YMCA Youth in Government Bill Hearing Night

This evening I attended a Bill Hearing Program put on by the SVY Youth in Government Program (Simi Valley YMCA). I was invited by my former sister titleholder, Meghan Lopez (Miss Ventura County Intl 2009). This particular program has been her community service for a number of years and I felt honored that she asked me to attend as a guest. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with these teens and their knowledge of our Legislature. I had the opportunity to visit again with Assemblywoman Audra Strickland who was on the judging panel. I also got to meet the CEO of the Y's Youth and Government Program, Steve Wilmont. The Youth in Government program gives these teens an advantage to excel in their future endeavors. They gain communication skills, the ability to step out of their comfort zone and take risks, they learn how to negotiate and compromise, and be more open minded. What a great program that was established to benefit the youth of today. Great work SVY! I was totally impressed and inspired!

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Luggage of Love fundraiser at JJ Brewsky's

This evening was a lot of fun. So many people showed up at JJ Brewsky's to donate to Luggage of Love. At one point there was an hour wait! It really warms my heart to know that people have embraced what I am doing. I enjoyed talking to everyone. And I want to give a BIG thank you to Jeff Walker and the JJ Brewsky's crew for allowing us to hold the fundraiser at their restaurant. Luggage of Love collected 20 pieces of luggage and raised over $1500.00 tonight!!! Thanks again to all of the kind people who donated, you are making a difference in the lives of children in shelter and foster care throughout California.

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My meeting with Senator Tony Strickland

After my segment on B95.1 I was off to Senator Tony Strickland's office to meet with him. The meeting went very well. I thanked him for my certificate that I received from him for being the 2009 Youth of the Year for the City of Camarillo. I also brought him up to date with my efforts with Luggage of Love. He and his staff were very supportive and offered to attend any of my events in the future. He also gave me great advice on how to fundraise. Senator Strickland was very down to earth and I enjoyed our meeting. He is a family man and talked a lot about their travels due to his job. I look forward to him attending some of my events as well as his family. Thanks Senator for your time and your advice, I really appreciate it!

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B95.1 FM

I started off today at one of the local radio stations, B95.1 FM, where I got the opportunity to meet Bo Jaxon and be on his morning show to promote my fundraising event at JJ Brewsky's. I had such a great time and learned so much about how a radio station works. Thanks Bo for having me on your morning program to share my story and promote Luggage of Love. YOU ROCK BO!

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Luggage of Love Fundraiser tonight at JJ Brewsky's 5-8pm

Come on out tonight to JJ Brewsky's, enjoy some great food, and support the organization that I founded "Luggage of Love". I will be there from 5 to 8pm to visit with everyone. Hope you all can make it, and thanks for supporting this worthy cause. I look forward to see you there!

If you wish to make a cash donation please make all checks payable to "Luggage of Love", and I will also be accepting all NEW/UNUSED pieces of luggage tonight.

13th Annual Kinship Celebration in Costa Mesa

Today was the most amazing day since being crowned Miss Teen California Intl 2010. Both Ashley Pavletich (Mrs. California Intl 2010) and I were invited as guests to the 13th Annual Kinship Celebration in Costa Mesa. This event was one of the ones that left a feeling of validation for me in my life. You see, I was amongst fellow youth that had experienced similar situations such as myself that were adopted. Children from 1 month old to teens were in attendance with their "soon to be" or already adoptive parents. It was a "family" event celebration with the theme of "Follow Your Dreams". The Kinship Center is a non-profit organization who works to find loving permanent homes for children in the system. And by the looks of it they are doing amazing things. I met so many nice people who have chosen to brighten the lives of children and make them a part of their family. Thanks so much to the Kinship Center for embracing my story and allowing me the opportunity to be the guest speaker and share my story as well as my dreams. I hope I inspired the children to do great things no matter what there past has been. If you can dream it you can do it, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise! And last but not least, a special thanks to all the children who touched my heart and made me feel special today, you all will forever be a part of my life.

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Luggage sent to Placer County Emergency Children's Shelter

This was my first shipment of luggage to the Placer County Emergency Children's Shelter. This shelter is a lot like the one I use to live in before being adopted. It warms my heart to know that the children in this shelter will not have to have their belongings put into garbage bags upon leaving the facilty as I once did.

2010 Bakersfield Pageant

Wow! What an honor it was to be invited to the 2010 Bakersfield Pageant this past weekend. Not only did I get to spend time with my Director, Eddie Peterson, but I also got to spend time with my sister titleholder, Ashley Pavletich, Mrs. California International. My evening started with a hosted dinner with all of the judges, current titleholders, and the Director of the Bakersfield Pageant, Gayle Tape. Dinner was delicious and I enjoyed my time talking with the current Mrs. Bakersfield... Rhenana Grimes, Miss Bakersfield...Angelica August, and last but not least Miss Teen Bakersfield and a member of my court at state....Erica George. These ladies are so inspiring and all around classy individuals. It is so amazing what the International Pageant System gives all of us and how it has affected each one of our lives for the better.

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