Cobra Classic for Ronald McDonald House

This memorable Sunday was full of celebration, remembrance, amazing hats and some beautiful polo ponies as Ronald McDonald House celebrated the 7th annual Cobra Polo Classic.  I was blessed to to help out at the event and witness Spokane at its finest.

The day started with a memorable tribute to 9/11 and included skydivers holding banners of children who had stayed at the house during their battle with cancer.  I was able to witness my first polo match and help serve champagne to all during the stomping of the divots.  For all of this I have only word AMAZING.

Thank you to Ronald McDonald House for allowing me to be part of this amazing day!





Leslie and I working the silent auction tent




Getting ready to serve during the 'stomping of the divots'



Match in progress

Moses Lake Fashion Show

Walmart in Moses Lake was the venue for a recent back to school fashion show to benefit Children's Miracle Network.  I was lucky enough to be joined by several other Mrs. Washington contestants and their daughters.  Amy Evers (Mrs. Pierce County), Tiffany Carvo (Mrs. Moses Lake), and Amy Clark (Mrs. Spokane County) with their daughters modeled the latest back to school fashions.  My daughter Haley helped me at the face painting station creating a true mom/daughter event.  Pam Curnel served as MC and was truly amazing!  Fun was had by all as we raffled a BBQ with all proceeds going to Children's Miracle Network.  Thank you Walmart and Mrs. Washington team for making this a memorable Saturday afternoon.

Getting ready for the show!

Haley hard at work

Amy Evers, Mrs. Pierce County

Concentrating on a basketball design

Grant County Fair

Had a wonderful Saturday afternoon visiting the Grant County Fair with the Mrs. Washington posse and my family.  Everytime we get together I realize how much fun it is to catch up ~ amazing group of women.  We met some great folks from Moses Lake and visited amazing animals.  Got to pet bunnies, snuggle with a few lambs, visit some local award winners, and hit the rides.  A complete day in the sun with great people.  


Mrs. Washington, Lisa Bluhm




FFA Grand Champion and a Spokane connection ~ Kelsey Kasparek




Mrs. Washington posse along with the Little Miss Royalty




An incredibly soft bunny




Royalty on a ferris wheel













After leaving the fair we hit Michael's for a quick bite to eat with Moses Lake family before hitting the road.  Amazing service, food, and atmosphere.  Thank you Moses Lake for an amazing Saturday!



Michael's on the Lake



Unity in the Community

Amazing evening last night helping out with setup for the event today.  Tons of fun in the heat with a fellow Sterling employee, Dan, and other local community members.  Unity in the Community is truly a celebration of the many cultures that make up our Spokane community.  Thanks to Jim for doing his best to herd all of the cats.  In addition to the many adult volunteers it was wonderful to see the large contigency of young future leaders with their clipboards and take charge attitude. 

My only regret is not being able to see the event today especially the completed tipi thanks to our own Spokane tribe.  Listening to the tribal member in charge of construction was truly a blessing.  Each piece of the structure was created using materials from the Spokane area cured in the same manner used for decades.  The pictures truly do not do it justice.  I urge you to take just a few hours to visit the event. 

Creating the cover

Tipi

Dan and me ~ did I mention it was very hot!

Garland Street Fair

So much fun yesterday at the Garland Street Fair.  I was lucky enough to work with Cecile owner of  Gallery of Thum at one of the kids areas.  Although she was smart enough not to assign me to the actual face painting I did help out with the creative crafts and ticket sales.  All proceeds went to the Spokane Guild School which capped off a truly special community event.  For those that have not visited the Garland district I would urge you to take a Saturday soon to visit the shops.  Not only did I pick up amazing hand made jewelry but a fantastic pair of homemade flip flops. 

Thank you Oliver for pitching in and Cecile for letting me be part of this special day.

August begins with a bang

Summer has officially arrived in Spokane.  With the warmer weather comes a busy schedule.  My month started with a wonderful shopping excursion for Big Brothers & Big Sisters at the 2011 Back to School Blitz.  I was blessed to be partnered with a little sister who demonstrated all the attributes of a future strategic leader making our shopping trip fun and productive.  With the one hour time limit planning was everything.  Bethany had already done some detailed reconnaissance work the day before so we hit the ground running.  As the shopping began my job was to grab the cart as she made a bee line to her secret stash of clothes.  At the end of the event we were able to ensure she was ready to roll for the first day of school complete with clothes, school supplies, and a backpack.  The day was full of laughter and hugs across the board.  Thank you Fred Meyer, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and especially Bethany for making my Saturday morning so incredibly special. 

Washington Business Week

The week ended with an amazing opportunity to serve as a judge at the Gonzaga Washington Business Week.  This annual event starts with the arrival of apx 200 high school students from all over our state and occasionally other visiting countries.  Listening to the students relate their individual stories you get a glimpse of how life changing this experience is to each of them.  Little do they realize as adults listening to their passion is an equally powerful experience.  Sometimes in the rush of our daily activities I think we as adults forget the opportunity we have to make a difference in a child's life. 

One of the students put it best during an open comment section when she relayed how much it meant to have local professionals take the time to listen and provide guidance.  It truly made them feel special and recognized.  I walked away realizing in that four hours I potentially grew just as much as each of the high school students.  I urge anyone who has a passion for mentoring and being part of a young persons life story to contact Washington Business Week for a program in your area. 

For pictures of events in Washington this year please take a peak at the facebook link.