FAME!

http://www.generationfame.com/

I had a great weekend at Six Flags getting to be a part of the FAME talent search Sunday. I was originally asked to judge, then asked to appear as a special guest and hand out the "Big Award" at the end instead. Thankful that changed, because these talented acts were unbelievable! I would never have just picked one winner!

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/info/FAME_contestwinner.aspx

I also got to meet and hang out with the new group V-Factory...I think I am now officially into boy bands...they were incredibly talented and I am sure there will be huge things to come for them! It was funny, because one of the guys, Wesley, was actually gunning for me to try to work it out to have them be the talent entertainment for Mrs. America...sorry dude, but I don't have that kind of clout...I wish though, because they would be amazing! So Mrs. America Family, if you're listening, watching, what have you, V-Factory would love to be part of the Mrs. America Production, and I think audiences would love it! ;)

(Note: I have a soft spot for Jared, who chivalrously wanted to give up part of his wardrobe to keep me warm back stage, but they had to get onstage quicker than they thought, so I had to give his jacket back. Still, that couple minutes to defrost was a gift all it's own...his mom brought him up well! :) )

http://www.vfactorymusic.com/ (feel free to get up and dance!)

Special thanks to Brooke Gabbert of Six Flags, who was kind enough to think of me and invite me to the event, for checking in to make sure I was taken care of, and for the AWESOME golf cart escort! She works harder than anyone I know!!! To Carol out in Santa Monica, CA, for a terrific script, a perfect show, and all her kindness to me. To AJ, you rock the production stage like no other, and I am so impressed with your calm demeanor to make everyone feel like they were a star. To the stage hands and crew, thank you for treating EVERYONE so well. Six Flags Great America is impressive in itself, and the people who work there are the foundation of that success. You guys are incredible. Thank you for your support of me as well.

So I give you some shots of the event, and V-Factory!

A very special thank you and photo credit to Jason Pawlowski, for yet again, another great bunch of shots, and for his time and help. I am grateful beyond words!

PS - be sure to watch FAME in theaters September 25th - Asher, one of the guys of V-Factory, stars in the movie as well! :)

More Rotary Photos and Info

I mentioned how service is so huge with the Rotarians, and love their theme of "Service Above Self"

They have what's called a Four Way Test that I thought I'd share, because I think there is a great deal of merit to it.

First...Is it Truth?

Second...Is it Fair to all Concerned?

Third...Will it build GOOD WILL and better Friendships?

Fourth...Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

http://www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/Home/homeG.asp?cid=2404

Thoughts to think on. So I leave you with a favorite verse of mine that I think goes well with this, and thank these wonderful servants of the community once again.

Philippians 4:8"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

More photos, one with Mr. Dom Re, which I have to thank for being so concerned about making sure I knew what was going on the whole time and explaining everything about Rotary...I see why he was president!!!

(Oh - the photo of me laughing is because we had a gentleman in the audience that wanted to have his own pageant to be King...Chelsea said we'd work with him...hehehe...put down chocolate!!!)

Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates

Friday was spent at Poplar Creek Country Club as a co-guest speaker with Chelsea Fahey, current Miss Cook County of the Miss Illinois America Program (ah, memories), for the Rotary Club of Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates.

We were treated to a delicious lunch, good company, and got to see what Rotary is all about. Service, service, service!!! We were introduced to Audrey from Belgium, their "new daughter", and one of the many outreach programs to give financially and keep connected with literally the world around them in service. She was a darling.

It was an honor to get to speak to these lovely people about my service and to thank them for theirs. Listening to their stories, seeing their efforts and attitudes about service, was a terrific experience and I am positive I gained more from them than they from me.

Special thanks to Jason Pawlowski for once again giving his time and talent to taking pictures and taking care of us at the event, as well as arranging it. Also thank you to the following: President, Bruce Dopke, Former President Dom Re, Jim (and forgive me for missing the last name) who also worked with Jason to have us there (help me out, Jay?!?!), and the many other ladies and gentlemen who were genuinely delightful to meet.

