VFW State Convention

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Today I attended the VFW Colorado State Convention held in Colorado Springs and had the privilege to address the audience as a guest speaker. I shared my experiences as a military spouse, an Auxiliary member of Post 3917, and my work for the Children of Fallen Soldiers' Relief Fund with many other vets and their families in attendance. Many posts joined us today from across the state and I was grateful to be able to thank our vets personally for their sacrifices. I'm pictured above with my friend Ken Vegoren from Post 3917 in Colorado Springs.

Our Jr. Girls Ladies Auxiliary Members.
Addressing the convention.



National Anthem Project Finale

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

I spent the better part of last week in Washington D. C., attending the final event of the National Anthem Project. Thursday's event at the Washington monument was a sight to see. From where I was standing (on stage with the Oakridge Boys), I experienced one of the most spectacular views...on the monument lawn stood over 5000 children from all over the United States singing the National Anthem. That very moment made every ounce of work put into the project worth it. I had the chance to catch up, even if only briefly, with other titleholders who were in attendance. I think we all signed over 1000 autographs that day!

On Friday, Mrs. Michigan 2007, Laura Loveberry, her husband Mark, my mother-in-law, Marcia and I had the pleasure of taking a private tour around town to many of the national monuments. At each stop, I spent time speaking to folks gathered, listening to the concerts taking place, and taking pictures with people from all of the country and world who were visiting our nation's capitol.

Friday evening, we attended the Marine Barracks Commandant's Reception and Sunset Parade. I had the opportunity to speak with Congressman Poe of Texas and others about the National Anthem Project. The parade was amazing!

I spent Saturday at the DCI Summer Music Season kick-off, presenting awards on the field, announcing the official "Let the 2007 Music Season Begin," and enjoying the show in the skybox with others.

with Dr. Mahlmann, MENC Executive Director

with David and Elaine

with Marines outside the barracks


with Marcia


with Patty (Mrs. Maryland '06), Laura (Mrs. Michigan '07), Danielle (Mrs. Indiana '07)


with Victoria (Mrs. Nevada '06), Christina (Mrs. New Jersey '06), and Patty

with Marcia


speaking about the National Anthem Project


at the WWII Memorial


Stadium Stampede

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

The Stadium Stampede is a community family event featuring a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1K kids fun run, and the Huff & Puff 1K Challenge to raise money for the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. The course for all events goes through the Denver Broncos' INVESCO Field at Mile High and participants can see themselves on Thundervision, the giant video screen. This is the beginning of the 1K kids fun run, and I gave all of our runners some words of encouragement over the loud speaker just before they took off.Pictured above with one of the volunteers who helped out tremendously during the Stadium Stampede.















Pictured with two happy little runners!














Pictured above with two of the huff and puffers that finished the race!

Ft. Carson Army Birthday Ball

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Since its establishment on June 14, 1775 the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our nation. I was proud to be a VIP guest at Ft. Carson's 232nd Army Birthday Ball. I'm pictured above with Major General Robert W. Mixon, Jr., the Commanding General of Division West at Ft. Carson.

Nathan and I enjoyed getting to know our Mayor of Colorado Springs, Lionel Rivera, and his lovely wife Lynn at the Army's birthday party.

Ladies' Nite Out

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

I was honored to be a guest at the first annual Ladies Nite Out in Colorado Springs at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, June 14, 2007. Ladies Nite Out offers women an evening of discovery, learning, and just plain fun. Myself and many other ladies enjoyed a gala evening of entertainment, food, products and services especially geared for today's woman. I'm pictured above with Bobby from Sensational Sounds DJ Service.



Michiele Stapleton, Mrs. Colorado Springs 2007, also joined me in the fun. We're pictured with Corey from Sensational Sounds.

Corinne Wymann-Solano, President and Designer from Aleks Pret-a-Porter, Inc., asked me to wear one of her custom designed necklaces during the night to show off her work.

Corey from Sensational Sounds thought it might be fun to trade hats for a while! I decided I liked mine better and made him give it back :)

Media at Miss Nebraska Pageant

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

I joined Jennifer Bradley, Mrs. Nebraska 2006 at the Miss Nebraska Pageant on Saturday, June 9th. We met with local papers and television media to talk about our "Mrs" pageant experience and to promote upcoming events such as the final National Anthem Project celebration in D.C. and the 2007 Mrs. Nebraska Pageant June 30th.

