Wishes Do Come True!

Cow Plop pictures with Rosie the Cow and wish child, Caden. Caden left for his wish trip to Dinsey just three days after the event!!

Hello friends and family!

It has been quite some time since I last updated you! Therefore, I have plenty of wonderful news to share with you :o)

The Miss Monroe County 2006 Cow Plop and Country Dinner was a HUGE success... raising $16,000 (enough to grant the wishes of three Monroe County children currently battling life-threatening illnesses.) Over 300 community members, including Kaye Lani Rafko Wilson (Miss America 1988), State Representatives and Senators, and local wish kids and their families, joined us for the exciting event. Rosie the Cow was quite the entertainer!!

One night... one event... one cow... three children's lives forever changed! The Miss Monroe County crown provided me with the opportunity to share my dedication to the Make-a-Wish Foundation with so many.

Without the help of family, friends and the community, none of this would have been possible.... so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU:

- Mom and Aunt Deb (co-chairs)

- Dad, Kayla, Shelby, Corey, Aunt Terry, Uncle Bob, Uncle Scott, and Clint (set-up and

clean-up)

- Dione, Danielle, David, and John (Rosie's caretakers!)

- Caden, Faith, and Kaye Lani (official judges)

- Scott Heck (caterer, hall owner)

- Kent and Holly Meyers (silent auction and ticket sales)

- Miss Monroe County Board of Directors (ticket/square sales)

- Area businesses who generously gave to the Silent Auction!! :o)

In addition to the Cow Plop, I spent a few rainy April days at the State Capital with Representative Kathy Angerer and Senator Randy Richardville discussing with them my plans to declare a statewide Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. My days at the capital were incredible! I met so many legislators, learned a lot about state initiatives and legislation, and furthered my work with the awareness month. I am scheduled to appear in front of the House Committee for Public Health and Policy this summer!! Thank you Rep. Angerer and Sen. Richardville for the wonderful opportunities!!

Now that I am back home for the summer, I have been making a number of appearances around town as well. I was honored to emcee the Big Brothers Big Sisters Monroe's Biggest Idol event (and had a great time playing 'Ryan Seacrest!') I visited the classrooms of our Junior and Little Miss Monroe Counties and spent an afternoon with the inspiring Special Olympians. I even bowled in the MCCC Strikes, Spares and Scholarships Bowl-a-Thon... and yes... bowled a 69 and a 115 (at least I improved!)

With the arrival of summer also comes beginning preparations for the 2007 Miss Monroe County pageants. What an amazing group of contestants we have this year. I am excited to work with each of them... and know the show will again be an unforgettable one :o)

And finally... I have been keeping especially busy with the finishing preparations for the Miss Michigan pageant. I leave in three weeks! Everything is going great though... and I really am excited to spend the week in Muskegon... making friends and new memories. As Kaye Lani always tells me... whatever is supposed to happen will... and I have put my trust in just that. I am ready, and will do the best I can and whatever is supposed to happen... will!! However, as I have found this year...

Wishes do come true!!

Enjoy the beautiful spring sunshine :o)

March Madness!!

Having some "FUN" with the Jackman Rd. Students!

Reading to the students of Mason Central Elementary...

The 2007 Miss Michigan Class... :o)

Hello friends and family!!

I must apologize for my tardiness in posting... however... March surely has been a month of Madness for me!

The craziness started the last weekend of February... when I had one of our biggest MSU Stars fundraisers - Greek Week Penny Wars, Alpha Chi Omega's Songfest event, and the St. Michael's We Care Telethon. I drove back and forth from Lansing 4 times that weekend! However, all turned out to be huge successes! My sorority took first place in Songfest and Greek Week, Penny Wars made nearly $10,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Telethon was a blast. I emceed in the TV room for three hours... (I sure enjoyed my moments behind the television cameras!)

On March 1, I was a guest at the American Red Cross Everyday Heroes Event. What a touching evening!! Local heroes were honored for their life-saving skills and commendable actions. Congrats to Ryleigh Linsenmeyer, Miss Monroe County Outstanding Teen 2005, who was honored for her life-saving actions during a house fire.

I then spent a weekend in Muskegon for the Miss Lighthouse Coast Pageant and Miss Michigan Orientation. How proud I am to share with you that Miss Jenna McCormick, Monroe's 1st runner-up was also named 1st runner-up at this highly competitive pageant. Monroe should most definitely be proud of her representation of our county and program! I also had the chance to meet the 2007 Miss Michigan class. What an amazing group of girls. And... we picked our contestant numbers... Drum roll....

12!! Yes... the same number I was in Miss Monroe. I am not too sure if that means anything, but we were excited! Thank you Mom, Dione, Amber, Delle, Allen, Jill, and Jennifer for making the long, snowy drive to Muskegon as well!