Photos are:

-Chelsea, President Bruce, and myself

-Jason and I ("Dude!")

-Anita, Audrey,Chelsea and I...she made pastries, chocolate and mousse with real Belgium chocolate from her home country...I heard it was wonderful...sniff, sniff... :(

-Speaking

I'll have some more pictures and some more neat things about Rotary I would like to share!

More Making Strides Photos

How can you help? Visit...

http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MSABC_FY10_IL_IL_eventlisting

Thank you!

"No woman should have to choose between her life savings, and saving her life."

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Today marked the Lake County Kickoff Breakfast for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (American Cancer Society). I had the privilege of being an emcee and speaker, also getting to introduce our Medical Ambassador, Dr. Sonya Sharpless, MD, North Shore Advanced Surgery and Special Guest Speaker (and Survivor, diagnosed at 22 years of age, no less!), Jennifer Wilson.

This was a terrific event for returnees and newbies to get fired up and ready to walk in October for Making Strides. I am always inspired by the countless stories of survival and service, and pray my own efforts working with all different groups for breast cancer research, support and awareness will count for someone, even one, to get help, care and give comfort to another in need. These ladies (and gentlemen) in the audience, serving and speaking are some of my heroes.

Pictured:

-Speakers and special coordinators at the event and myself

-Hands raised in support, and raising inches more..."the difference between success and failure is a matter of inches"...we're on our way

-Supporters in Attendance

-You can make a difference!

Special thanks to the Making Strides Committee, Carol and Sarah for all your hard work and sweet spirit of giving, to Dr. Sharpless of your time and gift of medicine and compassion that fits perfectly, and to Jennifer for sharing your story of survival and service. It is an honor to know you. A special shout out to my ladies: Kari, Alesa and Sue, and a special hello again to Mr. Houchins! So nice to see you all again!

PS - I know I say survival and service together a lot...you know why? Because I see it in survivors more than anyone else...ready to serve; selfless, willing, and ready. These are the qualities that we should all have regardless of our health, financial status, or lot in life. We as human beings should be ready to be there for another as he or she would be there for us.

Couple More Pictures from Gurnee Days

Parade route and our "little fish".. :)

Gurnee Days

This week was the week of Gurnee Days, my hometown, filled with food, vendors, rides, fireworks...and of course, the Parade! I was one of the judges of the parade this year. It was hard picking just one winner for each category - we had some really great entries!

My co-judges, Ray and John, are REAL circuit judges (Geez, was I out-ranked)! They were so gracious and welcoming, introducing me to friends and vistors, and they were not only a blast to be around but we were all in sync with our decisions. Maybe I could be a judge someday...hhhhmmmm! ;)

You can see more about Gurnee Days at:

http://www.gurnee.il.us/gurnee_days/index.html

I hope you'll come visit sometime!

Special thanks goes to Ken Stemplewski, for organizing the Parade and for including me in this incredible event. To the Honorable Judge Phillips and the Honorable Judge McKowski, my thanks to you for your service to the community and for the honor of sitting with you as "judge" for the parade. And my thanks to the Community of Gurnee, for your support, loyalty, friendliness and spirit that embodies the "Community of Opportunity". I am proud to be a resident and proud to represent and serve you.

Pictures Are:

-Judges and Ken - that pink foam ball on the table was one of the many WATER-SOAKED balls flung at us by one of the floats...John tried to deflect a few...one did get me in the head! Thank goodness for waterproof mascara!

-The Mika family that came to say "hi" - love you guys!

-at the Judges table - John decided I needed a proper background, so the next picture is of him changing it up - they were a hoot like that the whole day! And then another of John and I.

I'll have another post of the parade route and the cutest little "fish" you've ever seen...ADORABLE!

