Miss Oregon Send-Off Party

Miss Oregon Send-Off Party, December 9, 2013 - Eugene - Can't believe I am getting ready to leave for Miss America. It was a very special day filled with family, friends and of course my Miss Oregon Sisters! Thank you to everyone for supporting me throughout this year and over my seven year journey! Miss America 2013 here comes Oregon!

MHRC Toy Drive

MHRC Toy Drive, December 8, 2013, Portland - What an amazing day filled with gift giving to our local children's hospital! Thank you to everyone who came out to support this special event and making this Christmas even more special for the young kids who deserve it the most! 

Annual Rogue Valley Toy Run

Annual Rogue Valley Toy Run, Medford, December 1 -  This was the 32nd Annual Rogue Valley Toy Run where hundreds of motorcycle riders, many who where veterans and the Medford Fire Department made their way through town to deliver toys for children to the Eagles Club.  Any cash funds raised from t-shirt sales, the 50/50 raffle and donations went to the Children's Miracle Network.  All the money and toys collected help families in the Rogue Valley. Thank you to all volunteers, sponsors and those who donated to such a worthy cause!  

Luncheon at Tiffany's

Luncheon at Tiffany's, Eugene, November 14, 2012 - Attended the Annual Luncheon at Tiffany’s where a fantastic lunch was served and a Tiffany's diamond necklace was raffled. This was a wonderful fundraising event with fabulous packages to bid on, heart-warming stories and most importantly it was a chance to make a difference in the lives of local children.  All proceeds benefitted CMN.

Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair Event

Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair Event, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Portland, November 13 - Attended Hiring Our Heroes Career Fair where I spoke to Jan John, Senior Human Resources Director for Kaiser Permanente Northwest (right), about Kaiser Permanente’s veterans’ employment program at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  Organizers said the career fair was one of the largest for veterans in Oregon to date with more than 100 employers and approximately 500 veterans. (Oregon Military Department Photo by Sgt. Cory Grogan).  This was a wonderful event to help returning veterans with employment!

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/image/786948/oregon-holds-career-fair-veterans#.UNOOBo7vPzI#ixzz2FdJMzjsK

Veterans Day Parade Ft. Vancouver & Car Club

November 10, Veterans Day Parade Ft. Vancouver & Car Club in Vancouver, Washington. Attended the 26th annual Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver presented by the Lough Legacy. Each year over 100 units and 2500 people march in this Department of Veterans Affairs officially sanctioned Veterans Day celebration Parade at Fort Vancouver. Special thanks to this community parade for paying tribute to our country's veterans and those currently serving in the military.

Oregon National Guard Open House

Oregon National Guard Open House, Withycombe, November 9 - Visited the Oregon National Guard's Open House at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas.  The event was held at the 41 Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center and coincided with the Veterans Day weekend.  Many kids throughout different schools in Oregon attended.  They were able to learn about the many different wars throughout our history through war experts who spoke on these topics. This was a great event that brought together several groups, including Native American Tribal members, Oregon National Guard Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, veterans groups, area residents and local business leaders.

AM Northwest

November 9 - AM Northwest, Portland - In honor of Veterans' Day, I spoke with Helen Raptis and Dave Anderson at AM Northwest.  This was a great opportunity to meet the wonderful staff at KATU and share my platform, Operation Yellow Ribbon, supporting soldiers and veterans through a televised interview.

Veterans Day Event Molalla

November 9 - Veterans Day Program Event at Molalla Middle School - The annual Veterans Day program at Molalla River Middle School. The ceremony featured students and guest speakers, including Senator Jeff Merkley. Thank you to all that attended and the hard work that was put into this program by the committee and students. This was a great way to honor our veterans!

Medford Oregon "Tip-A-Cop" Event...

 

October 13 - Red Robin "Tip-A-Cop" Event in Medford, Oregon.  The Special Olympics Polar Plunge Bear joined local law enforcement who traded in their handcuffs and badges for aprons and gourmet burgers at the Medford Red Robin restaurant. During the event, Medford Police Department and Jackson County Sherriff’s Deputies collected special tips from restaurant guests to help benefit Special Olympics.  

 

Thank you Special Olympics for changing lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities and a special thanks to the Medford Police Department who have over the past four years been among the top fundraising law enforcement agencies in the state!

Kool Cares and CMN Radiothon at Rogue Valley Regional Center...

 

October 11, 12 and 14 - Asante Rogue Valley Regional Medical Center joined Kool Cares for Kids Radiothon on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.  Miracle families told moving stories of struggle and success, volunteers staffed the phone banks and supporters called in and made pledges to help babies and children treated at Asante Rogue Valley Regional Medical Center. 

We're so grateful for everyone's help. Thanks to everyone who pledged, we raised more than $42,000 in just a few days!

Incight "Hooray for Hollywood" Fundraising Gala Dinner/Auction...

October 6 - Incight's 2012 "Hooray for Hollywood"Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner and Auction Benefit held at the beautiful and urban Pure Space in Portland, Oregon.  Incight is an incredibly inspiring organization that works to connect disabled students to education and employment, providing them with an array of resources and opportunities for growth and success.  Each year, Incight awards up to one hundred scholarships to students with disabilities.
 

Thank you Incight for continuously providing the tools and skills for those with disabilities to become active participants in their communities.

"Day to Live Beautifully" with Angel Hair Foundation...

September 27 - Angel Hair Foundation Event in West Linn, Oregon. The Angel Hair Foundation held a "Day to Live Beautifully" in partnership with still Sit Still Salon for children facing medical challenges and treatment that often results in hair loss.

The amazing staff at Sit Still Salon pampered the kids in a fun filled day of fingernail paints, make-up and hair styles.  I spent a wonderful day with children and teens speaking to them about confidence, strength and the importance of family.

Each child was given a gift basket with styling accessories from many generous supporters and Angel Hair announced a special partnership with Disney on Ice. Family packs and backstage passes were given to each of the girls to attend the opening night of Disney on Ice’s newest show, “Dare to Dream” at the Rose Garden in Portland.

Special thanks to Sit Still Salon and Angel Hair Foundation for their generous love and support.

For more information, including hair donation requirements, visit angelhairfoundation.org.

For tickets to “Dare to Dream,” call 877-789-7073 or visit comcasttix.com.

Habitat for Humanity Event...

September 27 - Joey Harrington Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament and Fundraiser at Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club, Oregon.  This was a great opportunity to support local groups and causes and enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine at the same time!

The Arc's Fabulous Fifties Auction...

 

September 29 - The Arc's Fabulous Fifties Auction, Tigard, Oregon.  This was a great fundraising  auction event held at Washington Square.

The Arc, now known as Imagine Possibilities of Washington County has been instrumental in changing laws, implementing better educational opportunities, creating training programs, and establishing group homes for both children and adults with disabilities.  

Thank you to those who donated to this wonderful event and thank you Arc for all that you do to ensure the care, education and basic human rights for people with disabilities.