CASA Wine Tasting

The wine tasting was held at the Translations Art Gallery in downtown Denver. This event benefitted the Colorado CASA division. I was in charge of greeting patrons as they came to support and learn more about CASA. I was able to meet Lee, who is the Executive Director of Colorado CASA and talk with him more about the non profit organization. It was awesome to hear that he attended graduate school and pursued his Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management. Another great thing is that he is a DUKE fan! Also, Tina, the operations manager, was the person responsible for making the event happen and she also enjoyed dressing up in my crown and banner. It was such a great event to attend and I was well educated about what the Colorado CASA does within the community.

Website: www.coloradocasa.org

Dine Out for CASA - 3 Margaritas

I cannot say enough about what CASA does in the State of Colorado. I am so honored to be apart of this wonderful organization. Dine Out for CASA is an event held by a sponsor restaurant in which 15% of the proceeds are donated to CASA. The restaurant of choice was 3 Margaritas in Westminster. To hear stories about what these children have gone through is absolutely astonishing. I am very lucky to have a wonderful support system that I am able to volunteer my time to help raise money for this cause. CASA is in need of volunteers and CASA’s that are male. A lot of young children need your support. Below I have listed the mission statement of CASA.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and/or CASA,
please visit: www.casa17th.org.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Adams and Broomfield Counties is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that trains and supervises volunteers to represent the best interests of our most vulnerable citizens-child victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. The desired result is that children are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.

Paws for People

The Mission of Paws4People foundation is to enhance the lived of special and regular education students, seniors, and the seriously ill or disabled, by utilizing the “Special Powers” of canine companionship. I participated in their 5K run that benefitted this organization. I am a huge animal lover and I strongly believe that canine’s can help assist our retired vets and children living with special needs. The event consisted of a 5K run at UNC-Wilmington and a wide array of dog treats ranging from popcorn to “doggie beer.” It was such an awesome event to attend and I really enjoyed learning more about the Paws for People Foundation.

Website: www.paws4peoplenc.org

North Carolina Walk to Defeat ALS

The ALS walk is very near and dear to my heart. After loosing my Great Aunt Peggy to this disease, my close friend and mentor Burns Smith was diagnosed. This year, I participated in the ALS Walk in Wilmington, N.C. I was apart of the Burns Beauties team and the event raised over $64,000! ALS also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease damaged the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Currently, there is no way to prevent our cure this disease but a number of treatments are available to people with the disease. I received an email that the NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund has been cut. This strongly affects the monetary support for ALS research and development. If you are interested in advocating for this cause, please contact me via email. I have contacts for NC State Legislators and YOU can help secure funding in the future!

For further ALS information, visit:
(NC) www.catfishchapter.org (CO) www.alscolorado.org

Azalea Festival - North Carolina

This year marked the 63rd Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival! This is by far my favorite event of the year not only because it is in my hometown but, it is a celebration of Wilmington’s artwork, gardens, history, and Southern charm. I have been attending and participating in the parade since I was 6 years old. This was the first year that I have attended the festival and have not entertained down on the Riverfront Stage but, I was able to emcee at the stage for all of the fabulous queens and dancers. I was also able to re-unite with my good friends Kristen Dalton, Miss USA and Katie Mills who is Miss Greater Sampson County. A big thanks to Neuwirth Motors who sponsored me in the parade; you all have never let me down. Also, thank you to the City of Wilmington for welcoming me back as Miss Colorado International to enjoy the wonderful festivities.

Start! Heartwalk Kick-off Event

The Start! walking day kicked off on April 7th for the entire nation. Start! is designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living. We have all used the excuse of there is not enough time in the day for exercise, right? Well, there is good news, on the website there is a link to customize your own personal walking plan to your lifestyle. This event was the kick-off to the Heartwalk that will be taking place in Denver on June 5th.

For more information about the Heartwalk – Denver visit: www.startwalkingnow.org

Morey Middle School Visit

I visited Morey Middle School to kick-off the auction to help raise funds for the school. During the visit, I was able to help announce information about the auction and sign autographs for the students. I told them that I cannot wait to visit the students during lunch and recess so I can play a few rounds of kick ball with them. One thing that is unique about the auction is that they are auctioning off a date with me! I am really excited that I can help raise funding and awareness for the school system. Make sure you visit the auction website to bid on a few items!

Website: http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/item/Item.action?id=109063989

9Health Fair - Frisco

9Health Fair is Colorado’s largest volunteer-driven, non-profit health fair program that serves 100,000 people at 170 statewide 9Health Fair locations each year. Their mission is to promote health awareness and to encourage individuals to assume responsibility for their own health. I worked at the Frisco location where we served a little over 1,000 patrons. At the Health Fair, I met a heart attack survivor whom I was able to speak with about the Go Red for Women campaign. I love being able to provide useful information to help the community become more aware about their health. This fair provides the community with lower health costs to ensure they know their numbers. To find a 9Health Fair near you visit: www.9healthfair.org