awe of the services and events provided by the hospital in order to help create a more comfortable and less stressful visit for the children.  The more I know, the more I want to help and be a part of the services provided. 

36 Hours for Kids is a radiothon put on by our local radio station, Alice 105.9.   For over 10 years Alice has been a proud partner raising over 9 million dollars. 

I was thrilled to contribute my time and answer the phones to take pledges.  I was accompanied by Emily and Sheli who were also more than happy to give of their time.  Over the course of three days many families will give their testimonies on air and retell thir stories of compassion and the incredible care they received from the staff at Children's Hospital.

To find out more on how you can help visit: http://www.childrenscolorado.org/

Girls' Tea Party

Feb 12th

The people you meet along the way are sometimes the most treasured gifts.  I had the pleasure of meeting Valerie Boyd during my first year of competition four years ago, and we have remained friends all these years later.  I was thrilled when she invited me to a cupcake and tea party she was organizing with some sweet little girls from her neighborhood.  They were excited to meet a real life princess.  It was special for me to share my experiences with them and encourage them to always pursue their dreams.  What a beautiful group of young women.

Mrs. Colorado Tickets

The online ticket sales have ended. If you or your friends would like to come watch the Preliminary Pageant on Thursday February 23, 2012 at the Hyatt DTC, you may purchase tickets at the door. We do have a handful of tickets available. For the crowning of Mrs. Colorado 2012 on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the Temple Buell Theater, you may purchase your tickets at the door until we sell out. The box office will open at 5:00 pm. Both events start at 7:00 pm.

State of Parker Address

February 9th

Introducing the Mayor

What an honor it was to be asked by the mayor of my town, David Casiano, to speak at his last introduction for the State of Parker Address.  I introduced David at our new beautiful performing arts center, which he helped pave the way for that opened this past October.  There were over 300 attendees for his final address.  David will be completing his last year as mayor and will hand over the reins this November.  He has been an incredible addition to the town council for over 10 years and his love and efforts for this town are completely apparent.  He is a walking town hall meeting and everyone who meets him can see his passion.  I am proud to call him a friend.

A fun photo collage made for the mayor from his Address to the town of Parker

Children's Hospital

February 9th

Seeds of Hope Chapter

Here is the Logo we created for our Chapter at Children's Hospital

Starting a foundation or a non profit has always been a dream of mine even before becoming Mrs. Colorado.  After participating in the "Queen for a Day" event at Children's Hospital earlier in my year, I was touched by not only the brave children but also the courage of their parents.  Having three children myself, it was hard not to put myself in their shoes.  I could not even begin to imagine the strength it would take to look at your little one and feel so helpless.  I needed to do something to give back to the parents.  After brainstorming, Becca Smith and I decided to create a chapter at Children's Hospital geared towards refueling and rejuvenating the parents of the patients.  We decided to put together a spa day for the mothers of the NICU.  It was a HUGE success.  These women were pampered with manicures, chair massages, blow outs, and snacks.  We also provided instruction on crocheting and offered yarn and needles for them to pass the time.  I am incredibly proud of this event and our chapter, Seeds of Hope.  I am looking forward to hosting many more events in the future.

With Becca Smith at our first Seeds of Hope event

Due to confidentiality we did not take photos of the participants.

Go Red for Women

February 4th

Ambassador Search

It was a true honor to be asked to judge the Go Red for Women ambassador search.  The American Heart Association is a close personal friend of the Mrs. Colorado organization especially since a former queen was an ambassador herself.  Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008, became an ambassador for the American Heart Association during her reign, after her husband suffered a heart attack.

Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008 and Go Red Ambassador

I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to the courageous women who have been effected by Heart Disease and have a passion for sharing their stories and spreading awareness.  Heart Disease  is the number one killer of women and up until recently was perceived as an older male dominated disease.

 The Go Red For Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.  Please educate yourself on the warning signs, many women dismiss the symptoms as being tired, stressed, or malnourished. Visit:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

February 4th

Menchie's Yogurt

The ribbon cutting ceremony.

Who doesn't love frozen yogurt?  When I was asked to participate in the grand opening of the Greenwood Village Menchie's Yogurt, I jumped at the chance to lend a helping spoon.  Even the snow did not stop patrons from coming down to check out the new store and have a free tasty treat.  The first 50 guests were also given a free t-shirt.  The kids had a great time having their faces painted, receiving crazy balloon animals, as well as, personalizing their own frozen yogurt creations.  They have several flavors of yogurt to choose from and a wide range of toppings.  I even got my picture taken with Menchie himself!

with Menchie the face of Menchie's Yogurt.

Picture Clue Answer

Where in Colorado,

is Mrs. Colorado?

 

Dee Dee Congratulations for being the first to give the correct answer!

 

 

 

Thank you all for being so patient,

it has been a wonderful yet crazy few weeks.

This will be the last one as I am preparing to finish up the blog and hand it to the new

Mrs. Colorado!

Thank you all so much for playing,

it has been fun.