Sunday, June 10th North Platte Telegraph article http://www.nptelegraph.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18454793&BRD=377&PAG=461&dept_id=602468&rfi=6
Tuesday, June 12th North Platte Telegraph article about the National Anthem Project


with Mrs. Nebraska group



with Ashley Bauer, Miss Nebraska 2007

Colorado State H.O.G. Rally

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·


Each year the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) holds their state rally for their members to get together and have fun riding while showing off their bikes. As a Harley rider myself, I enjoyed handing out awards at their awards ceremony this past Saturday night in Colorado Springs. I'm pictured above with my bodyguards for the night, which would be my husband Nathan, and our friends Jerry and Sam.

Pictured above with Regional Manager, John Schmidt, from the Harley-Davidson Corporation.


Le Vian in Las Vegas

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

Jewelers from all over the world took part in the JCK event last week, so I traveled to Las Vegas on behalf of Le Vian. Saturday night, I caught up with Diane Tucker, Mrs. World 2007, Victoria Broz, Mrs. Nevada 2006, and her friend Kelly. I still can't get over the incredible food we enjoyed at Strip Steak!

During the Le Vian Fashion Show, I interviewed participants, buyers and friends of Le Vian on the "Red Carpet," live on Le Vian Television. This year's Le Vian event showcased the new chocolate diamonds, which I had the privilege of also modeling. Diane, Julie Love-Templeton, Mrs. America 2005 and I also wore designer gowns from Junko Yoshioka. I joined Eddie Le Vian at the Jewelers for Children benefit dinner in the evening at the Bellagio, spending time talking with Le Vian, COO Vin Vajjhala and others.

with Eddie Le Vian

with fashion designer, Junko Yoshioka


with Kelly, Victoria and Diane


with Diane


with Julie after make up and hair

Gov. Ritter Signs Senate Bill 146

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·


Pictured above with Sen. John Morse who initiated Senate Bill 146, which establishes a pilot program in the Pikes Peak region to offer low-cost mental health services to family members of recently discharged veterans. Veterans can receive such care through the Veterans Administration, but their families cannot. This bill allows families, for a $20 co-pay, to tap into services paid for through a special $300,000 fund.

Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter came to the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs to sign four bills that were all of interest to the military community. The bills signed today will help service members and families who have endured the Iraq and Afghanistan war.

Military Appreciation Night

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

In honor of the Memorial Day Weekend, I was asked to be a part of the military appreciation festivities during the Colorado Rapids game. I spent time before the game signing "Thumper"--the C2C (Columbine to Canyon) official motorcycle. C2C is a non-profit group that organizes rides throughout Colorado and now the United States in order to raise money for school safety awareness programs (founded originally for the families of Columbine) and most recently to support our US Troops. To see who else has signed the bike, visit http://www.c2cride.org/ .



St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Radiothon

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

KCCY 96.9 FM and St. Jude Children's Hospital teamed up and invited me to help raise money for their 1st Annual Radiothon in Southern Colorado. We raised $105,000 in only two days!


I had the privilege of being a guest speaker on air encouraging listeners to call in and pledge to become a Partner in Hope. I also answered the phones as "Hello, this is Mrs. Colorado, thank you for calling...".

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility anywhere. Discoveries made there have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is where some of today’s most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly; where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients; and where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay.

Media Day for Mrs. Colorado 2007

Mrs. Colorado 2009 ·

My duties officially began this past Monday and I had the best time riding around Denver from appearance to appearance in my courtesy limo provided by Kevin Trizna of Colorado Car and Limousine (official limousine service for Mrs. Colorado) with Marney Duckworth, Mrs. America 2007, and our state director Tricia Dampier. What a great way to kick off my year as Mrs. Colorado 2007. I am really looking forward to all of the endless opportunities I will have this year, and most importantly volunteering with great organizations such as the Veterans Hospital and bringing awareness to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.

Tiffany Sawyer
Mrs. Colorado 2007

KOSI 101 with Denise and Murphy

on air at KOOL 105


taking pictures at Red Rocks in between appearances



Denver's Channel 7 (ABC) with Bertha Lynn and Jim Hooley

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.