Every year, the Parent Teacher Association at Staten Island Technical High School hosts a Charity Volleyball Game. With a group decision, the PTA chooses a new charity for the game to benefit each time. This year, they chose to help the family of a little boy living with a rare skin disease, which cause he skin to blister and essentially burn off when he is touched. Hearing the story of this little boy touched my heart, not only because of what he's going through, but because of the strength I was told he's shown through it all - never losing the smile on his face. It is always a joy to return to SI Tech, since it is my alma mater. Not to mention, they have some very talented volleyball players! I joined the PTA at the concessions stand and helped them in between watching the competition. Thank you to all of the students who participated in this event and congratulations to the 1st place winners! It is because of wonderful, philanthropic people like you that the PTA can continue to donate to worthwhile charities. An additional thank you to the Parent Teacher Association, who has supported me in my many ventures, and always welcomes me home.
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Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, as I have mentioned many times, is the Miss America national platform. Contestants at any level are required to raise a certain amount of money for this charity in order to compete for a title, in lieu of an entrance fee. I, however, always make it my goal to raise more than this requirement. www.MissAmericaForKids.org/donate/JamieMacchia On May 30th, Jimmy Max Restaurant agreed to donate 50% of their profits (from customers that I brought in) to the Children's Miracle Network. Both locations in Staten Island were on board for the fundraiser. I visited both locations on this day to visit those who came out to support and get a little dinner for myself, as well! The money has now been counted and donated. Our total for the night was $261! Thank you so much to everyone who came to Jimmy Max to enjoy some delicious food. A special thank you, as well, to the staff at both locations; especially Jimmy, who made all this possible!
After the Memorial Day Parade in Great Kills, I made my way over to Costco on Staten Island. I, of course, insisted on an outfit change first; but I made it just in time for the festivities! Costco is a proud sponsor of the Miss New York Pageant. Just like last year, they offered to help the contestants raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the Miss America platform. The Children's Miracle Network raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Our local CMN Hospital is located in Long Island. My afternoon included speaking to costumers and asking for donations, while also enjoying time with my Miss New York sisters. Many of the current local titleholders were there and we even received a special visit from Miss New York, Shannon Oliver! Costco generously matched every dollar donated by the customers. Our aim was to beat last year's total of $1,000. I am proud to say that we achieved this goal and raised $1,286! Thank you so much, Costco, for not only supporting the Miss New York Organization, but also the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Together, we made a difference in our local community and had fun while doing it!
Memorial Day is an important time to remember all those who bravely fight for our freedoms and those who we have lost while doing so. In May, I participated in two events on Staten Island to celebrate this national holiday; the Great Kills Parade and the Forest Avenue Parade. I had been a guest in these parades before and it was nice to return, again. This year, I was joined by the current Miss Staten Island, Miss Staten Island's Outstanding Teen, Miss Richmond County, Miss Richmond County's Outstanding Teen, Miss Southern New York's Outstanding Teen, and Miss America's Princess. The Great Kills Parade is right in my hometown. It is an intimate parade with a shorter route than most, but that is what makes it so special. Girl scout troops, veterans, and brave soldiers all joined in on the fun. Though we had a brief period of rain prior to the parade's start, we didn't let it dampen our spirits! I rode side-by-side with my "adopted teen," Alexa Moley. It was wonderful having her next to me the entire way. We've grown so close through this organization and I'm proud to know that I can act as an older sister to her. My driver brought along his granddaughter, Loren, who was ecstatic to not only be driving in the parade, but also to be accompanied by a "princess." "All of my friends are jealous," she told me. The Forest Avenue Parade is definitely a larger one, with crowds of spectators gathered throughout the route. I found a wide variety of participants in this parade; there wasn't only men and women in uniform. In fact, I even found Darth Vader! A little girl and her brother joined me in the convertible. I have to say, they really knew how to work the crowd! They were naturals! There were many familiar faces as I rode down Forest Avenue, too. Though I was often mistaken for "Miss New York," it's not something I'm going to complain about ; ] Who knows - maybe one day that could be a reality! I would like to specially thank all the men and women who fight or have fought for the freedoms we have, today. It is because of you that we live the way we do. We must remember you not just on Memorial Day, but every day. I hope that everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day as much as I did!
Back in May, I attended the Matthew Nierenberg Foundation's Annual Fundraiser in Staten Island. The Matthew Nierenberg Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was created to honor a young man from our community who suddenly passed in 2008. Their mission is "to provide an annual scholarship to a deserving youth." The Matthew Nierenberg “Heart of Gold” Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior each year to continue his/her education. The scholarship is awarded to the student that exemplifies Matt’s persona best - a warm-hearted, caring person. Last year, as Miss Staten Island, I went to the Matthew Nierenberg Foundation's Carnival. This year, though, they developed a new theme - wrestling! I've never really watched wrestling, so when I arrived at the event I didn't have any idea what I would be experiencing. However, after having such an awesome time last year, I knew this would be a great night. There were people everywhere; socializing, swooning over raffle baskets, and awaiting the wrestling performance. Once the show began, nearly everyone surrounded the ring - including me! I know wrestling is (dare I say it) "just a show," but I was really worried that someone was going to get hurt! The quality of the wrestlers was impressive. After watching the match for a while, I made my way over to the baskets. My luck wasn't so good this time, but I still always love to take a chance! A job well done to Matthew Nierenberg's family on another successful fundraiser. I know that you will be able to make another high school senior very happy this year when they receive their scholarship. You are doing wonderful things to keep Matt's memory alive and help our youth continue their education. Thank you for having me!
Oops! I just realized that I never blogged to let you all know about the March Of Dimes Walk on Staten Island! As this whirlwind of a month comes to an end, (okay, maybe it's been a little more than a month of craziness) I am ready to update you on what's been happening in the world of Miss Greater New York! At the end of April, I joined the March Of Dimes for their annual March For Babies. The March Of Dimes helps "moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies." This was the second consecutive year that I was able to be onstage for the opening ceremonies. It was quite the honor to be surrounded by such influential people in our community, including some of my fellow queens! Afterward, we met at the starting line to cut the ribbon and cheer on the walkers as they began their march! There were so many people involved, I couldn't believe it! This walk just continues to get bigger every year. Once the walk began, I went back inside the parking lot where sponsors were set up and many families still remained. It was nice to mingle with them and see some of the familiar faces from my past two years of supporting the March Of Dimes. As usual, I had a wonderful time with my Miss America sisters! Thank you to the March Of Dimes for, once again, graciously accepting me as a special guest. I always love these events and find them incredibly inspiring. I have faith that you will continue to do amazing things as the organization grows each year, with the help of the community!
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