National Reading Month has kept me pretty busy as well! I visited ten Monroe County schools and met with classrooms ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I wanted to devise a program to bring my platform, the Make-a-Wish Foundation into the schools as part of National Reading Month. Hence... the creation of my Share the Power of Reading Campaign. Students were asked to take part in a story writing contest about what their wish would be...

And... yes... I heard some pretty imaginative wishes!! Even one wish to be my best friend from a 1st grade student at St. John's Elementary in Monroe, MI.

The stories will then be put in a professionally bound book and distributed to the 500 Make-a-Wish children statewide... Sharing with each of them the importance of reading and the Power of a Wish!!

And... to make March an even busier month... I hosted two Make-a-Wish fundraisers with the MSU Stars team, including a Date Auction and Battle of the Bands. On March 31, along with friends from both Monroe County and Michigan State, we walked as part of the Walk 4 Kids and were the 5th highest fundraisers!!

The money raised through these events will grant a wish of a young Michigan child battling sarcoma in honor of my dear friend, Mary Beth, who lost her own battle with cancer last week at the age of 22. She will be forever missed, but her laughter and smile will forever live on through the wish granted in her memory!

April will also be a busy month (but, I would not have it any other way!) The COW PLOP is quickly approaching and becoming bigger and better everyday! News stations, radio stations and newspapers will be joining us at the event... along with Kaye Lani and two Monroe County wish children.

I will also be making two visits to the State Capital to meet with representatives and senators to discuss current legislation regarding childhood cancer research and funding. I am very excited for this opportunity to join our state leaders in session!

Sending my best wishes to each of you for wonderful start to Spring!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Enjoying an afternoon with the students at the Monroe County ISD. Thanks Debbie for setting this incredible afternoon up!

Bobb, Myself and Lori before the Tigers arrived!

Let me begin by wishing all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!!

Throughout the month of January, I had the opportunity to take part in a number of unforgettable events!

...Starting with the Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan event at MCCC! Thanks to Bobb, I was able to throw out the "first pitch" of the event, sit on stage with the Tigers, meet all of the players and coaches... and even got all of their autographs! I also visited with the 1,000 school children present, spent some time with Mayor Al (a great friend of mine after many appearances together), and met Randy Richardville. The crown definitely brought some attention to me amongst those players. Curtis Granderson told me, "Miss Monroe... you are hot!" Needless to say... he is my favorite player! Haha! Thanks again Bobb for an unforgettable afternoon. (And Bobb did a fabulous job emceeing the event... of course!)

On January 26th, I visited the Monroe County ISD and spent the day with nearly 60 students. It was an amazing day!!! The music therapist worked with the children on a special "Hello Miss Monroe" song. It was a wonderful gift!

On the evening of January 26th, I was honored to take part in the "Dancing Through Time" event to benefit the War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration. The whole event was ran similarly to the hit TV show, Dancing with the Stars. I was honored to share the stage with such "Stars" as: Kathy Angerer, Bev Hammerstrom, Dr. Nixon, Mr. Wakeman, Tony Sacco, Joe Bellino... and of course, Kaye Lani (who served as emcee!) I am happy to report to you that I was awarded 3rd place in the dance performance competition of the program. Dr. Nixon won! He was quite the natural. When his name was announced, I told him.... "Dr. Nixon, the stage is yours!"... just as he had told me after my crowning! Over $30,000 was raised through this event. Thank you Sue for the opportunity to take part in this event! I had a great time :o)

On January 27th, I held a Make-a-Wish Fundraiser at Curves in Temperance. The members and I enjoyed an afternoon of salsa dancing as we raised over $250 in just an hour! The event was featured in both the Bedford Now and Monroe Evening News.

These are just a few highlights from the New Year! I am really looking forward to the following appearances:

February 22: Project Second Chance Auction - Participant and "Celebrity Guest"

February 24: American Cancer Society and Make-a-Wish Penny Wars Fundraiser

February 24: St. Michael's We Care Telethon - Performer and Emcee

February 28: Kiwanis Club of Monroe Guest Speaker

March 1: American Red Cross Everyday Heroes Award Ceremony

March 2: "Share the Power of Reading" visit at Ida Elementary

March 2: Miss Lighthouse Coast Pageant (GO JENNA!!)

March 3-4: Miss Michigan Orientation

Whew! It will be a busy two weeks! As always, I am loving my year as Miss Monroe County and taking advantage of every opportunity to Share the Power of a Wish with my community members.

Stay Warm! :o)

Miss Monroe County Cow Plop!!

I am so excited to announce the details for the Cow Plop event that I am planning!!

Mark your calendars... for APRIL 20th and plan to take part in the MISS MONROE COUNTY 2006 COW PLOP to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Michigan!