Susan G Komen 3 Day

Today was Day 2 of the Susan G Komen 3 Day walk, and I worked with Kathi G. again at one of the Cheer Stations along the route in Des Plaines, IL. We set up banners and had our DJ, Mike, on hand to liven things up a bit. We also had the generosity of Domino's Pizza to hand out pizza, along with water bottles, ice, stickers and candy to our walkers.

Special thanks to Kathi, Mike and Ruth who worked so hard putting things together for this event, along with all of our "cheer team", making this a successful day boosting spirits and helping out great people walking for a great cause.

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer


Photos:

-Kathi and myself hanging out on the side of the street. We had a good time singing and dancing to entertain as well! ;)

-Mike at the Music Tent

- Shots of Cheer Team and Walkers

Day on the Terrace

I had the opportunity to be a part of the Style Show for Day on The Terrace at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago Monday. Below is the information as reported by CBS2:

The Service Club of Chicago, one of the city's most recognized and well-respected philanthropic organizations, will host an afternoon affair on the Peninsula Hotel's outdoor terrace. For a "Day on The Terrace," guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Chicago socialites, local politicians and industry heavyweights on the posh terrace overlooking the skyline. The elegant affair will feature the ultimate fashion show with well-known models of the city. Walking the terrace runway will be the likes of broadcast beauties Robin Robinson of WFLD-TV and Kathy Brock of WLS-TV, social scene media and impresarios Bill Zwecker of Chicago Sun-Times and Bunky Cushing, as well as newly crowned president of Allstate Financial Desiree Rogers, to name a few. CircEsteem will offer a performance before the fashion show, showcasing children from all walks of life that help build self-esteem and respect through the practice of circus arts. Luxurious designs will be provided by Dismaro, LucaLuca, Loreta Corsetti, Quinton de Alexander, Ultimo, Neiman Marcus, Escada, Maria Pinto, Hana K., 28 Shop at Macy's and Starr Couture.

Mrs. Eileen Howard-Weinburg, one of the contestants of the Mrs. Illinois America Pageant for the last two years and a member of the Service Club as well, was very kind in suggesting Mrs. Illinois be a part of their event. I want to thank her for not only thinking of me, but for being so kind to me during the event as well, and for her hard work in this organization. I had a lot of fun spending time with the ladies before-hand as we got ready and waited for our turn on the runway. So many ladies, beautiful inside and out, and so many pretty things to look at! I don't think I've been to something so nice!

Special thanks go to Hazel,Terri, Sherrill, Ellen and Sue for making me feel so welcome and so special through the event.

http://www.serviceclubofchicago.org/

To Tracy Tarantino, the official choreographer of the Mrs. Illinois America Pageant, and the director of the production yesterday, thank you for picking out dresses (perfect!) and for putting on an incredibly well run show. I can't wait to work with you again!

http://www.zzazzproductions.com/

To 2 very lovely ladies from the Mrs. Illinois Pageant in the last couple years: Darby Hills, who is also a member of the organization and was in attendance, thank you for your kind words, support, and for being the beautiful person you are. This lady has such a heart, and I am fortunate to know her. And again, to Eileen, for your kindness. I am grateful for their goodness, both to me and in their dedication to great causes. Both of you ladies are what Mrs. Illinois should be like.

To Jason Pawlowski for his unselfishness of his time at the event, making sure my things were cared for and making sure I got to my car safely, and the talent of his pictures. You are too good!

And thank you to my directors Marcie and Julie for making the time to be at the event (sorry about the traffic, Julie :( ).

Photos are:

-Sylwia and myself. She was one of the designers - LOVED her gowns - but I wanted to show her not only because she was so talented, but because she made a point to help me in and out of gowns. Considering the fact that she was a DESIGNER and there for her own things going on, she was incredibly busy and didn't have to do that for me. I am grateful for her selfless generosity. Isn't she beautiful?!

-With my directors

-With lovely Ms. Betty Brown, who was there in support of the Cause for the day and a supporter of the Mrs. Illinois Pageant as well, with her table

- On the Runway...