Bone Marrow Donor Drive

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Today was Heart2Heart's December Bone Marrow Donor Drive held at Food Share, Inc. I had a wonderful time catching up with old friends, and I truly felt that having people sign up to be a potential donor was a great way to give back during the holiday season.

Thank you so much to Jeanne for seeing my passion for Be The Match and making your facility available, and Vivian for helping me make this drive a success. Happy Holidays from Heart2Heart!

Camarillo Christmas Parade!

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I had so much fun today in the Camarillo Christmas Parade. My dad borrowed a 1930's Model A convertible, a historical vehicle owned by See's Candies! It was so neat to see a car that had been kept up all of these years, and even more exciting that my dad drove me in it in the parade today! I am such a lucky girl that I was allowed to use it....thanks See's Candies!!

I was joined by Crowning Glory Productions, my parent's local preliminary to the California International Pageants. Appearing in the parade on their behalf was Jr. Miss Ventura County INTL- Julia Valenzuela, Miss Teen Gold Coast INTL-Dedria Brunett, Miss Teen Ventura County INTL- Katie Karp, Miss Gold Coast INTL- Allison Bowman, and Miss Ventura County INTL- Meghan Lopez.

Palm Springs Festival of Lights

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I was so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today was the first time that my sister queens and I have gotten together since we won! We started our day off with a tasty catered dinner at our sponsor, Harriet's, house. It was so much fun to relax, catch up on the past couple of months, and of course enjoy some good food!

We had a quick change into our crowns and gowns for the "Festival of Lights" parade. It was so different to do a parade in the dark! Of course, all of the cars were lit up in Christmas lights. We had a blast!!

We finished up the evening with a small Christmas party with our families, Eddie, and Dennis. It truly was a perfect start to the holiday season!

Bubbling Wells Elementary School

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Let me start off by saying what a WONDERFUL school Bubbling Wells is! The campus is gorgeous, the staff and teachers welcomed me with open arms, and the kids were some of the most inquisitive and well behaved children that I've met in a long time

I had the rare opportunity to visit with around 250 kids. I had 30 minutes in every classroom to discuss my road to winning Miss California International, as well as the importance of community service. After every speech we did a question/answer segment....and I had some of the coolest questions from various students!! Two of my favorites were, "Are you proud of yourself?" and "Do you have a professional makeup artist?" I can absolutely say that 30 minutes in each class was nowhere near enough time!!!

I also was invited to attend their monthly assembly to hand out various certificates, including honor roll, attendance, and student of the month. I would like to say a special thank you to Mr. Davis for accompanying me from class to class. Also, thank you so much to the students, faculty, staff, and Principal of Bubbling Wells for making this such a special day for me!

Bone Marrow Drive on Dec. 14th!!!!!!!!!

Heart2Heart will be hosting a bone marrow Drive on December 14th from 12 pm- 4 pm at:

Food Share, Inc.
4156 Southbank Road
Oxnard, CA

Join Be The Match and SAVE A LIFE!!!!!!!

(please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Food Share!)

Festival of Trees

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Today I was a model for the Optimist Club "Festival of Trees". This was a charity lunch, with all proceeds benefiting the Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services. Optimist Clubs from all over Southern California were asked to decorate a tabletop Christmas tree in whatever theme they wanted. Then we had the chance to purchase tickets to try and win our favorite tree!!! Of course I didn't put tickets in just one, I had to diversify my odds!

They had a wonderful lunch along with a fashion show which featured clothes from Damon and Draper! I had the chance to model a day and night look....and the runway was SUPER long!!!

After I modeled in the fashion show, it was time to see who won the trees! And to my surprise, I won the VERY first tree announced...."Return to Tuscany!!" SO COOL!!!!! Not only did my tree come with an array of gifts including an Olive Garden gift card (yum yum), I also got to keep the decorated tabletop tree. I had such a fun time today!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy and yummy Thanksgiving!! Hope the holiday surrounds you with wonderful memories, family and friends.

Food Share: Tackling Hunger!

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Today was the Kick-Off for the 2008 Holiday food drive season! Food Share of Ventura County has teamed up with Vons grocery store and PODS across the county to tackle hunger. Vons started the food drive by donating $60,000 in non-perishable foods, which is an incredible contribution. The goal of Food Share is to get 250,000 lbs. of food donated. In attendance was NFL mom Berna Colbert, local press, and radio station B95.1 with Bo Jackson....so cool!

