Reach for the Stars

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This weekend I traveled to Fresno, CA to be a part of the Reach for the Stars program. This was such an inspirational event that every year the California International girls have gone to, and I was so thrilled that I finally got to go myself!!

I was joined by my sister queens Sheryl and Elise, and it was so much fun to have an event where we got to spend so much time together! We were invited to a sponsored dinner Sunday night, where we were dazzled with local food and entertainment and really got a chance to unwind after the long drive. Then we woke up bright and early Monday morning for a Fox TV interview, where we talked about our platforms and how our year as the California International queens has been so far. We spent the rest of the early morning visiting the program sponsors, which was a lot of fun. Just before lunch we finally arrived at the middle school. Reach for the Stars is a program at Tahipiti Middle School that encourages the children to pursue their dreams, education, and follow in the footsteps of their favorite stars. Sheryl, Elise, and I had a wonderful time talking about community service and spending time with the kids. Thank you so much to Ron for inviting me to such a unique event!

Ventura County Go Red Luncheon

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Today was the Ventura County Go Red For Women Luncheon, held at the Westlake Village Inn. Although I had school today and couldn't attend the actual luncheon, I arrived eaerly in the morning to help with set up. What a beautiful venue! The luncheon overlooked the gorgeous golf course greens, complete with a huge fountain and lush gardens. Today was also special to me because I was asked to be a part of the Ventura County Heart Gallery. My photo and heart survivor story were put on a poster and was put up for display along with 9 others at the luncheon. Not only that, by it will be traveling throughout Ventura County at health fairs, luncheons, and walks for the year. I thought it was so exciting to be asked to be a part of this, and truly an honor. Thank you so much to Go Red for asking me to be a "heart survivor", and for inviting me to the luncheon today!

2009 Los Angeles Heart Ball

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It was such an honor to be invited to the Los Angeles Heart Ball, which is an amazing event put on by the American Heart Association. I was joined by Shawn, Mrs. California International 2009 Sheryl Ellison, and her husband Ryan.

I'd like to start by saying that it was so cool to be at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel...where "Pretty Woman" was filmed!! The food was INCREDIBLE....Chilean sea bass, mushroom raviolis, citrus salad, and YUMMY chocolate dipped treats!! I really do love chocolate! We also watched a wonderful show by the one and only Toni Braxton....WOW I wish I could sing like her!! The AHA was able to raise a substantial amount of money tonight, and I found that very exciting!

It was a magical night, and thank you so much the the American Heart Association for inviting me!!

Greater LA Woman of the Year Finale

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Tonight was the culmination of my 9 weeks of fundraising for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Finale was held at the California Science Center- Annenberg Building. It was such a gorgeous venue, and really cool to know that it was built out of completely recycled materials!

During the past nine weeks I collected both live and silent auction items to be auctioned off at the Finale, had an email campaign, and then the Miss California International 2009 Golf Ball Drop. All of these contributed to me surpassing my goal!! Thank you to everyone who donated money, their time, or an item. I honestly can't thank you enough!!

My family, Eddie, Dennis, and Shauna joined me in celebrating not only my fundraising efforts, but the work of the other 14 candidates. Together the 15 of us raised over $173,000 during the past 9 weeks. Congratulations to the 2009 Greater LA Man and Woman of the Year winners.....you are both truly an inspiration!