DONE!

After a long afternoon and evening of dancing and cold, Jason joined the family for pizza and thawing! :) He became buddies with Diva and Elena pretty quickly...she even manipulated him into allowing her to take pictures...she took the one of Jason and Diva!

Thanks again, Jason, for everything!

Still Thrilling...

And the crowd keeps growing!

These are photos of practice and then during the official dance event...I was immersed in Zombies! JPM Productions creates some pretty scary works!!!

More Thill the World Shots

Photos Are:

-Parade with Mayor Slayer, Grand Marshall

-with my side-kick Molly

-teaching choreography

-with some of my stage help! It was a lot more fun to get the crowd involved on stage!

Thrilling the World!!!

There was a reason why we got some serious rain and cold for the BC Walk Saturday Morning, because I needed some help in the "bad hair" department..."Why on earth would you want that?!" you ask? Because Saturday night was the Thrill the World Global Event at Six Flags Great America where we, along with parks, theaters, etc across the world, all perform "Thriller" at the same time in an effort to break the Guinness Book of World Records!

I was asked by Six Flags to teach the choreography and be a part of the event. So Saturday afternoon, scary hair, cobwebs and all, photographer and exceptional friend, Jason Pawlowski, and I were escorted into the deepest parts of Six Flags to be "Zombie-fied". I don't think I have ever seen anything so cool! I got to be made up by the extraordinarily talented team of JPM Productions...WOW!!! That's serious airbrushing, folks!

I also got to kick off the event by sitting with the Grand Marshall of the Fright Fest Parade, Mayor Slayer. Then it was time to get the practice started so we would be ready to Thrill the World by breaking a world record.

We had 676 registered dancers at the official 7:30pm time slot for us, just at Great America. That's pretty huge in itself!

I will have a couple posts for pictures, and of course a final number for the Broken Record!

Fun Fact: This will be my second time listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The first time was in 1991 when I, along with my swing choir, sang 80 hours and 32 minutes straight to break the world record for longest time singing in a group. Needless to say, this record broken Saturday night was A LOT more fun!!!

You can see the dance on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v029Ulbf0II - can you find me in the crowd?!?! :)

Special thanks to Brooke Gabbert, for yet again, another terrific event and all her hard work. To Faith and Dan for being awesome go-to people both for Brooke and myself. To Pete and the staff of JPM Productions - you guys are AWESOME! To the folks of 105.5 radio for the coverage, and especially Molly with 105.5 who saved my voice helping call out choreography! To Jason for always being so willing to help, for water, food and hot cocoa, and for braving the long cold hours to document the event! To Six Flags Great America for hosting the event and for including me in something so neat. And of course, to the participants that made this possible! You know we couldn't have done this without you!

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx

Photos Are:

-Before becoming a Zombie

-Almost there

-With 105.5 DJ's - love ya, Molly!

-With Pete Mithchell, Producer/Director of JPM Productions:

http://www.jpmproductions.com/

Walk for Awareness / Lincoln Marsh

The Breast Cancer Walk benefitting Central Dupage Hospital and Lincoln Park Natural area was a great event - even with the inclement weather - for breast cancer awareness and support. The walk was held in Wheaton, IL, Saturday, October 24th, and former Mrs. Illinois America 2005, Kaili Harding, was kind enough to coordinate an appearance for me knowing my work with BC.

http://www.cdh.org/

http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/

http://www.lincolnmarsh.org/

We braved wind and bitter rain, but we still had a great turnout, and yet another opportunity to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Afterward, Kaili treated me to a tour of downtown Wheaton where we met several shop owners and even a community dignitary at lunch!

The town of Wheaton is exceptionally warm, giving and kind. I highly recommend patronizing the shops/establishments there. You will not be disappointed! My favorites were:

Egg'Lectic who sponsored our lunch - http://www.egglecticcafe.net/ - YUM!!!

Jeans and A Cute Top Shop - Jill, the owner, is a doll! I am looking forward to some shopping there! - http://local.yahoo.com/info-56099315-jeans-and-a-cute-top-shop-wheaton

And thanks to Bonnie of The Stork's Cradle, who as it turns out, is a huge Mrs. Illinois America Organization Fan! - http://www.thestorkscradle.com/

A very special thank you to Margie who worked tirelessly to put the BC walk of Central Dupage Hospital together (loved her kids!) and to Kaili, who selflessly looks for opportunities to promote Mrs. Illinois America, the organization, and what it stands for. She is an amazing example to me, and the kind of Mrs. Illinois I strive to be myself. Thank you!!!

Photos:

-Jill, Jennifer and myself - They had a lot of fun trying on the crown and sash!

-Talking To Cathy of CDH before welcoming the crowd - and we had a pretty good one considering the cold!!! :)

-with our "littlest supporters"

-with Kaili, who despite being ill, braved the weather and still looks less tired than me!!! Love you, Kaili! Thank you so, so much!!!

More Photos

Photos:

-HOPE

-Everyone gathered before the walk

-"Yes, Sweet Baby, we are working hard so that by that time...you'll be fighting for other causes."

-Balloons

-Myself with Jessica, Sarah, and Debra

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." Psalm 31:24

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11

Making Strides in Lake County

2009 is the inaugural year for Lake County Making Strides for Breast Cancer with the American Cancer Society. We officially make up 9 affiliates across the state of IL now! I had the honor and privilege to be the emcee for the event as well as walk with our fundraisers. As of this morning, our event raised over 112,000.00...and counting!!!

