Fashion Night Out

Last night was an amazing event as the Inland Northwest American Red Cross held their first annual Fashion Night Out.  I have already formulated my list of stops to pick up some of the fashions on display.  Joining me at the event was Miss Spokane Genay Tucker.  Genay is weeks away from heading to the Miss Washington pageant in Renton.  Personally I think she is a shoe in.  Smart, funny, and incredibly beautiful she will truly make Spokane proud.  Thank you to Megan the coordinator for the amazing seats.  Honestly I am not sure our task of selling raffle tickets warranted the prime spots but we were definitely not complaining.

I am confident there are some amazing pictures on facebook this morning of the firefighters who handled the catwalk with ease.  It was nice to get to meet some of them and gain a better understanding of the challenges they face on a daily basis.  They truly deserved to let their hair down, and they did! 

I am excited about tomorrow and the Sunday afternoon tea for St. Josephs Family Center High Tea.    The treasure hunt combined with our Spokane River are enough to entice anyone but that hats, just puts it over the edge for me.   Stay tuned for pictures and facebook updates during the event!

Hope you are all getting a test of our wonderful Spokane weather ~ I am headed back outside to soak up some much needed D ~ Happy June 4th all

June begins with several amazing events ~ Please join me!

This week is shaping up to be busy and beautiful.  I  feel truly blessed to be participating in several amazing events in the coming days that benefit organizations that have special meaning to me personally. 

Friday I will be busy with the Inland Northwest Red Cross at Fashion Night Out.  A few tickets are still available but going fast.  Fashion and a great cause ~ win:win. 

Sunday I will be helping St. Joseph Family Center at the Mad Hatter Tea Party.  High tea, crazy hats, and a treasure hunt all in a beautiful setting.  This is such an amazing center that helps members of our community heal and recover frequently from devastating events.  Please join me and start your week off with some fun for a wonderful cause!

Finally on Tuesday, June 7th I will be hosting a table at the 11th annual Vanessas Promise Luncheon benefiting the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.  The annual event offers a one hour free lunch complete with moving presentations from people directly impacted by the nursery.  The event will be held at The Lincoln Center  beginning at noon.  If you would like to attend please contact Kendal Huff at 509-340-0479.

If you are able to join me at any of the events please stop by and say hi. 

Happy June!

Memorial Day 2011

As I remember my father who passed much too young I feel blessed to recall those special moments that truly shaped the woman I am today.

On our way back from Moses Lake we stopped in my hometown Othello to pay tribute to those memories and thank other veterans who have sacrified so much. 

If you are ever in the neighborhood please swing by Beth Hampton Memorial Garden's and visit the veteran's memorial.  The eagles and plaque's are truly breathtaking.

Thank you to all the men and women who have helped keep us safe on this Memorial Day ~

Moses Lake Spring Festival

This weekend I attended the Moses Lake Spring Festival with other Mrs. Washington contestants.  The weekend was spent dancing, laughing, and creating memories. 
We started the weekend performing in the festival's lip sync competition.  Although shivering when we arrived on stage I think we would have made Tina Turner proud. 

I was lucky enough to have the support of my family (especially my sister Janet) to help get me ready and keep my on schedule.  

Sister Janet ~ thank you isn't enough!

Family :)

Saturday we hit McCosh Park and were lucky enough to meet some really amazing people from Moses Lake and surrounding areas.  I can proudly say I was able to sit on the back of a Harley with a Veteran. 

Combat Vet



Me, Yolanda and LaReina

Saturday evening we walked in the parade and were able to hand out candy and meet more of the Moses Lake community.  

Tamara, me, Bethany, and LaReina



The weekend ended on Sunday with a quick stop at Michael's Bistro for coffee and pastries before hitting the road.  Thank you Moses Lake for making us feel so welcome and sharing this special event!

Lilac Parade Adventure

I had the privledge of riding in the 2012 Armed Forces Torchlight Lilac Parade with Amy Clark ~ Mrs. Spokane County, and Anna Hiatt ~ Mrs. Seattle International. We were lucky enough to be escorted by Bo Lively from Porsche Spokane on the back of a Porsche 911, truly a hardship.  Some may think with a starting number of 188 out of apx 200 we drew the short end however I beg to difer.  We had a front row seat and were one of the few entrants that can say they saw the entire parade. 

We met some amazing people and were lucky enough to be placed next to the KHQ gang.  For those of you who know George he is truly a character, on screen and in person.  Thank you all for making the time fly.   Leslie promised no rain and her promise held out just long enough for us to complete the parade route.  It is amazing how quick three queens can move off a Porsche in the rain. 

Thank you also to the other Spokane royalty who joined us for several candid photos and conversations.  Miss Spokane Genay Tucker and Miss Spokane Interstate Rodeo Jamie Cutshall were both beautiful.   Although Jamie traded in her horse for a jaguar the two of them looked amazing.  The Lilac court are truly a group of amazing young women and represent Spokane well. 

While the parade showed off Spokane and the beauty of Riverfront Park the true message of the event was not lost.  There was a hush of silence as family members of fallen soldiers crossed the bridge holding banners dipicting photo's of  fallen soldiers.  Not a dry eye in the group ~ so proud!

As we passed through downtown Spokane I felt  blessed and proud of our amazing city.  The support was truly moving.  I am very lucky to be representing Spokane and look forward to an amazing 2012. 

A busy May 14th

Saturday seemed to come and go in a whirlwind.  We began the day at the Otis Orchards community parade.  I will admit it was bittersweet to realize this may be the last time Mountainview Middle School band will march in a parade.  So proud of the entire group. 

After the parade into the car and headed West to Moses Lake for rehearsal and refreshments.  It was nice to meet a few more of the contestants and the owners of Sporty's, a pageant supporter.   I am looking forward to our production as well as the parade on Saturday night.  Moses Lake is such a wonderful community and the festival really showcases the culture. 

Final stop was a late celebration dinner for our oldest daughter at the Max in Spokane Valley.  Nummy food and amazing service. 

Hoping fun but eventful Saturday will be followed by nice and relaxing Sunday!

Bowl for Kid's Sake

The event Thursday afternoon at Valley Bowl was wonderful.  Thanks to Melissa, the amazing coordinator, along with Darren the CEO for putting this event together and allowing me to be a part of the magic.  I got to meet a big sister (Melissa) and a little sister (Shyla) and witness the impact this organization has on our kids and community.  No frills just pure passion for mentoring the youth in our community.  Even with the technical difficulties Tom Sherry was able to complete the weather remotely and help us raise over $3,000 in two hours!  Friday and Saturday if you get a chance stop by Lilac Lanes and help cheer on the bowlers, buy raffle tickets for great prizes, and maybe even bowl a fame with a Krem celebrity.  All for an amazing cause.