Teen with a Dream

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Last weekend, I attended the Teen with a Dream dinner and silent auction. The organization was started by Spencer Harrison, an 18-year old senior at Ponderosa High School who battled Hodgkin's Lymphoma 3 years ago, in order to provide better support for children fighting cancer. Today, Teen with a Dream provides many services, including awarding high school seniors with college scholorships, "chemo-daycare" bags, and Lazyboy chairs for cancer treatment centers.

with Kathy Sabine of 9 News and Spencer Harrison, Teen with a Dream founder



with Kai Brown, muscial guest
http://www.kaibrownmusic.com/

Media Events for Pure Fashion

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

This morning I was on Fox 31 Good Day Colorado. I spoke about the upcoming Pure Fashion Luncheon and Modesty Fashion Show I'm emceeing this Sunday, May 6th. Pure Fashion is a national, non-profit organization that promotes dignity, confidence and modesty for teenage girls. But more than just showing girls and their parents options in regards to fashion trends, the organization boasts a 4 month program where girls gain public speaking skills, as well as image training in order to lead them to becoming confident young women. This is a much needed organization in our community, encouraging women to be their very best, without falling prey to the latest, provocative trends sported by some celebrities. We, as adult women are faced with this as well. So, what better than an organization that empowers young women early on!!! Below the pictures, I've included a link to the appearance on Denver Channel 9 Morning News (NBC) last week.

with models and Shaul Turner of Fox 31 Good Day Colorado

Foster Care Month Proclamation at State Capitol

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

May is Foster Care Month. Today, I spoke at the Foster Care Rally at the Colorado State Capitol on behalf of Lost and Found, Inc., an organization that provides foster care services for those battling addiction, neglect, and abuse.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to visit the Lost and Found Girls Residential Treatment Center. I spent the afternoon speaking with the girls about dreams, setting goals for themselves, and asking them to have faith and belief that they can overcome the challenges in their lives. It was an eye opening experience for me, learning that many of these young girls had never experienced a family holiday without crisis, neglect and abuse. It was a visit that hooked me on the organization and its vital role in our society.

Today's appearance was about encouraging the public to support foster parents and to continue supporting legislation that allows for funding of their efforts; funding that supports the efforts of amazing organizations like Lost and Found, Inc.


In addition to speaking at the State Capitol, I had the honor of being formally introduced in both the Senate and House of Representative Chambers.

with Senator Moe Keller and Sheri Engstrom (Mrs. Colorado 2004)


speaking at the Foster Care Rally on the west steps of the State Capitol


with other Rally speakers



with Barry Brown, Development Officer at Lost and Found, Inc.

Mrs. America Coronation Party

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

To say that the past few weeks have been a whirlwind, is an understatement! I'm so grateful to David and Elaine Marmel and the entire Mrs. America, Inc. organization, to call myself Mrs. America 2007. Ever since the exciting phone call from Mr. Marmel, congratulating me on my new title and welcoming me to the family, it has been "pageant central" here in Colorado. With the 2007 Mrs. Colorado pageant only weeks away, so much of my time has been prepping for that final phase of my Mrs. Colorado duties, while embrassing and working with Bob Mazza on the upcoming events as Mrs. America.

Thank you to all, especially the Class of 2006 Mrs. America, for all of your well wishes. The outpouring of phone calls and emails has been wonderful.

Thank you to Tricia for being so generous and organizing such a great coronation party last night! It was beautiful! I was honored to have so many family, friends, and sponsors gather Saturday night to celebrate. I will post pictures just as soon as I get them from the photographer.

2007 Denver Metro Go Red For Women Luncheon

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

I had a great time at the annual Go Red For Women Luncheon today. Michelle Earnest, Mrs. Cheyenne Mountain 2007, joined me at the event. Julie Peterson, Mrs. Arvada 2007, was also an attendee. It was very informational, as there were a number of breakout sessions where women could listen to experts speak on topics about women and heart health. Michelle and I were so fortunate to sit at the same table with Colorado's former First Lady, Frances Owens.

Thanks Kevin for taking us to and from the event!
Denver Drivers (www.denverdrivers.com), the official limo sponsor for Mrs. Colorado

with former First Lady of Colorado, Frances Owens




Getting my cholesterol checked




American Business Women's Association

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Thank you to the Longmont Chapter of the ABWA for asking me to speak at their recent meeting. It was a great networking opportunity for me as well, as I was able to speak about the Mrs. Colorado Foundation and raising money for scholarships--something the ABWA already does for local highschool girls.

with Rose Chamberlain, ABWA Event Organizer

Green Tie Gala Benefiting MCPN

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

What a great way to spend St. Patrick's Day! A special thanks to Raeanne Duca at the Royal Image Boutique for providing the perfect evening gown!

For more information about the event and MCPN, visit http://www.blacktiecolorado.com/premiere_events/details.cfm?id=1641.

with 9News Anchor, Bob Kendrick
with "The Bridies," Maire Egan and Brenda Curtin from Michael Flatleys "Lord of the Dance Show"

with MCPN President David Myers


with Scott

2007 Pillars of the Community Gala

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Tonight, Scott and I attended the 2007 Pillars of the Community Gala benefiting the Arapahoe House. Charlie & Judy McNeil were honored for their outstanding philanthropic commitment to the Denver community. Tonight's gala raised over $300,000 for the Arapahoe House. http://arapahoehouse.org/

with Charlie & Judy McNeil

with event organizer, Karen Novotny

with Ms. Senior Colorado 2006

before leaving the hotel (these girls were a riot!)

Hazel Miller at Arvada HS Alumni Fundraiser

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Thanks to the Arvada Alumni Association for inviting me to their annual fundraising event. I had the pleasure of meeting Hazel Miller (http://hazelmiller.com/index.cfm) and talking with her before she started her set. What an amazing voice! She also has a great sense of humor, which is why she has such a tremendous following. John DiTirro, the photographer I met at the Jingle Bell Run earlier in the year, connected me with the event. Thanks John!

laughing with Hazel

with John

Read 2 Kids Day

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

In celebration of NEA's "Read Across America" Day, I spent the morning at the Denver Firefighter's Museum reading stories to children about fire safety. Owen loved playing firefighter for the day, dressing the part and driving the engines.



Great Chefs of the West

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Last night, I attended the Great Chefs of the West Cook Off benefiting the Kidney Foundation. Mrs. Denver County 2007, Jeanine Minary was so kind to join me. We had a great time visiting with committee members and other attendees, as well as meeting some of the chefs and tasting delicacies from Colorado restaurants. For more pictures of the event on Black-Tie Colorado, visit http://www.blacktie-colorado.com/premiere_events/thumbnails.cfm?id=1622


with Dr. Steph Clements of Channel 9 News


with Jeanine and committee members


with Jeanine

Salute to Hospitalized Veteran's

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

I spent Valentine's Day visiting hospitalized veterans at the VA Medical Center in Denver. Just one of the many patients I visited, celebrated her 94th birthday last week. What a joy it was to listen to her stories and others' throughout the day.
with Emmet, my volunteer escort for the day

with Barb, volunteer coordinator





with VA volunteers