I am so excited to announce that on March 31st I will take part in the first Ann Arbor Walk4Kids! As hostess for this event - I encourage your get out your walking shoes and join us for a 5k "stroll" through Downtown Ann Arbor as we raise money for some of our favorite children's charities - The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital!

Please consider making a donation to benefit these outstanding charities and the work they do to improve the quality of life for Michigan Children. Please visit my fundraising page and make a donation with your major credit card.

Rather get out in the fresh spring air and walk with us? Great! Click here to sign up today!

A little more about the benefiting agencies . . .

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan grants wishes to the children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The children and their families are given the opportunity to focus on an uplifting, special event-a wish come true- in the midst of their serious health battles. A wish brings bright smiles not only to the child, family and friends, but also to everyone involved-volunteers, contributors, medical professionals and community supporters. Founded in 1984, the make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan has fulfilled nearly 5,000 wishes in our Michigan community, with almost 400 wishes granted each year.

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to the conquest of cancer through innovation and collaboration. The UM Cancer Center works with world class physicians and scientists who share information and discoveries, making the UM Cancer Center the largest pediatric oncology research effort in Michigan. The UM Cancer Center has developed a specially designed Child and Family Life program that supports families whose children who are undergoing treatment for cancer or blood disorders.

The Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor provides a “home away from home” for families of children experiencing a serious illness or injury, requiring hospitalization or treatment on an outpatient basis. While at the House families find nutritious home cooked meals provided by generous community volunteers, a comfortable place to sleep, computer resources to stay in touch with family and friends, television and game rooms in which to relax and unwind, support and understanding from staff, volunteers, and especially from each other. Families are charged a nominal fee but no one is turned away if unable to pay. Since 1985, more than 12,000 families have stayed at the House to be minutes away from their hospitalized children when they are most needed.

The University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Women's Hospital has been providing leadership in children’s healthcare for over 150 years. In 1921, UM established a separate children’s ward, one of the first units of its kind in the country. Pediatric care at the University grew rapidly. The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation responded to the need and their gift helped to construct the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which opened in 1969. C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, specialized services for sick and injured children from around the world

Deeeeetroit Basketball!!!!

Hey Pistons Fans! Answer the call and help a great cause!

April 15th is Make-A-Wish Day at the Palace of Auburn Hills and the Pistons will take on the Philadelphia 76ers! Join me for a night out to support our Detroit heroes - the Pistons and Michigan wish-children! We get a special discounted rate AND $10 of each ticket will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation! It's never been easier (or more fun)!

If you would like to join us - email me by THURSDAY at miss2006@missmichigan.org or follow the directions below and order yourself! Invite as many friends as you like!

Hope to see you there!


Download Ticket Purchase Form!

Make-A-Wish Day at the Palace Date: April 15, 2007Time: 6pm Game: Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Location: Palace of Auburn Hills

Cost: $35 (SAVE $5 - Regular Price $40) with $10 going directly back to the Foundation!

Tickets Purchase Deadline: March 16th

Tickets Mailed out: The end of March

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Order tickets today by calling Sara Daniel at the Palace Sports and Entertainment phone 248.377.8625.

If you are able, please consider donating one or more tickets back to the Foundation to provide wish families with the opportunity to attend this event.

YOU MUST ORDER TICKETS THROUGH EITHER SARA DANIEL OR THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION IN ORDER FOR THE FOUNDATION TO RECEIVE A DONATION. TICKETS ORDERED THROUGH ANY OTHER SOURCE WILL NOT BE DONATING TO THE FOUNDATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

New Miss America Pictures

Thank you to Joe Whiteko from the Pageant News Bureau for sharing these!

(more) New Miss America Pictures

Upcoming Not-To-Be-Missed Event!!!

Join me on Tuesday, February 27th for "A Caberet for Wishes" featuring Grand Rapid's best talent and me, Miss Michigan! (Don't worry, I promise I won't sing)



