Thursday, May 30, 2013

Volunteering at the Cajun & Blues Festival


On May 25th I volunteered at the 23rd Annual Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival. I've been fortunate to attend/volunteer at this event 2 years in a row now, last year as Miss Ventura County Intl. and this year as Miss California Intl... maybe next year I'll be fortunate enough to attend the event as Miss International! Wishful thinking!

The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival is an annual event hosted by the Simi Sunrise Rotary Club to benefit both Cajun heritage and the people of Simi Valley and surrounding areas. All proceeds from the event go to local charities.

I had a wonderful time supporting the rotary and spending the day with my Ventura County sister-queen, Bryana as well as my director, Connie Gushwa of Crowning Glory Productions. 

Guest reader at the Strawberry Festival


Tania, my 'Little', and I were invited to be guest readers at the California Strawberry Festival last weekend. Tania is working very hard to overcome her shyness so I was elated when she agreed to help me read the strawberry-themed book. We practiced in advance and when the day came she seemed excited about the opportunity.  I'm so proud of her for facing her fear of public speaking!!


Love this photo! This is Big Brother Pedro and his Little, and me with my Little.



Saturday, May 18, 2013

President's Circle Guest Speaker




My "Little" princess sporting my crown after the event


I was honored to be invited to be the guest speaker at the Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara's President Circle reception. The event was wonderful! There was a phenomenal group of people in attendance who were beyond gracious and welcoming. Below I've attached an email that I received after the event from the Development and Marketing Co-Chair of Family Service Agency. This email is one of the best compliments that I've ever received. So blessed to have these opportunities.

"Hello Miss California,

I wanted to personally thank you for coming out yesterday and speaking about the passions which move you. You were fantastic! Many folks in attendance were very impressed with your natural commitment to serve, your energy, and the hope you bring to our organization and community.

Please know that we are all behind you cheering for you as you move onto Miss International in July. Let us know what we can do to facilitate your BIG impact. Let's move forward and make things happen!

Again, thanks for your willingness to reengage us. You are an exemplary woman. Know that this Committee and board are behind you all the way. You really impressed the crowd who attended.

A special thanks and hello to your little gem Tania. She is in GREAT hands. "

Tania (my Little)  IS a gem... But I'M the lucky one!

This email that I received from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Director also warmed my heart, I am so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful and life-changing program:

"Thanks again for being our guest speaker and making a wonderful President’s Circle evening. You did a terrific job talking about why you personally give your time mentoring in BBBS and you’re a great spokesperson sharing why BBBS is a worthwhile program."

Lucky girl here.



Thursday, May 2, 2013

Huge thank you to the SB County DSA!

HUGE thank you to the Santa Barbara County Deputy Sheriff's Association (DSA) for their incredibly generous donation toward helping me make my dream of becoming Miss International possible! <3
http://www.sbcdsa.org/index.php

I am so fortunate to be represented by such a wonderful association!