Food Share will be hosting a joint food and bone marrow drive for Heart2Heart in December...more info to come on that! To make a donation online or to read more about how you can help please visit: http://www.foodshare.com

Bakersfield Pageants

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Tonight I had the honor of judging the Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Bakersfield Pageants. The pageant had 34 wonderful contestants, and every single contestant brought something unique to the table. The director, Gayle Tape, really puts on a fabulous production. Not only did the show run smooth, but the contestants were certainly prepared to put their best foot forward! Gayle and her production team really outdid themselves this year.

Many awards were handed out including Miss Congeniality, Photogenic, Interview winner, and Fitness Winner. Here are the final results!

Miss Teen Bakersfield (also Fitness winner): Erica George
Miss Bakersfield (also Interview winner): Angelica August
Mrs. Bakersfield (also Interview winner): Rhenana Grimes

I met so many kind-hearted people at this pageant, including fellow judges and Miss California International hopefuls. I truly felt that I walked away with new friends, and new opportunities. Seeing some old pageant friends was fun as well! Congratulations to the new Teen, Miss, and Mrs. Bakersfield!!!

http://www.thebakersfieldpageant.com

Empower2Purpose "Girl Power" Conference

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First I'd like to say I can't believe it's November already! Today was definitely the first sign that fall was here....it rained all day! Even though I miss the warm weather, Southern California definitely needed some wet weather.

Today I was a featured speaker at the Empower2Purpose "Girl Power" Conference. The seminar had the theme of inspiring girls to go after their dreams; teaching them to be assertive, in control of their destiny, and community minded. I spoke during the dinner portion of the day! I really enjoyed talking about how I've gone after my own dreams, the obstacles I've overcome, and my plans for the future. I had such a wonderful time talking to the girls in attendance one-on-one, and I hope my words inspired them to make their own dreams come true! The founder of Empower2Purpose, Tamala Kelly, presented myself and the other speakers with GORGEOUS flowers and a commemorative award for attending "Girl Power." That was so unexpected and very thoughtful!

Empower2Purpose is truly an incredible organization. I found their mission statement so relevant to what girls today need, and that Empower2Purpose really takes into account what each and every girl has to say. Thank you so much for a wonderful day, it was something I will remember for a long time to come. For more information, or to make a donation to them, please visit: http://www.empower2purpose.com

AM 1400 KKZZ Interview

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Today I was a guest on the show "Locals Only" with Kelli McKay here in Ventura County on AM 1400! Kelli had contacted me through my non-profit organization's website, wanting me to be a guest on her show to discuss Heart2Heart. I thought that this was an incredible opportunity so I jumped at it! Not only did we discuss Heart2Heart, we also talked about my year as Miss California International and the International pageant system.

I also ran into a friend from high school who is a DJ and host on LIVE 105.5 FM. He actually had me do a couple of sounds clips, which was so much fun! Thanks to DJ Skitz and Kelli McKay for being so hospitable!

Birthday Celebration!

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Not only did we have the 5K today, it was also my sister Keri's 30th birthday! As a surprise, Eddie and Dennis made the trip out to Ventura County to celebrate with us! It was so much fun to have the family, Shawn, Eddie and Dennis all together. We did a really fun progressive dinner, with a twist. It was in the harbor, and a boat shuttled us from restaurant to restaurant! We had a lovely tour of the harbor, got to see the sunset, and had a wonderful time celebrating her birthday. Love you Keri....and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Start! Ventura County Heart Walk

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This morning was the 5K Start! Heart Walk for the American Heart Association in Simi Valley, CA! The weather was gorgeous....nice and sunny! Not only did I get my work-out by walking, I was also asked to meet and greet at the Go Red For Women booth!! They had a HUGE poster up with my picture, talking about my own heart abnormality. What a great keepsake! During the awards segment, I gave a short speech thanking the walkers for raising money as well as awareness. Thanks to the American Heart Association for asking me to be a part of this great event!

Light the Night Walk!

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Tonight, in Woodland Hills, was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society "Light the Night Walk." For anyone that hasn't done this event before, it is really unique! The walk is at night, because every walker carries either a red or white balloon that LIGHTS UP in honor or in memory of a loved one that battled a blood-related cancer. I have done this walk before, but it was the first time that my organization, Heart2Heart, had a team!

Team Heart2Heart had 13 walkers. Not only did my family walk with our team, but we had a couple local International titleholders that joined us!!! As a team we raised about $1,000 which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

It was a beautiful night tonight, and great to know that all of the fundraising Team Heart2Heart did contributes to bringing us one step closer to saving lives.