Where: Old Mill Banquet Hall, Dundee, MI

When: April 20, 7:00-12:00 pm

Cost: $25 single and $40 a couple for dinner and entertainment / $10 per PLOP square

Just what is this all about?!

Purchase a COW PLOP square for $10 and if the cow plops in your square... you win $1000!!

Monroe's very own Miss America, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson, will be serving as the official Cow Plop judge alongside Monroe wish child, Caden!

Also, 300 tickets are available for the dinner/entertainment benefit that will coincide with the plop. These tickets will go FAST!

Dinner includes:

BBQ Chicken
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Sweet Corn
Baked Beans
Cole Slaw
Corn Bread
Country Fruit Pies
2 Drink Tickets

Entertainment is being provided by 2-3 of Monroe County's finest bands and Lightning Sound DJ service.

There will also be a silent auction and original Miss Monroe County Cow Plop t-shirts for sale.

If you would like to purchase a Cow Plop square or dinner ticket, email:

missmonroe2006@yahoo.com

A HUGE THANK YOU to: SCOTT'S CATERING and the Miss Monroe County Scholarship Board of Directors for sponsoring the event... allowing all proceeds to go directly towards granting the wishes of Monore County children battling life threatening illnesses!

The Detroit Tigers are coming to Monroe!

Myself with the Detroit Tigers!! They all signed my jersey for me :o)

Yes... it is true!

The Detroit Tigers are coming to Monroe as part of their Winter Caravan event and I will be throwing out the first pitch to one of the players to start the event! Needless to say... I am very excited and happy to be putting my softball arm to use again :o)

A BIG thanks to Bobb, Tom Ryder and everyone at Monroe County Community College for inviting me to be a part of this event. I have my Tigers jersey ready to go!! Stay tuned for some pics!!

Also... THANK YOU to Amber Reau and the Computer Works team for creating an AMAZING website! Your hard work payed off... it looks great! It is a wonderful addition to our program.

Congrats to the Miss Monroe County Scholarship Board of Directors... the Miss Monroe County Pageant was named one of the 12 things to look forward to in 2007 :o) Your year-round work to raise scholarship money, plan production numbers and prepare titleholders has been recognized by many!! Just another reminder of how lucky I am to represent this program!!

Happy January!!

Upcoming appearances:

January 18: Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan at MCCC

January 26: Monroe County ISD Trip

January 27: Work out with Miss Monroe County at Curves - Fundraiser to benefit Make-a-Wish

Happy New Year!!

Taking some pictures at the Peg Harris Christmas Recital at Frenchtown Square Mall.

Being "crowned" by a Peg Harris dancer at Matthes Tree Farms!

Miss Monroe County Outstanding Teen, Jordan, and myself at the Frenchtown Twp Christmas Party.

Happy New Year!!

As we begin to busy ourselves with New Year's resolutions, holiday clean-up, and a return to normalcy... it is important to look at the year in review, celebrate, and remember 2006! As I look back on the past 365 days, I must say that I have had one life-changing year. Through becoming Miss Monroe County 2006, I have been blessed with many more friends, memories and experiences.

Here are just a few that I can not help but look back upon... and smile:

* At a Princess Tea Party in Erie, MI, a three-year-old Cinderella raised her hand in the middle of my talk on what life is like as a real princess :o) to tell me that her mom is the Best Strawberry Picker!!

* The Miss Monroe County Board of Directors made a generous memorial donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation in honor of my Pipi who passed away one month ago. He was one of my biggest fans! How lucky I am to have such a supportive and caring board of directors to work with!!

* I recieved a handful of Christmas cards from people throughout the county thanking me for my dedication and committment to the community and the Miss Monroe County program. However, my favorite card (sent by our Junior Miss Monroe County, Cassidy) read... "I really look up to you. You are my best friend, and I want it to stay that way forever! Merry Christmas!" Spending time with our younger titleholders has been amazing!

* I was asked by Angela Corsi, Miss Michigan 2006, to write a letter of recommendation for her for the 2007 Miss America Quality of Life Award. What an honor!! She is such an inspiring and beautiful woman and I am blessed to know her.

* Caden, Abigail, Courtney, Dominique, Melissa, Ryan, Darnell, Samantha... the wish children that I have worked with this year have left everlasting imprints on my heart and soul. Their smiles and laughter are truly unforgettable (Especially Caden's wish for a trip to McDonalds!)

* In September, I was recognized by the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Michigan as a "Shining Star!" This was such an honor! and has only inspired me to dedicate more of my time and talents to this wonderful organization.

With many more appearances and opportunities ahead of me in 2007... including my Miss Monroe County Cow Plop fundraiser, I am excited for the next year!

