Ella Blue Fashion Show for Families First

I had such a great time being part of the Ella Blue Fashion show. Pictured here with boutique owner and friend Kim. A percentage of all of sales for the evening went to the charity, Families First.

Ella Blue has GREAT clothes, accessories, and pampering products.

Families First is a charity to help rehabilitate children and families who have been abused. The event was a big success and brought awareness to this great charity.

Queen For A Day!

Patrice Williams Miss Colorado USA, Taylor Schettler Miss Colorado Teen USA and myself Mrs. Colorado all came together to support a great cause . . . Queen For A Day.

The event is at Children's Hospital and it is a time for some of the patients to get pampered like princesses! The girls get to enjoy make overs by the Colorado Queens and other princess volunteers. The girls get their make-up done, nails painted and even their own crown! The boys get to enjoy meeting the Police Cadets and their mascot, McGruff.

The kids are SO grateful and it is always so amazing to see these kids smile!

Police mascot, McGruff. I knew I had made it big when I did an appearance with McGruff!

I have been his biggest fan since I was a kid!

Traci Tate coordinated this great event and I was SO honored to be a part of it! Job well done Traci . . . the event was a huge success!

Taylor and I could not pass on a photo op with McGruff and the police cadets that were also there to make the day extra special for the kids!

The little girls just LOVED getting pampered by princesses all day!

She is ready for her "royal ball". What a brave and beautiful princess!

This beauty did not need a make over but she DID deserve some pampering!

Her and her sister after their "queen pampering". She is such a fighter and SO humble! It was so great to be able to take her mind off of her hospital stay.

Of course the best part of going to the hospital is going to visit patients in their rooms. They are always SO brave and SO inspiring.

It is always so great to see the smile on the kid's face when I pop in for a surprise visit!

Queens finishing up after a great day at Children's Hospital!

The Zarlengo Foundation Ball

Henry Winkler (aka, The Fonz) . . . producer, actor, writer and motivational speaker was the special guest of the evening.

The Zarlengo Foundation benefits the Havern Center, a school for children with learning disabilities. These group of people help fund these educational programs and have gone above and beyond to bring awareness to children with learning disabilities.

Henry Winkler has been a HUGE success despite growing up with learning disabilities himself. He was so inspiring and I was so honored to be a part of this great event.

I modeled a 7 karat diamond bracelet that was donated by one of the board members. The bracelet was worth over $9000. The raffle for the bracelet raised quite a bit of money for the Havern Center.

A special THANK YOU to the Zarlengo family and all of the attendees that help raise money for such a great cause!

My handsome date, my husband John. (Notice, I'm discreetly showing off that diamond bracelet to him! I convinced him to buy LOTS of those raffle tickets!)

Winner of the 7 Karat diamond bracelet! He had to pry it out of my hands!!

Congratulations!!

Anna Marie Zarlengo, Board of Director member and event coordinator.

Enjoying the evening with fellow guests.

Mrs. Colorado Book Cover Photo Shoot

On Oct. 30th I had GREAT fun shooting the cover for the 2009 Mrs. Colorado book. I can't wait to see it! It is a Mrs. Colorado tradition that the cover of the book be kept a surprise until pageant weekend. How exciting . . . but the suspense is killing me!

Official Mrs. Colorado photographer, Meagon Anderson with Graphique Fine Art Photography, is wonderful to work with.

Also there at the shoot was Colorado acting director Emily Stark, Updo-ologist D.J. McDermott and Make-up by Kari, Kari Kisch.

A BIG thank you to the whole gang for making the day so fun!

Mapleton Education Foundation Gala

With the Mayor of Thorton, Erik Hansen.

I was honored to be able to attend and support the Mapleton Education Foundation Gala. This foundation has enabled the schools in this district to offer the children wonderful programs such as the arts program, bus transportation, free lunches for the children and much more.

Rebecca Cavanaugh-Miller and Carol Beckler are city of Thorton council members who are huge supporters of the foundation.

What a surprise to sit next to Carol Beckler who was the director of Mrs. Colorado over 17 years ago! She was Tricia Dampier's (my director) director when she was the reining Mrs. Colorado.

Photographer for "Black Tie Colorado" has been photographing Mrs. Colorado queens for several years around town at Black Tie fund-raisers. I was able to turn the camera on him for a change!