USO Celebrity Golf Tournament and Web-A-Thon

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What a beautiful 1st day of October! I had the opportunity today to attend the Celebrity Golf Tournament and 1st ever web-a-thon benefiting the USO! It was held at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The golf course literally sat right above the ocean water, and it was clear, warm day. I was waiting to find where the actual web-a-thon was being held, when I heard someone yell "I want my picture with Miss California!" The golfer took out his own camera and had a friend take a picture of the two of us. I had one taken also because it was JEREMY RACTCHFORD of "Cold Case" which is one of my absolute favorite tv shows! I found it hysterical that he wanted his picture with me, and I was definitely star-struck!

Inside the clubhouse was the web-a-thon. What a cool experience! There was 4 tv cameras there that were rolling, but for the Internet and not tv! I had about a 5 minute chat live on-air and web with the host of the event, radio station KEARTH 101's very own Gary Bryan. After that they let me answer the phone lines for to take pledges! It was so much fun!

Thanks to the USO of Greater Los Angeles for having me, and I hope that the donations you received today exceeded the expectation!!

Bone Marrow Drive for Tyler

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Tonight was the bone marrow drive that Heart2Heart was hosting in honor of Tyler Cordova. We had a great turnout for such short notice on this drive, which was thrilling! I had a wonderful time getting to know Vivian (the City of Hope coordinator), and Lloyd (the pastor of the church). We made some great plans for upcoming events...I'm really excited!

I want to thank City of Hope for facilitating this drive, and the Willow Street Church of God for providing us with a wonderful venue. Also a TREMENDOUS thank you to everyone who came to become a part of Be The Match...you could save a life!!!

Please continue to keep Tyler and his family in your thoughts!

Rusnak Audi presents College Launch: Keys to Success

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What a cool event this was! "Keys to Success" was held at the original Rusnak Audi dealership in Pasadena, CA. For the night, they teamed up with College Launch, a program to help kids applying to college to understand that colleges are looking for more than just great grades. They had dance performers, a fashion show, and a silent auction, which benefited the "La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation." I was asked to be a "Celebrity Panelist" and ask interview questions in a mock college interview! It was so much fun to be the one asking questions instead of answering them!!!

Thank you so much to Rusnak Audi and College Launch for including me in such a tremendous event. I really enjoyed myself!

Upcoming Bone Marrow Drive for the "Boy of the Year"

Tyler is 6 years old, and has gone through 2 years of treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. His tumor was thought to be gone, but his family just found out that the cancer has spread. He is need of a bone marrow donor, and has no match in his family.

My organization, Heart2Heart, will be hosting a bone marrow drive for Tyler at the Willow Street Church of God:
1455 W. Willow Street in Long Beach, CA
Monday September 29, 2008
4 pm-8 pm.

Anyone who wishes to be registered in Be The Match and possibly save a life should come to this event! There is normally a cost involved in being screened, but Heart2Heart will be covering this fee....so it will be FREE to anyone who comes!!!

If you would like more information, make a donation, or are planning to attend, please email me at heart2heart_org@yahoo.com or visit Heart2Heart's website http://www.hilarysheart2heart.org

SCV-Newhall Optimist Club

I can't believe it...tonight marked exactly one month that I've been Miss California International!! I celebrated by being the guest speaker at the SCV-Newhall Optimist Club. It was held at a wonderful restaurant in Saugus, California. I was provided with 20 minutes to speak about my platform, Heart2Heart, and what I have done to help people who suffer from leukemia and other blood-related cancers. Little did I know that one of the Optimist members in attendance actually has leukemia, and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant...his brother is a perfect match to him. This Optimist member was truly thankful for the strides I had made to add people into Be The Match so that the 70% of patients that rely on Be The Match for a matching donor would have better odds at finding a perfect match. I truly enjoyed tonight, and I want to wish the best of luck to him as he heads into surgery.

Shop For A Cause~~~Saturday Sept. 20th!!!

The American Heart Association and one of their biggest supporters, Macy's, has teamed up for Shop For A Cause Day! This will be held at Macy's across the US, as well as online!

Shopping can be good for your heart! Did you know that a 150 pound woman can burn 684 calories in two hours of shopping? Burn some calories and support the American Heart Association’s "Go Red For Women" movement by participating in Macy’s "Shop For A Cause Day" on Saturday, Sept. 20.

With just a $5 donation, you will receive a shopping pass good for 10 to 20 percent off most purchases at Macy’s that day. Along with your savings pass, you are also eligible to enter an in-store drawing for a $500 Macy’s Gift Card!