GRAND RAPIDS’ HOTTEST TALENT COLLABORATE TO BENEFIT MAKE-A-WISH®

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (February 7, 2007) – An Aquinas College student organization, AQ STARS for the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Michigan - which supports wish-granting for children with life-threatening medical conditions – is pleased to announce their first annual event, “A Cabaret for Wishes,” an evening of entertainment featuring more than 20 of Grand Rapids’ finest entertainers, set to take place at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center.
AQ STARS is a student organization in its second year of existence at Aquinas College. Since last year’s inaugural event, the group has been anxiously planning the 2007 cabaret with a goal of at least doubling the $2,500 that was raised for the Make-A-Wish® Foundation in 2006.
The evening’s roster of performances consists of sisters Cici and Ellie Gramer, who will perform together. No strangers to the stage, both were nominated in the 2006 Grand Award category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, with younger sister Ellie bringing home the honors for her performance in Circle Theatre’s Oliver! Currently, Cici is appearing in Nunsense at The B.O.B. Another sure-to-be-memorable performance will feature the unlikely yet charming pair of seasoned performer Lynne Brown-Tepper and thirteen year-old Maggie Nye, who will reunite on stage for the first time since appearing together in Nine at Circle Theatre in 2005. In addition, selections will light up the stage throughout the evening by Kathy Wagner, Justine Klein, Noddea Moore, Matt Tepper, Jordon Hudson, Ashli Roberts, Andy Schneider, and many more local performers.
As guests enjoy the intimate ambiance featuring the evening’s performances which will also include a special guest performance by a former Make-A-Wish recipient, they will be hosted by repeat emcees Christopher Grooms, local actor and Aquinas College student, and Miss Michigan Angela Corsi, co-founder of the very first college STARS for Make-A-Wish chapter at Michigan State University. There will also be complimentary snacks and beverages following the show, and a merchandise table with several Make-A-Wish items, including the signature event shirt which is available for $10. An anonymous donor and the Aquinas College Student Senate serve as sponsors for the event, and the AQ STARS group hopes to generate enough funds from the cabaret to underwrite the wish of one West Michigan child.
Tickets go on sale beginning February 12 at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center. Call the box office at (616) 456-6656 or stop by between noon-5:00 p.m. weekdays. Ticket prices are $17 for the general public and $9 for students with a valid student I.D. Individuals who would like to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation® as a Wish Angel by sponsoring a student ticket, please contact Noddea Moore at http://us.f319.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=AQSTARS@aquinas.edu; the generosity of these donors will be noted in the event program.
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The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America is the largest wish granting charity in the world. Since 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan has granted more than 4,400 wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. The Michigan chapter anticipates granting nearly 400 wishes this year and has offices in Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Grand Rapids, with more than 80 percent of expenditures going toward program services. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, visit our website at http://www.wishmich.org/ or call 877-631-WISH (9474).

February 24, 2007 – A penny for your wish

Accepting a check on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation from MSU Greek Week!

Saturday I had the honor to return to Michigan State University for the conclusion of Greek Week 2007 and one of MSU Stars’ signature fundraisers!

MSU Greek Week is a week-long competition between sorority and fraternities and is the largest philanthropic Greek event. Penny Wars is an MSU Stars signature fundraiser and a Greek Week competition. Throughout the week at each Greek Week event, coins are collected. A penny counts as positive points for the team and any silver coins or paper money counts as negative points (equal to the value of the money). The point is to put pennies in your own bottle and silver and paper in the other teams'. The team with the most points at the end of the week is the winner. Since Saturday is the last event, it is the last chance for teams to pick up extra points. Most chapters arrive early with bricks upon bricks of pennies and a pocket full of twenties to knock out their competition’s points - it is very competitive! Of course all of the money goes to MSU Stars to help grant a wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and last year we raised more than $5,000!

This year was very special for us, not only was it the 5th anniversary of Penny Wars, it was the first year that MSU Stars was named one of five charities chosen to receive a portion of the proceeds raised during the week. This year Penny Wars raised more than $7,304! In addition, the MSU Greek Week Leadership Team donated an additional $2,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan!

Congratulations to MSU Stars for collecting about $9,304 – more than enough to sponsor a wishes!

Congratulations and Thank you to my chapter, Sigma Kappa and their teammates Tau Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Sigma Phi who won Penny Wars!

Finally, thank you to the MSU Greek Week Leadership team and the MSU Greek Community for 5 years of support of MSU Stars and Make-A-Wish! Here’s to many, many more years of granting wishes for Michigan children!

February 20, 2007 – My big Valentine’s Day

I was originally scheduled to spend my Valentine’s Day with our American Heroes at the Veteran’s Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, cupid’s arrow hit a big snow cloud and there was no way I would make it to Ann Arbor because of weather. Not to despair! We simply rescheduled Valentine’s Day to February 20th.