Just before dinner and the live auction.

My date for the night, Raeanne Duca, with the Royal Image Boutique. Raeanne supplied my beautiful dress and jewelry for the event.

Royal Tea at the Brown Palace

It was honor to be able to support and be part of the "Royalty Team" of the Cancer League of Colorado at their Royal Tea event. Pictured here with chair woman of the Foundation and the head of the Tea Committee.

This is a fundraising group dedicated to the eradication or control of cancer. It has raised millions of dollars to support cancer research, patient care and family programs in Colorado.

There was a "princess" there who was also part of the "royal team".

Boo at the Zoo

I had great fun passing out candy to over 20,000 attendees to the Boo at the Zoo event. I was there supporting the American Heart Association and promoting the Go Red for Women Movement to fight heart disease.

Best costume of the day!

Miss Poland International was there to take over my shift. It is always nice to bump into fellow title holders especially when we are supporting the same cause.

25th Anniversary Make A Wish Gala . . .

What an honor it was to be a part of the 25th Anniversary of the Make A Wish Gala. Pictured here with the founder and CEO, Joan Mazak. Make A Wish has granted 3000 wishes in Colorado for children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich them and their families with hope, strength and joy.

I was able to give my support that night by modeling and selling raffle tickets for a beautiful baby pearl necklace and by assisting in the live auction.

What a night to remember!

The stunning Miss Kennedy! Kennedy is an up and coming artist. Her wish was granted when she traveled to Paris to see the original Mona Lisa. She also was able to visit and photograph the garden of Monet'. This is one of her original paintings from one of her photos from Monet's garden. It was an auction item and well . . . I aggressively outbid everyone there! I wanted this painting to always remember Kennedy and all of the Make A Wish kids.

The beautiful Miss Austen. She not only is a "Make A Wish Kid" but she was one of the great entertainers of the night. She sang the most beautiful version of Rainbow Connection from the Muppets . . . she brought the crowd to their feet! AND, she loves to bake! A dozen of her home baked cookies went for over $100. Her wish is to meet Rachel Ray. I have a feeling her wish will come true . . . thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation!

I had such a great time mingling with the crowd and selling raffle tickets for this beautiful baby pearl necklace, donated by Hyde Park. The raffle alone raised over $2000.

MISS COLORADO & MISS TEEN COLORADO PAGEANT

Congratulations to the new Miss Colorado USA, Patrice Williams!! Good Luck at Miss USA in April of 2009!!!

Congratulations to the new Miss Teen Colorado USA, Taylor Schettler!! Good Luck at Miss Teen USA in August of 2009.

I had the honor to help out the staff of Future Productions again this year. I was able to spend the weekend with all of the contestants. What great fun! On final night I enjoyed greeting all of the guests before the show. What a great time!

With the 2008 queens on the last night of their reign. Miss Colorado Teen USA, Daniel and Miss Colorado USA, Becky Hughes. I was there last year the night they were both crowned and even got to go to Vegas and watch Becky compete for the title of Miss USA. Congratulations ladies on a great year!

One of the Teen contestants was having the staff and contestants sign an official Miss Colorado USA shirt for her friend who is in the hospital fighting cancer.


I was SO proud of ALL of the beautiful ladies that competed for the title of Miss Colorado USA!


More beautiful ladies . . .

. . . and MORE beautiful ladies!

Having some girl time with my gal pal, Diane, before the show.

Getting ready for showtime with my fellow chaperones for the Miss Colorado contestants, Darlene and Diane.

Rick Cruz, father of our home state girl, Hilary Cruz Miss Teen USA 2008. It was so fun getting the update on her acting career in New York. He is a very proud papa . . . as he SHOULD be!

Future Productions is a huge supporter of the "Best Buddies" organization. I was honored to have my picture with a couple of the gentlemen from Best Buddies that escorted contestants during evening gown.

Colorado Pain & Rehab Charity Golf Tournament

My husband's group, Colorado Pain & Rehab, hosted a charity golf tournament. All proceeds went to two different charities, the American Heart Association and Mount St. Vincent Children's Home.

Of course, as an ambassador, I'm always supporting the American Heart Association and I have been a volunteer and raised money for Mount St. Vincent Children's Home for the past several years.

I was so honored to be there to show my support and appreciation to the golfers and to give out all of the prizes at the end of the game. The event was a huge success with over 50 golfers and over 15 sponsors. Thank you!!