I happen to be selling the shopping passes! So either contact me to make your $5 donation, or visit http://www.heart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3058560 to purchase you savings pass online!

Thanks everyone

A special note....

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(watch the Smilebox Slideshow to see the official pageant competition photos of Hilary Gushwa, Miss California International 2009!)

Since I had some extra time today, I thought I'd take the time to make an extra special post! I received the photos from the pageant photographer, and though everyone might enjoy seeing some of the great quality pictures from the pageant!

I also wanted to make sure to thank several people! Thanks to several of the California International Sponsors: Flower Mart, Dr. Warren Stout, YogEssence, Shari's Berries, Stila Cosmetics, Pro Beauty To You, BECOME International, Crowns and Gowns, and Torgny & Co. Jewelers. You have all made such amazing donations to the pageant, and I sincerely appreciate everything you are doing to make this a wonderful year for me and my sister queens.

I also wanted to thank Eddie Peterson, the Director, and Dennis Cooke, the Administrator and Producer, who are the reasons behind the success of the California International Pageants. They are both such incredible men, and I look forward to a wonderful year with them!

Optimist "Spirit of Community Award"

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Today I was off to an early start! At 7 am this morning I was the speaker and guest of honor at the Simi Valley Optimist Club. I had the opportunity to talk about my platform, Heart2Heart, and share my story of how I became involved in Leukemia Awareness. I also shared about the International pageant system and how it really promotes making a difference in your community and beyond. I also learned a great deal about the Optimist Club, and how they are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children. I found the "Optimist Creed" to be quite uplifting, so I wanted to share a couple of the items they strive for:

*To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true
*To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own
*To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future
(and my favorite) *To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile

Aren't those cool?? You can read the rest on one of the photos I've posted.

Then, to my surprise, I was given an award after my speech! I was honored with the first ever "Spirit of Community Award" for making a difference through Heart2Heart. Thank you so much to the Simi Valley Optimist Club for having me. What an amazing day!

Miss California International 2009 Pageant Finals!

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On Sunday August 10, 2008 was the pageant finals at the Palm Springs Auditorium! The stage set was beautiful, completed with a sparkling crystal chandelier. Our opening number was to the song "Shopping for Labels" and it was a total blast! We wore gold sparkly tops, jeans, sunglasses, scarfs, and carried fully decorated shopping bags!! Mine were Godiva and Swarovski.....of course I would pick crystals and chocolate as my shopping bags! :)

I was so excited when they started announcing the Top 10 for Teen....both Miss Teen Gold Coast Dedria Brunett, and Miss Teen Ventura County Katie Karp were called! I was called as spot #7 of 10 in the Miss category. I really enjoyed having a big stage to model my outfits on!

At the time of coronation they also announced some extra awards....I had also won the Preliminary Interview Award! What an honor! I am so thankful that I am now a part of the California International sisterhood, and am looking forward to making a tremendous difference in my platform, Heart2Heart "Making Strides for Leukemia Awareness" as well as Go Red for Women which is an alliance that was created with the International pageant system! Enjoy the photos!!

First post....Preliminary Competitions at the California International Pageants!!

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(click above to see Hilary Gushwa's slideshow from the California International pageant weekend!)

Welcome to my blog!!! I guess a great place to start my blogging adventure is the weekend of the California International Pageants. What an amazing group of ladies that were competing for the Jr Miss, Teen, Miss, and Mrs titles! I felt so lucky to be surrounded by positive, ambitious, genuine women. I really enjoyed my time with so many of the contestants....Miss LA County and Miss Santa Clara kept me laughing the entire weekend! :)

Pageant weekend kicked off on Friday morning with a wonderful breakfast, where we had the opportunity to mingle and hear what was in store for us for the weekend. The off to rehearsal where we found out we would be walking a 36 foot runway!! I was so excited!!! Friday night I competed in the Fun Fashion category. We did a "runway" segment at the end of the show for GO RED to show our support to women who are fighting heart disease.

Saturday was an early morning, starting with rehearsals. I had my private one-on-one interview with the judges early afternoon, and that night I competed in Fitness Wear and Evening Gown. Then it was time to celebrate! We had a delicious Awards Dinner. To my surprise I won Miss Photogenic, Miss Community Service, and the Preliminary Evening Gown Award. I also won the Become "What Makes Me Beautiful Inside and Out" Essay.....which was accompanied with a $625 cash scholarship! Thank you so much again to Become for choosing my essay....I was psyched!