It was one of the best Valentine’s Day of my life. We visited rooms for nearly 4 and a half hours and I signed more than 100 autographs. I really enjoyed listening to their stories and getting to know the Michigan (and some Ohio) veterans. 19 year-old Tim was wounded by an explosive back in October and is now fighting to keep his foot, but he was excited to show me his new cell phone and talk about his beautiful girlfriend Sarah. Ken from Redford who agrees that my family makes the best pizza, is losing his fight with cancer. He had such a twinkle in his eye and looked and sounded so healthy, I was shocked to learn of his diagnosis. Lynn from Gaylord is the “Dog Whisperer” of Michigan and claims that he can train any dog in 3 hours as long as the owners will let him train them too. He is paralyzed from the waist down and a recent surgery has temporarily left him without the use of his right arm. His service dog Kit (who just before we walked in finished cleaning his hospital room) was one of his best students!

I can only hope our Valentine’s visit may have raised some spirits and reminded them that there are so many of us who remember and are grateful. They certintly reminded me that the strength and bravery of our U.S. troops (among other things) endures long after the war they fight is over.

A special thank you to our guide for the day, John Kinzinger from the Washtenaw County Vietnam Veteran’s of America and volunteer for the Medical Center for all his patience and time.

February 25, 2007 – Post-Miss America: Practicing what I preach

I have already come to realize that my year as Miss Michigan will always be divided into two distinctly different eras: pre-Miss America and Post-Miss America. This is not at all a bad thing, but an unexpected funny thing. . .

Pre-Miss America was something like this: Complete Miss America paperwork, shop for Miss America, fittings for Miss America wardrobe, work-out for Miss America, rehearse Miss America talent, mock Miss America interviews, promote Miss America telecast and programming, send everyone you meet to www.missamerica/cmt.com, interview about the Miss America Pageant and the Becoming Miss America: Pageant School experience. Oh yeah, and in my spare time, complete appearances as Miss Michigan across the state. Even with my Miss Michigan appearances, I considered tattooing “January 29th on CMT” on my forehead as no appearance was complete without promoting the Miss America Pageant. And of course, after each appearance evaluating my performance and measuring it up to what is expected of Miss America.

Post-Miss America has gone something like this: Unpacking, doing laundry, writing thank you notes, answering emails and phone calls, enjoying cookies and ice-cream without any guilt, convincing my non-pageant friends and family that no, in fact the Miss America Pageant was not fixed (but thank you very much for your support and love), and politely listening to my pageant friends proclaiming that the judges must have been on something (again thank you for your love and support), and trying to figure out exactly how to say whatever it is I am supposed to say on this blog about my Miss America experience.

It took me nearly a month to figure out that the difficulty is that what I’m expected to write and what I need to write are also two distinctly different things – both true, but one much harder than the other. You see, what I’m expected to write about is how much fun I had in Vegas, all the funny stories and antidotes (preferably about Lauren Nelson or any of the other finalists), how cute Mario Lopez is in person, and how I feel so blessed to have been a part of it all and I’ll never forget it. Well, you’ve already read all my stories and heard me gush about Mario. You’ve also heard me say a million times that I know I am so fortunate to have become one of the less than 5,000 people to have ever competed on the Miss America stage. And not only will I never forget it, I’m collecting photos, DVDs and program books to show my future children and anyone else who may be patient enough to endure it.

While all of this is true, it’s not the whole story. The part that’s hardest to say is the part that I feel I need to say. It’s the part that all but one contestant in any pageant is feels when it’s all over . . . Disappointment.

Somewhere along the line, people got the impression that Miss Michigan (and other titleholders) must be all sunshine and rainbows all the time no matter what. But guess what? I’d rather be real than perfect – so I’ll admit it, I’m disappointed. And guess what else? That’s okay. In fact, it’s natural!

It should be no surprise that I had set certain goals for myself when I went to Miss America. After preparing non-stop for about 6 months (not to mention the previous 5 years that it took just to get there) I would have been silly not to have goals and expectations of my own performance. It should also be no surprise that I attained some of them and fell short on others.

I’ve spoken candidly about “losing” and “disappointment” in the past, but this time it just seems harder to talk about. There are the familiar awkward wishes of congratulations for showing up and of course all the “what-if’s” that cloud your memories. But this time, there was another familiar feeling that I had forgotten about – the feeling that I had let someone else down. But this time it was more than my family and friends that would love me no matter what – it was an entire state. And this time there is no “maybe next year”. And this time, there is an expectation to not only be visible around the state, but also upbeat and, well . . . perfect.