Wishing you all a 2007 FULL of blessings and joyous memories!!


Upcoming appearances:

January 6: Miss Spirit of the State Pageant

January 18: Detroit Tigers Winterfest Tour at Monroe County Community College

January 20: Make-a-Wish Fundraiser at Curves in Temperance, MI. Come and learn to salsa dance and jump on the circuit with me to raise funds for wish children in our area!

January 26: Monroe County Intermediate School District Visit

It's Beginning to Look a lot like...

Jenna, Jordyn, Myself and Emily next to the decorated window at Sparrow Children's Hospital.


...Christmas!!!

And with the Holiday Season upon us... I have had the opportunity to take part in a number of wonderful events in and around Monroe County.

Firstly, I had an amazing time at the LAMP Fall Forum and met some fabulous local titleholders who I will be spending my week with in Muskegon :o)

I hurried home for the Monroe Holiday Parade... and BRRRR was it cold! However, I still love the parades. Little kids were shouting out along the parade route, "I put money in our United Way bank Miss Monroe!" It was so exciting to hear of their interest in the United Way Youth campaign and know that my 13 school visits contributed to the success of this years' campaign.

I also took part in the Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony with Mayor Al and Martha Reeves. What a great turnout there was! I stood with the children of Monroe as Mayor Al flipped the switch on the giant tree. One three-year-old girl described the sight well, "That tree is AMAZING Miss Monroe!" The special night also included horse-drawn carriage rides, choir performances, and of course... hot chocolate. Thank you to Brenda Miller and everyone who helped to put this event on!

I was also served as a judge for the Little, Junior and Teen Miss Lake Huron Shores Pageant. It was a lot of fun!!... and much more relaxing being on that side of the stage. The girls were all so talented, beautiful, and intelligent. Thank you to everyone on the Miss Lake Huron Shores Board for your hospitality and this opportunity!

This past weekend, I was honored to ride in the 24th Annual Ida Light Parade. I have been going to this parade for as long as I can remember... and this year, I got the chance to light the streets up myself! There was over 30,000 people in attendance for the jaw-dropping display of lights. I have to say... our float was very cool!! It was decked out in purple rope lighting with an 8 foot sign that read 'Miss Monroe County' with a sparkling crown. Thank you Dione, David, Al, Amber and Kevin for creating a float that truly made me feel like a queen!

I am looking forward to the following holiday appearances taking place these next few weeks:

United Way Achievement Dinner: December 6

Peg Harris Christmas Recital at Frenchtown Mall: December 16

Frenchtown Twp Christmas Party: December 16

Peg Harris Christmas Recital at Matthes Tree Farms: December 17

Newport Holiday Parade: December 20

Princess Holiday Tea at Erie Library: December 28

Much to be Thankful for...

Hello everyone!

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching (mmm... mashed potatoes and turkey!), I have spent a lot of time thinking of all that I am thankful for. It has truly been a year full of blessings:

I am thankful for...

• The opportunity to serve our community as Miss Monroe County 2006
• The wonderful people that I have met as Miss Monroe County... their smiles, kinds words, and cherished memories are carried with me always!
• The dedicated Miss Monroe County Board, everyone at Peg Harris, the Miss Monroe County contestants and volunteers... and everyone who has graciously helped me reach this dream of mine!
• The Make-a-Wish Foundation... this organization has truly shaped who I am today and provided me with the life-changing opportunity to experience the Power of a Wish!
• The Wish Children that I have worked with... They have taught me how to live!
• And of course... my mom, dad, Kayla, Clint... and all of my family and friends. I am blessed to have the most amazing loving and supportive network. Thanks for believing in me!
  

It will be a very busy week:

Friday, November 17, 2006:

• Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony and Autograph Signing at the Pavillion (6-8 pm)
• United Way Chic Fix at Monroe County Community College (8-9)
  

Saturday, November 18, 2006:

• LAMP Fall Forum and a visit to the Sparrow Children's Hospital with Miss Michigan, Angela Corsi, and the 2007 Miss Michigan contestants.
• Miss West Michigan Pageant - to CHEER on DELLE!!! BEST of LUCK!!!

Sunday, November 19, 2006:

• LAMP Fall Forum to enjoy lunch with our current Miss American, Jennifer Berry
• Monroe Downtown Holiday Parade (beginning at 3)

Monday, November 20, 2006:

• Monroe City Council Meeting as a Special Guest of Mayor Cappullucci (7:30 pm)

Throughout the week, I will also be making return visits to each of the 13 elementary schools that I visited this month on behalf of the United Way Silver Lining Campaign.

I am also looking forward to visiting three Monroe County wish children that I have been working with this year.

Of course I will also be spending time this week enjoying the holiday dinners, shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year, and spending time with my family and friends.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!