The golfers were ready to T-off!

A special thank you to ALL of the CPR staff who worked so hard to make this event possible and such a big success.

The Summit Medical Center Dancing With the Mountain Stars Gala

After taking a few weeks off after returning from Mrs. America, I was SO excited to dive back into what I love . . . being Mrs. Colorado. I have an exciting 8 months ahead of me and I look forward to all of the great opportunities.

I was honored to be a special guest and keynote speaker at the Summit Medical Center Dancing With the Mountain Stars Gala in Keystone, Colorado.

The black-tie event was a huge success with over 400 attendees. NINE professional dancers were brought in from L.A. to dance different dance styles with local "Summit Medical Center Supporters" or as we like to call them . . . celebrities. The amateur dancers trained for several months to put on a great show! They ALL were amazing!

All proceeds went toward equipment for the cardio-vascular lab. This equipment is key for the today's technology in preventing and detecting cardiac disease. The hospital has been there just over 3 years and has grown to be one of the main medical facilities in the mountain areas.

The goal was to raise $100,000 toward the foundation's $250,000 goal (which is half the cost of the machine).

I am always honored to share my story of the wife of a heart attack survivor, mother of two, Mrs. Colorado and an American Heart Association Ambassador.

Head of the Summit Medical Center Health Foundation, Deb Edwards. She coordinated the event and it was amazing!! I was honored to be there!

Paul Chodkowski, the CEO of the Summit Medical Center. Congratulations on a successful event and thank you for having me!

The Dancing With the Stars winner, Kelly Renoux!! She did an amazing dance to "Singing in the Rain". Fred & Ginger would have been proud! She is a Benefits/Compensation Manager for Copper Mountain and Winter Park Resorts.

Congratulations to the "People's Choice" winner. She did an amazing version of the Charleston! She is a nurse by day but she was a "show stopper" that night!

During the professional dancers finale. They were amazing!

My handsome date . . . my husband John.

Raeanne Duca, owner of the Royal Image Boutique, donated over $400 for the event. She provided the wardrobe for the fashion show a few months ago in Breckenridge.

Miss Wyoming and Miss Teen Wyoming USA

Of course my first photo HAD to be with my Mrs. America 2008 alumni, Mrs. Wyoming Michelle Woodard. She was an official judge for the Miss Wyoming & Miss Teen Wyoming competition.

I have had a blast over the past couple of years being part of the crew of Future Productions, the production company and state directors for 6 states for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. This year was a bonus to also be a part of it as Mrs. Colorado.

The 2009 queens are . . . Miss Wyoming Teen USA, Amy David and Miss Wyoming USA, Cynthia Pate. Congratulations ladies and GOOD LUCK at Miss USA & Miss Teen USA.

Myself with the 2008 Wyoming queens. Cassie Shore, Miss WY USA 2008 and Callie Bishop, Miss WY Teen USA 2008.

I was there last year the night these ladies won and was there this year to watch them give their farewells. Good luck with your future endeavors ladies! You are FABULOUS!

The official Future Productions photographer, Mike Solberg, never gets HIS picture taken. I couldn't resist turning the camera on him.

I, of course, had to take some time to stop by and do some shopping at the booth set up by the Royal Image Boutique, one of the official sponsors.

A reminder of why I'm inspired!!

This is my beautiful daughter, Lila Christine. She is 5 years old and my princess!

Just a reminder, if you scroll down my blog photos you will see a picture of me in Tucson during the Mrs. America group pool shot in a red swimsuit and this red hat.

My daughter just loves this hat! She came in the other day in this outfit and said, "Mommy, I'm Mrs. Colorado!" Awww, every mother hopes their daughters want to be like them!

This journey as Mrs. Colorado has NOT been about being a "beauty queen" but about being motivated to do something that I am passionate about and about never giving up! My daughter has witnessed that and as learned so much from it.

After Mrs. America, she asked me if I was sad that I didn't win?? Before I could even answer her, she added, "Because you shouldn't be mommy, you did your best and that is all that matters. And, I still think you are the best mommy ever!"

Okay, enough said! That has made my year as Mrs. Colorado ALL worth while!

Competition photos from Tucson!

