Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure Paramount Ranch Agoura Hills CA

Today I had the opportunity to support my friend Alexa Koff, Miss Thousand Oaks Intl, with her cause. She is passionate about Juvenile Diabetes Research because her and her family have been personally affected by this disease. You see Alexa's niece, Brayden, was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 2, and for the last 5 years Alexa has been walking and raising money in support of Brayden. I was able to meet so many nice people as well as many young children that are affected by something so tragic yet persevere through the rough times. I was very touched by all those who came out in support of this cause, and I am inspired by Alexa and her efforts in finding a cure. Thanks Alexa for allowing me to be apart of this important event...I am blessed to know you!

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I will be donating my $1000 Scholarship for being the 2009 Youth Volunteer of the year to Luggage of Love!

Today I had the opportunity to sit down with Sandra Walker, Director of Operations, for the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. I brought her up to date on my efforts with Luggage of Love and winning the title of Miss Teen California International 2010. I explained to her that I used the $1000 from my scholarship to purchase additional luggage for children in foster and shelter care throughout California. She shared with me numerous possibilities of fundraising as well as resources to use. It was a very inspiring meeting and I walked away feeling very honored to spent the hour with her. Thanks so much Sandra, the top 10 committee, and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce for believing in me and Luggage of Love!

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Tony Hawks Stand Up for Skateparks Fundraiser

This past weekend my sister titleholder 2010 Junior Miss California, Claire Wright, and her family invited me to attend the Tony Hawk Stand Up for Skateparks fundraiser event in Beverly Hills. We attended as guests of ex DRINKS, which are all natural alternatives to energy drinks. (And might I add they are really tasty too!) Thank you so much Deborah and Otto for letting me share my story and for being so gracious enough to share yours with me. I am truly blessed to have met you both!

This event was so much fun and I got to meet so many nice people. Claire and I even got to walk the red carpet, have our pictures taken, and were interviewed by FUEL TV. We really felt like stars. I got to talk about my platform and the international pageant system which is always a plus at any event. But more importantly I learned about the Tony Hawk Foundation that raises money to build quality public skate parks in low-income communities across the U.S. It was a pleasure to be a part of this amazing event that helps out the youth of today!

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My meeting with Assemblywoman Audra Strickland...

Last Friday I had the honor to sit down with the California State Assemblywoman of the 37th District, Audra Strickland, and her staff. I personally thanked her for my award certificate of recognition for my community service efforts that I received from her when I was honored as the Youth Volunteer of the Year for my City. I told her about my journey thus far and what my plans are with my organization Luggage of Love. We talked about possible collaborative efforts and she had some really good advice for me as I try to make Luggage of Love a household name. I learned about what her job entails and I found it to be very interesting and empowering. I look forward to speaking with her again and having her attend some of my fundraisers. A big thanks to her and her staff for meeting with me.

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The Journey of one set of luggage...

It is not very often that I get to show the journey of the luggage I collect. Confidentiality is a HUGE part of the systems in which I deal with. This rare opportunity gives you a look into why I do what I do. It is truly amazing how a little piece of luggage can really make a difference in a persons life. This is why my organization is so important to me and why I know you will follow me on this journey of a lifetime. I vow to one day give every child in similar situations as mine a brand new piece of luggage to put their belongings in. Please join me as we make a difference in a life of a child...

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My Speaking tour in Northern California...

This past week I had the opportunity to visit my sister titleholder's neck of the woods in Northern California. Claire Wright, Jr. Miss California International 2010, and her wonderful family graciously invited me into their home and set up a speaking tour that was AMAZING! We visited Claire's school, Forest Lake, where we spoke to a large group in the auditorium as well as an all girls bible study group. Then we were off to Acres of Hope (Claire's platform facility) where I got a tour and had the opportunity to speak to the women about my experiences of being homeless and how proud I was of them for committing to this two year program to make a better future for themselves and their children. I also initiated Luggage of Love at this facility so that every graduating family would get a new unused piece of luggage to start their new journey in. Next we toured Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Infusion Clinic where we visited with the nurses and patients. After that we made our way to Oaks of Auburn, a retirement facily, where we took pictures with the residents and visited with them. I enjoyed the time Claire and I got with the residents and all the cute things they had to say. Next it was off to Placer County Children's Emergency Shelter. This is where it really hit home for me. This is the same type of shelter that I lived in and it is a perfect match for my program Luggage of Love. I got the opportunity to brief them on my story and my hopes of initiating Luggage of Love in Placer County....and they accepted!!! I will be sending my first shipment of luggage to them next week. We then visited Koinonia Family Services which is an organization that sets up foster homes as well as adoptions throughout the county. With all this excitement I also needed someone to run the distribution of luggage once it was sent up North, so I asked Claire if she would be Luggage of Love's Northern California Representative and she accepted! This way she can be in direct contact with distributing luggage to her facility Acres of Hope, as well as the children in Placer County that are in foster and shelter care. THANKS CLAIRE...YOU ARE AN AMAZING YOUNG LADY! Together we will make a difference in the lives of many children!

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