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!

Miss California International 2009's Golf Ball Drop

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photos provided by: John B. Mueller Photography (Thanks John!!)

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day in Ventura County...so much better than the 38 mph winds we had on the original drop day! This was my first time in a helicopter, so I was excited to see the city from a higher viewpoint. Although it's hard to see me in the photos, I am in the front end of the helicopter! We dropped 375 golf balls onto the golf course, so it definitely looked like a waterfall of golf balls. Although I was bummed we had to wait a week, it was definitely worth it.

Thank you so much to the Optimist Club of Simi Valley for their support and efforts. Also a huge thank you to River Ridge Golf Club for providing a stunning venue, and thanks to Aspen Helicopters for making sure it was a safe trip for me :) Thank you to AAA Club for their wonderful prize donations, they were wonderful. Thank you to John B. Mueller Photography for getting such amazing shots of my event. I'd also like to thank everyone who purchased golf balls to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through my Woman of the Year Campaign. Each of you participated in helping to find a cure for blood cancers...and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Golf Ball Drop Update!!

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(photos by John B. Mueller Photography)
So today was supposed to be Miss California International 2009's Golf Ball Drop, benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Mother nature had a different plan! Although the forecast said possible showers, it was a beautifully sunny day....despite the massive wind storms! Needless to say the helicopter pilot did not think it was safe to go up, which I was thankful for since I didn't want my first time to be my last!!! We did get some fun pictures today though, so I thought I'd share them.

The Golf Ball Drop has been rescheduled for March 31st, with guests arriving at 2 pm and the drop at 3 pm. This means it's not too late to purchase a $20 golf ball, and support LLS! The grand prize is a 3 or 4 day Mexican Riviera cruise, with other prizes such as the rental and 300 miles of a 32' RV, weekend stay at Apple Farms in San Luis Obispo, and a weekend stay at a resort in Cancun....and of course a chance of winning $25,000!!!!

Ventura County International 2010 Pageant

Congratulations to Shauna Libby, Miss Ventura County International 2010 and Sejal Thaker, Miss Teen Ventura County International 2010!!

I had a wonderful time at the pageant, and getting to know all of the contestants. It was exciting to have so many first time competitors, and I know Crowning Glory Productions will have a great year not only with Shauna and Sejal, but with their at-large contestants as well! Congratulations to everyone...you were fantastic!

Jiffy Lube promotional event

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Well today was a windy day here in Ventura County! Despite the wind, we managed to make a difference by promoting women's heart health. I was invited by Go Red For Women to attend the Jiffy Lube event, which was raising money for Go Red! Jiffy Lubes across the USA have pledged to raise $1.5 million dollars to support heart disease awareness and prevention through Go Red For Women. This event in particular gave discounted oil changes....which of course I took part in!!! Thank you so much to Jiffy Lube, and Go Red For Women for asking me to be a part of this event. I really enjoyed myself!

Moorpark Rotary

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Today I was invited to be the program speaker at the Moorpark Rotary Club. Moorpark is actually where I grew up, and they have been instrumental in my success over the years. I am actually an Honorary Rotarian in Moorpark!

It was wonderful to catch up with the Rotarians, and fill them in on what an exciting year I've been having as Miss California International. Thank you so much for having me as the speaker!!

Go Red For Women Luncheon

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Today was the Los Angeles Go Red For Women Luncheon held at the downtown LA Marriott. I arrived well before the lunch to help in any way I could, and was able to take advantage of the workshops prior to the lunch! I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting the National Director of Go Red For Women, Stephanie Wilson. I also enjoyed seeing some friendly faces. Today was truly inspiring to hear so many women's stories of heart disease, struggle, and how that shaped their lives today. Thank you to Go Red For Women for having me!
http://www.goredforwomen.org/