Mrs. America was an unforgettable experience. I walked away with 50 new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Even though the night was bitter sweet because that was in deed the last time I competed ; I have no regrets and felt honored to end my pageant career as Mrs. Colorado 2008. A special thank you to Tricia Dampier, my state director for making this opportunity possible.

During collective judging of preliminary gown competition.

During the finale on final night of the Mrs. America 2009 competition. What an experience that was!

During the preliminary swimsuit competition. I was in the best shape of my life, thanks to my trainer Ray Kahn from Kick-fit Sports.

During the traditional Mrs. America state Costume competition. I placed top 10 in state costume. It was the Colorado mountain sunset. My costume was inspired by a photo of the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado during sunset.

The delegates had a blast taking a tour of Tucson. We shopped, of course stopped for Starbucks and ended the night with dinner and dancing!

Wow, it has been like Christmas everyday since I returned from Tucson! All 51 contestants had a gift exchange over pageant week. Goodies ranged from jewelry, beauty products, candy and even some great books. I received so much stuff, I have been opening goodies since I got home. Thanks again Mrs. America class of 08'!
Miss you ladies!

New Mrs. Colorado Foundation Website!

The Mrs. Colorado Foundation is proud to announce the launch of it's new website!

• Read about the foundation and how it started
• Learn about our scholarship program and past recipients
• Follow our blog for news and events throughout the year
• Help us spread the word and consider donating today!

The Mrs. Colorado Foundation was started by women to support women. Visit our website and learn more about how you can get involved!

Click here to visit our website http://mrscofoundation.org/

Pictures from Tucson . . .

Whew!! What a whirlwind the past couple of months have been. I spent most of my summer preparing for Mrs. America then spent 10 days in Tucson having the time of my life. The final outcome was not what I had hoped for but at the end of it all, a kiss from my husband reminded me of what I am most proud of . . . being Mrs. Sacha!!

I was honored with an ad page award and was a top ten finalist in state costume.

Feel free to check out some competition pictures on the photographer's website at http://www.printroom.com/event.asp?domain_name=dsphotography&group_id=210&utm_source=campaigner.com&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=mrs.America&utm_campaign=mrs%2BAmerica

click on any gallery then you can "select a different gallery" and scroll down to Mrs. Colorado to see some prelim pics. Enjoy!

After competition I was able to capture a photo with Mrs. World 2008, Diane Tucker and Mrs. America 2008, Kelly McBee. Hmmmm, if only I were a foot taller!! L.O.L.

Myself with Andrea Pruess, Mrs. America 2006. It was such a pleasure to meet her! Who would have thought she was one of MY fans! LOVE HER!

Me with my Colorado gal pals.
And a big fat thank you to ALL of my family and friends who made the trip to cheer me on! I had an awesome cheering section! LOVE YOU!

My biggest fan . . . my husband, John!


Amy Nugent, owner of Crown Chic Boutique.
Thanks for all the great goodies!


A quick glimpse at state costume. I was the Mountain Sunset.


Getting ready for swimsuit competition.


Me & my roomie, Mrs. Nebraska Andrea Stine.
Congrats on a top 6 finish!!

A day at rehearsals.

Mrs. Missouri, our Mrs. Congeniality . . . well deserved!!

Mrs. Georgia was just stunning!

One of my favorites . . . Mrs. California. We dubbed ourselves as CALI & CO! Our hubbies even became buddies! Look forward to visiting her in Cali soon!

My group just before interview.

Delaware, Connecticut, DC,Florida and Me.

Ready for interview! Thanks to Make-up by Kari and D.J. from Timothy D's Salon. Thanks for making the trip to Tucson, I couldn't have done it without you!

Head coordinator, Bechevez, and myself could not resist the fuzzy bunny slippers during rehearsals!

My roomie and I before the National Anthem Project seminar.

We all got new Scala hats before a tour of Tucson and a night out to dinner.

Me & my roomie before loading the bus.

Yee haw! Michigan and Louisiana ready for Tucson!

Ready for some shopping!

Another day of rehearsals. Friends that will last a lifetime!

More beautiful gals!

Me & Mrs. CA had lots of laughs!

Just before the traditional group pool shot. It was a 5:45 a.m. shoot. But it was so much fun!

The hats were a gift and part of the pool shot, I loved it!

Myself with Mrs. Minnesota at the dinner hosted by the G.M of the Hotel. We all presented him with gifts representing our states. We had lots of fun dressing up.