We had amazing cheerleaders - literally - throughout the walk, a HUGE turnout of survivors, and even a tent for SHOPPING!!! Oh, heaven! I can't wait for next year's event...I get to be back in sweats and no makeup again!!! ;)

Special thanks to Sarah (for yet another flawless script), Kari, Jessica - Debra and Anna "K" who I just met (amazing women with ACS) and am looking forward to working with in the future - Chris, our terrific DJ who continues to give selflessly of his time and equipment to many of the ACS walks/functions, and of course to Jason Pawlowski, for once again being the man of the hour, taking pictures and taking care of me. You are a Godsend.

To Independence Grove of Libertyville, IL...thank you for the beautiful space to walk...Making Strides to end BC...it was PERFECT!!!

Pictures:

-At the Stage

-Cheerleadrers dancing

-Walkers Start at Every Age to End BC

-Check in

-A picture of our view...

Ring, Ring...

Calling all Breast Cancer Supporters...

Text HOPE to 20222 and you'll make an instant donation of $5.00 to the American Cancer Society...

We're halfway through October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month...We're making Significant Strides so far...let's dial it up a notch!

"Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others." Danny Thomas

Happy Anniversary

What is the best thing about being Mrs. Illinois? Having Eric Meidel as my Mr. Illinois!

I am blessed, I am fortunate, and I am happy. I love you, Sweetheart! Happy 8th Anniversary!

More Photos of Chicago Marathon

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2009

Sunday was the 32nd annual Chicago Marathon hosted by bank of America. This year over 30,000 runners finished, there was a new men's record broken and a new women's winner.

http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/

I spent the day volunteering at the 23rd mile of the race dedicated to Susan G. Komen, where we cheered on all runners, including our very own in the Marathon for SGK, as well as pass out pink pom-poms and clappers.

We saw helicopters overhead, and the TV crews come by focusing in on the lead as the first runners came along...and not just runners...wheel chairs (if you call them that - they looked like super-charged, turbo bikes run solely on the power of a man's - or woman's - arms (AMAZING), runners on prosthesis (AMAZING), and even runners who were blind (and again, AMAZING), were all part of a 29 mile journey...I am in complete awe of these people. ALL of them.

Special thanks to Mr. John Anderson, President, and Mr. David Baker, Vice President for External Affairs, of the Illinois Institute of Technology of Chicago, for not only coming out to the event, but also helping put our mile together and providing pastries and coffee, tea and water to keep the volunteers refreshed. They are very generous to have done so much (so nice to have met you both!).

http://www.iit.edu/

Special thanks to Kathi and Gregg Grummel, not only for your continued service, and hard work this weekend, but also for the extra effort of getting me back to the train station! You are so kind!

To all of the volunteers and workers (Karen, Cara, Kari, Beth and Sheryl), thank you for all your work in making a great event even more great, and for supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Enjoy the shots!

Cutting the Ribbon...

Special thank you to Beth for sending this picture to me...this means so much! From Walk for Hope 2009! Here's to more successful years to come!

I want to say "Thank You"

I received a very special gift today from the wonderful people of Walk for Hope. I am deeply touched by their kindness and generosity to me. It is my privilege and honor to serve and help them.

It is for them, and for those dealing with breast cancer, that I am continuing to be a part of these events. They are the ones to be remembered and acknowledged.

They are the celebrities, they are the stars, and the focus of the efforts made in walks, rallies, and galas. The victims and survivors, and those who work countless hours in an effort to give those with breast cancer MORE TIME, are the ones who deserve recognition and crowns.

Again, I thank you.

2 Corinthians 9:7-9 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Sometimes...It's OK to Want More

More Birthdays, More Dates, More Days...

http://main.acsevents.org/site/R?i=wH7X96AUJfYdfArLjHWVwA..

Will you give more so others can have more?

“Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting” - Elizabeth Bibesco

Walk for Hope 2009

And the Sun Came Out...!!!!!!!!!

October 4th marked the 15th Annual Walk for Hope for Breast Cancer (my 6th), and this year I was invited to do some really special things including addressing the crowd about my involvement with Walk for Hope, helping in acknowledging our survivors, and cutting the ribbon at the beginning of the race.

Our host for the event this year was the incomparable Jackie Bange of WGN News. And I say that with all sincerity and admiration because she is down to earth, gracious, and "all about everyone else". Not for a moment was she concerned about who she was at this event, rather hugging survivors, talking to the crowd, and taking the time to encourage a young man who just lost his mom to BC last year. I admire her and thank her and WGN for their time and coverage of the event. Be sure to watch WGN at 9pm tonight (yep - I actually made the news! Briefly, but wow, how neat!!!).

http://www.wgntv.com/about/station/newsteam/jackiebange/

(Be sure to take the time to watch the video of Jackie and Bob (Mr. Robert Jordan)!)

Special thanks goes to Greg our stage manager, to Mike our awesome DJ for keeping things going (and moving to keep everybody warm!), to Mary (Chairperson), Beth (co-Chair), Carol (Founding Chair of Walk for Hope), and Mindy for all your hard work and efforts in putting together a terrific Walk for Hope for BC year after year. You are all AWESOME!!!

http://nationalevents.cityofhope.org/site/PageServer?pagename=5433_Landing&gclid=CMOSrumtpJ0CFQ7xDAodGhee2g

Photos are:

-The Start and Finish Line

-My view from the Stage - isn't that cool?!?!

-Carol and her Family

-Urban Dance Team

-Mary, Jackie, Beth and me

PS - I was loving all those close up, hugging shots...I was so cold, and that was my chance to warm up! That and our DJ, Mike, would come down every so often and give me a hug or warm my hands to keep me from freezing...that's love, people!

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”- Thomas A Edison