Then I remember the words of a very wise young woman. She said “In life, we have the opportunity to gain so much – win or lose. Look for it. Find it. Claim it. Live it. And never again will you rely on someone else to control how you finish.” (scroll down to the Aug 29 post for more).

For the record, I still firmly believe that – maybe more so now than ever. There is so much that I have learned about myself, about life, about the people around me – things that I probably would not have had I made the top ten. So, why did I have to talk about my disappointment and ruin the guise that all of us state titleholders are perfect? Because I may not be Miss America, I may not have made the top ten or won a preliminary competition, but I’m still Miss Michigan. I promised to wear this crown with integrity, class and honesty and I know from my email inbox that there are many people out there who still look up to me because of that. For you, I want to make it perfectly clear that no only is it okay and normal to be disappointed when you don’t achieve a goal you set out to accomplish; it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Now, I don’t want you to think that I condone temper tantrums on stage if you don’t win nor am I telling you to scream at the judges or take away from other contestants’ success. You must take ownership of everything you do and say and represent yourself with class. But you must also be true to yourself and your emotions.

Finally, I want to leave you with my favorite definition of success from Sir Winston Churchill. . .

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

As I try to stretch the post-Miss America era of my year and accomplish as mush as possible while I still have this incredible job, I realize that my enthusiasm for the Miss America Organization has never been stronger and therefore, I have never been more successful!

February 2, 2007 - Miss America 2007 Preliminaries

I cannot believe that my Miss America experience is already over! It is difficult to comprehend that the one event I have worked so hard for the last 6 years have come and gone. Don’t get me wrong, I knew it would fly by. I took lots of pictures, collected many friends, and tried to create as many memories as possible – and yet it still seems impossible to believe that not only was I there, but also that it’s over. So as I look at my photographs, email my friends and tell the stories I’ve collected, it seems like the only way to make it last just a little bit longer is to share those with you.

First of all old friends, let me first apologize for making you wait so long! Here’s a quick overview of all the adventures I have not yet had the chance to tell you about. . .

Tuesday night after rehearsals, we boarded our buses and headed down the Las Vegas Strip to The Forum at Caesar’s to dine at the Planet Hollywood restaurant. Unfortunately in the interest of security we entered through a loading dock directly across from the restaurant – so I never did get a chance to see any of the hotel or the Forum. I did get to see something even better though . . . Noddea and Dave! After giving them each a quick hug and snapping a few photos, I went back to my table in a section reserved for the contestants. After eating one of our favorite meals of the week and receiving more Planet Hollywood presents (they spoiled us) – it was time to have some fun. I and a few of the other girls at my table went to the Planet Hollywood store and through the restaurant to snap some fun pictures. I finally got photograph with RockyJ Then the manager helped us clear away some of the tables and played some of our favorite “old school” songs and we had an instant dance party. It was the perfect, fun-filled and relaxing evening before interviews the next morning.

Wednesday was a long day. With everyone doing interviews at different times and rehearsals things could have been a little chaotic – but our hostesses were quite organized. Rehearsals ended early on Wednesday and those of us who had already finished interviews had the rest of the evening off. I took the opportunity to go to the gym for a little while, mostly just to get out of the hotel room. Then Tiffany and I treated ourselves to a room service dinner and relaxed with a TV movie! We knew this was not going to happen again for the rest of the week and we decided to take advantage of it. . .

We were right. During competition days we became very accustomed to the “hurry up and wait” routine (this was not a problem because aside from the cold theater, we actually relished the downtime when another group was on stage.) Many contestants brought their laptops, and ipods. Some brought pillows and blankets to nap. Some brought card games and socialized. Still others were happy just watching the stage and the show take shape and trying to soak it all in. I fell somewhere in between those last two groups. It will be these rehearsals in the theater that I will remember the most. I just sat in awe of the whole spectacle. The glamorous and incredible stage. The professionalism of the stage crew, lighting design, choreographers, producers, etc. The scattered media throughout the theater snapping up photographs and quotes. The state banners appearing slowly one after another. The family and friends who sat through all the rehearsals to cheer for their girl. Best of all – watching each of my fellow contestants do her thing. It was exhilarating to see each of my friends strut their stuff (and all their hard work) in their swimsuits, model their gowns, and best of all perform their hearts out! I was watching the Miss America class of 2006 and I felt proud and honored to be a part of that. It wasn’t until these rehearsals that I started to feel like I was at Miss America!

Monday - The Venetian

On the bus with Amber Bennett, Miss Arkansas.














Sharing a Romanic Gondola ride with Katie Millar, Miss Utah. . .