It was a night for great picture taking.

More beautiful ladies at the dinner.

The national director, David Marmel, hosted a beautiful cocktail party in his suite for all 51 contestants. We enjoyed getting treated like Queens!

Mrs. Illinois and I competed together 15 years ago at Miss Illinois USA!! Here we are again! I gotta love my home state girl!!

Mrs. Tennessee was a true Elvis fan! Loved chatting with her!

I hadn't seen Mrs. Wyoming since she was crowned in June. Great to see a familiar face!

More beautiful ladies!

Bechevez is the head pageant coordinator. She was Mrs. Isreal over 10 years ago.

Heading off to David's cocktail party.

Myself with Mrs. Idaho at Orientation. This was the first time I got to meet all the beautiful delegates. What fun!

I couldn't pass up getting lots of pictures of the class of 2008!

Vermont, Rhode Island, Nevada and Michigan.

More pics of the 2008 class.

Wyoming, Iowa, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Arkansas, Alabama, Connecticut, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Nevada.

New Mexico, Colorado, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming.

Myself with my roomie, Mrs. Nebraska, anxiously waiting to meet the rest of the ladies.

Ready for Orientation. So excited!

I got to meet just a few ladies while registering and picking up my "official Mrs. America banner".

Massachusettes, myself, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and Kentucky.

Me and Nebraska at our first official Mrs. America event. . . registration.

John and I at the airport before I head out to Tucson. We were apart for 6 days before he made it out. The longest we have been apart! Missed him so much!

Getting ready to get on the plane. I made it with only 4 suitcases . . . not bad!

My Send Off Party . . .

State Director, Tricia Dampier hosted a send off party for me just two days before I left for Mrs. America. I think she has captured the title "hostess with the mostess"! I had the time of my life getting advice from 12 former Mrs. Colorados and LOTS of goodies that were fit for a queen!!
Goodies . . .

more goodies . . .

and more goodies!!!

I loved ALL my goodies! Here I was surprised by a one of a kind B. David crown pin from Janet Horvath, Mrs. Colorado 1992.

Thank you SOOOO much ladies for everything! The sisterhood that I am now part of is the best prize of all!!!!!

107.1 Appearance

Before leaving for Tucson, Marney Duckworth Mrs. America 2006 and I were invited to be guests on the 107.1 Daven & Ana morning show. We were able to promote the Mrs. Colorado pageant and my send off to Mrs. America. We had so much fun! We covered a little of everything.

Marney has the "gift of gab"!

We make a great team!!

Thanks for having me 107.1, I had a blast!

The whole gang after a great morning show!

No gal can resist the crown!

Ana . . . the Diva of Radio!

Daven in action!

Off to Tucson!!!

It is 2:00 a.m. and I just finished packing! Three very large, over- weight suitcases later . . . I finally have the time to take a deep breath and say, "OMG, I'm going to Mrs. America!"

My flight is early in the morning so I am hoping to get at least a few hours of sleep (But I'm too excited! I feel like I'm going to Disney World!)

I have had a "crazy" couple of weeks to say the least! Finalizing my gown and state costume and getting everything at home ready for "mommy" to be gone for 10 days, has been a bit hectic.

Marney (Mrs. America 2007) and I had GREAT fun Friday morning on 107.1 radio with hosts, Daven and Ana. Then I finished the evening attending my "send-off" party hosted by state director, Tricia Dampier. (I will post pictures when I return from Tucson). One of the best times of my life. It was soooo awesome to hear all of the words of encouragement from the former queens. I got fabulous goodies to get me ready for Mrs. America. Thank you ladies! I love you!

I probably will not be "blogging" while I'm in Tucson because I'm going to try and absorb every last minute of this experience.

But I promise to have lots of fun pictures and stories when I return!

THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me throughout this experience and I truly cherish all of your support!

No matter the outcome next week, I am soooo honored to go to Tucson as Mrs. Colorado!!

National American Miss Pageant

Myself with the National American Miss Jr. Teen 2007 queen, Taylor Schettler. I attended the event and enjoyed watching all of the queens crown their successors.

Taylor crowning the new National American Miss Junior Teen Queen.

Myself with the National American Miss Colorado Teen 2007. She is just as sweet as she is gorgeous!