Prestera Center's Recovery Walk

I had the opportunity to be a part of the Prestera Center's first annual Recovery Walk in Ritter Park on 9/27/08. The walk was dedicated to a young 21 year old named Tara Rose who lost her life to a drug overdose last year. Awareness was made about recovery and money was raised to aid with that cause. I was happy to be a part of my company's fight against addiction and to help raise awareness in my community.

Try On for the Cure Event

On September 21st Coldwater Creek in the Charleston Town Center had a Try on for the Cure event. For every person who tried on clothing Coldwater Creek donated $1 to Komen. Plus, 10% of all the sales that day went to Komen for the Cure as well!! What a wonderful way to spread the message and have a great time.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Board Retreat

I had the opportunity, right after I came home from Mrs. America, to go on a two day trip to Stonewall Resort for a Susan G. Komen for the Cure board retreat on September 5-6. We were able to discuss many important issues and also create ways to spread awareness across the state. This year I will be helping spread the message as Mrs. West Virginia and could not be more excited!!

Mrs. America

Monday 8/25/08 I arrived in Tucson today headed towards the beautiful Loews Ventana Canyon Resort to start my time at Mrs. America. When I arrived I met up with Mrs Kentucky, Ra'Tonya, and had lunch. After lunch I checked into my room and started to unpack. I had a 7pm Orientation Dinner to get ready for! We had dinner in the Ventana Room and I wore a gown provided by The Wedding Center in Lexington, Ky, and I felt like a true queen.

Tuesday 8/26/08 Breakfast was at 7am and morning rehearsal started at 9:30am. We received our opening number dresses and shoes today. After rehearsal we went to get ready for our dinner in the Presidential Suite with Mr. Marmel and the Mrs. America staff. We were given Vera Bradley bags and I had a wonderful time meeting all the contestants.

Wednesday 8/27/08 Breakfast was at 7am with rehearsal right after. We received our red Carol Wior swimsuits for the show. Tonight we had dinner and presented the President of Loews with gifts of appreciation. I wore another beautiful gown from The Wedding Center in Lexington, Ky. Thank you Deata and staff for your help and support!!!

Thursday 8/28/08 We had a 6am swimsuit photoshoot poolside this morning. Then we headed to breakfast at 7am and had morning rehearsal. Instead of rehearsing this evening, we went on a bus tour of Tuscon. We went shopping at the local mall which was amazing and had dinner at a great Mexican restaurant. We received our pink cowgirl hats and made memories to last a lifetime!!

Friday 8/29/08 Breakfast was at 6:30am this morning because of a scheduled seminar. We met with MENC: The National Association for Music Education. After our seminar we headed to rehearsal. Tonight was a free night so I stayed in and ordered a pizza!!

Saturday 8/30/08 Breakfast was at 7am and then it was off to prepare for interview. Interviews lasted all day and then it was time to rehearse for Prelims which are tomorrow! We had a really late night and I am exhausted...

Sunday 8/31/08 Started the day with breakfast with the ladies and rehearsal in the morning. We had time in the afternoon to prepare and get ready for Prelim competition which was at 7pm. I wore a gown provided by Miss Priss in Lexington, Ky. Thank you Elizabeth and your staff for helping me look amazing! I wore an angel costume to represent Almost Heaven--West Virginia.

Monday 9/1/08 Breakfast was early at 6:30am and then it was off to the Univera seminar. We learned about Univera products and the benefits to our health. The off to rehearsal for the rest of day and night. Another long night, but well worth the hard work.

Tuesday 9/2/08 It is Showtime! I have had an unforgettable time at Mrs. America. We had rehearsals all morning and then it was off to get ready for the big show. We did our opening number, presented gifts to the mayor, represented our state in the Parade of Costumes, competed in swimsuit, and evening gown. It was truly an amazing show and what a wonderful time! I left Arizona with 50 new friends and amazing memories that will last forever.