- Being asked to make a "bobble-head video": I recorded a fun video to "I'm A Barbie Girl!"
- Making plans to join forces with the the Children's Cord Blood Bank & Research Foundation: I am now helping Roberta promote her Cord Blood Walk which be on Staten Island on September 29th. For more information, click here!
- And (of course) getting some ice cream: YUM!
The Richmond County Fair is an annual tradition on Staten Island, held to celebrate Richmond Town. This town has a rich history, as it was established in the 1700s. Last year, I visited the fair as Miss Staten Island, and I was happy to return once again as Miss Greater New York. I joined Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen, Ashley Davis, on the first day of the fair. We spent the day visiting many of the stands, doing some shopping, and enjoying performances. Some highlights included: As always, I also loved connecting with the members of my community. I especially loved speaking with the children! Though it was an extremely hot day, I had a great time with Ashley. She's one of those people who can make any event exciting, and the fair is already a fun event -- so imagine what a awesome day we had! Thank you, Eze Ramos, for having the titleholders at the Richmond County Fair this year! We all had a wonderful time throughout the weekend!
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This summer, I had the privilege of working with the UAU Camps for the second time. Last year, we raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This year, I decided to do something a little different. Though we kept the same basic fundraising idea as "Wish For Change," the new collection was entitled "Bright Lights" and raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk. The participating UAU Camps were: Staten Island Tech & PS55. I began the fundraisers with a brief visit and assembly to explain the organization and the program. After that, the camps were off and running. By the time I came back to collect the buckets, the two groups were at an incredible total: $1,062! I couldn't have been more proud to write that check for LLS and I rewarded each camp with some prizes for those children who raised the most. After my visit to PS55 for their "winners' pizza party," we were featured in the SI Advance! I was so happy that the camp leader, Kieran Burns, received recognition for the incredible influence she has on her campers. Even beyond this fundraiser, Kieran empowers the children to be the best they can be throughout the entire summer. Congratulations to all of the campers who took part in this program and thank you to the cooperative counselors. The UAU Camps did an amazing job with the "Bright Lights" fundraiser and with the Light The Night Walk being held next Saturday, September 28th, this is your last chance to make a move toward ending blood cancers, too! Click here to join my team or make a donation! I hope to see you there!
The Breast Cancer Walk has been a reoccurring event on Staten Island for many years. Each year, the walk grows bigger with many more supporters. While at first this may seem like a positive thing, when we look more closely we can see that this means breast cancer has touched more people now than ever. That is why I participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and why I was honored to be invited, as a team co-captain with Alexa Moley, to the annual kickoff breakfast. It was definitely an early morning, but everyone's spirits were high! Chatter filled the room as little by little groups of people came pouring in. By the time the program began, I could believe how many people were in attendance! I even saw some people I knew - which isn't anything out of the ordinary. Staten Island is close-knit community! Much like the "Light The Night" Kickoff, this breakfast was filled with fundraising techniques, survivors, and motivation to get involved further. Alexa and I enjoyed meeting so many of the brave breast cancer survivors, some who even battled multiple cancers. We listened to their inspirational speeches of courage and strength. It made me realize that by simply raising money to participate in a walk we can change another person's future - or even give them one. I am sad to say that I will not be able to attend the walk this year due to a conflict, but that won't stop me from fundraising for my and Alexa's team! Thanks to Jen Gallo for setting up our page, again, for us. Visit the link here to join the walk or make a donation - and don't forget to wear pink on October 20th!
"Miracle Treat Day" was on August 8th. On this day, each year, Dairy Queen locations across the country donate $1 or from every Blizzard purchased to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Of course, Alexa (Miss Southern New York's Outstanding Teen) and I made our way to the brand new (and only) DQ on the island, in the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. I had a great time with my teen queen and enjoyed a delicious Blizzard. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Miracle Treat Day! With your generous support, DQ raised an estimated $5 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Children’s Miracle Network, which will bring hope and healing to sick and injured children.
There's always an opportunity to donate to the Children's Miracle Network. Just click here! Last month, I attended one of the Soroptomist Organization's Information Sessions at TD Bank. As a former Violet Richardson scholarship winner (which was given by the club), it was an honor to have been invited to take part in this night. I was asked to attend by the SI Giving Circle, a group that I was fortunate enough to connect with during my Miss Greater New York reign. It was nice to see a few of them at the bank; some who are Soroptomist members and others who are considering joining! It was a quick appearance, but I definitely gained a lot from it. First, it allowed me to help spread the word about Soroptomist. Many people are unsure of what they do. Soroptomist is "an international volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world." The organization is made up of only women - over 80,000 to be specific. This information session served as a means of attracting more members for the Staten Island division. You can read about "who they are" here! This night also served as a networking party for all who attended. Having graduated this past May, I've been looking for a full time position that would allow me to utilize my arts administration and marketing knowledge. This event was definitely helpful. I made many connections and look forward to keeping in touch with them as I move forward in my job hunt. The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that's what the organization strives to achieve. Thank you to the organization for having me and to all the Soroptomists around the world who continue help other women be their best!
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