Fall Fest & Fallin' for the Classics Car Show

What a beautiful day for a community event. The Ventura County Fall Fest held in Newbury Park was attended by more than 5,000 people. There was so much to do, from Kids’ Carnival Games, to Extreme Games, a Car Show, Street Fair & Exhibitions, Food Court, Live Music and Activities for Special Needs Children. Best of all it was FREE. As a special guess attendee I signed autographs and took pictures. I also helped out with the Fallin' for the Classics Charity Car Show. I helped present the awards and was giving a little time to speak about who I was and what Luggage of Love does within our community. It seems like every event I attend I meet so many great people. I listen to them share their stories of making a difference and it touches my heard to see so many individuals with hearts of gold. Thank you everyone for being so kind and more importantly coming together as a community to have fun. I was honored to be a part of this event and meet so many new friends.

Terry Wright Photography & Make-Up by Judy

What can I say about two amazing people that has not already been said before? I am so happy to have you both in my life and I value all the time and effort you put into making my sister titleholders and I look amazing. Terry, thank you so much for your photos, you have a way with telling a story through your camera. Judy, you are and for ever will be like a second mother to me. You are my pageant mom in every way and I trust in all that you do. I thank God for the day that we met behind the stage and you were there for me. Both of you make such a great team. Click on the link below to visit their website for beautiful pictures!

Terry Wright Photography

Oak Park Neighborhood Preschool

Yesterday I visited Oak Park Neighborhood Preschool. The children are learning about the importance of helping others in need. They recently ran a lemonade stand to raise funds for a charity and they chose Luggage of Love as the recipient of the $122 they were able to raise! I had a wonderful time sharing my story and answering all of the questions the children had to ask about homeless, shelter and foster children- they were so intrigued! My favorite part of the q&a portion was when a sweet and thoughtful 5 year old little girl named Gracie raised her hand and said," Can I ask the children with no homes to come live with me because I have bunk-beds and I really want to share with them." Thank you Melisssa & Cruz Lockerman for suggesting Luggage of Love to the class and for introducing me to all of the wonderful children. You two are true blessings and I am really looking forward to the different ways we can help each other in the future. Thanks again to Oak Hills Neighborhood Preschool for your donation and for this opportunity ♥

Lions Club of Ventura

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak at the Lions Club of Ventura's monthly meeting. I had so much fun with this service group. I shared my story and the story of Luggage of Love. They asked so many interesting questions. I am excited to partner with them in future fundraising events that will benefit both of our organizations as well as their cottage home which houses foster youth in the community. Thanks again for inviting me to speak at your meeting and thank you for the gift.

Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco

Thank you Marlene Dean & Danita Crombach for supporting Luggage of Love in the 2011 Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco. Marlene competed in the full
marathon which is 26+ miles. The money you raised for Luggage of Love is so gratefully appreciated. I can not thank you enough for what you do, you two are my angels! You are truly making a difference.

Ponies by the Sea

Today I participated in the 2011 Ponies by the Sea Car Show. There were over 100 vehicles on display. All of the proceeds from this event benefited The Guide Dogs of America. Guide Dogs of America is dedicated to its mission to provide guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada so that they may continue to pursue their goals with increased mobility and independence. Thank you to Glenn Eldridge and Juliel Eldridge from Westcoast GearHeads for inviting me to attend. It was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful event!

To donate to The Guide Dogs of America visit:
http://www.guidedogsofamerica.org

Meeting with Tom Colbert

In August of 1992, Tom Colbert launched Industry R&D, which supplies news tips to TV tabloid, reality shows, and TV-movie producers. Industry R&D works a long list of sources so that Colbert and his staff of researchers can try to get the jump on dozens of stories each day before they become headlines. I had the opportunity to set down over lunch with Tom where I learned more about Industry R&D and Tom's beautiful family. Tom inquired a great deal about Luggage of Love's beginning and what future plans are in store for my non-profit. He also inquired about my thoughts on writing a book about my life. He had such great advise. I am honored to have met Tom and I look forward to future our future endeavors.

Colbert is an associate producer of the film The Vow. The Vow is a beautiful love story about a married couple named Kim and Krickett Carpenter. Tom worked for 6 years to bring this story to the big screen and he did a phenomenal job.

Thank you Marion Witte, founder of the Angel Heart Foundation, for showcasing my story and that of Luggage of Love.

Click here to visit the website and read the article

CSI: Y

Last night I attended the CSI: Y Event at the Las Posas Country Club. There was a crime scene and clues were given to solve who murdered two attendees of the event. This fundraiser honored Sheriff Geoff Dean and raised funds for essential equipment, special projects and programs not fully funded by the County to support the Ventura County Sherriff's Office. I always love supporting such a worthy cause.

To learn more about The Ventura County Sheriff's Office, type in the link below:
http://www.vcsd.org

Alzheimer's Walk

First event of the day is complete! This morning I walked 5 miles to bring awareness to Alzheimer's. I walked in memory of Esther Ramirez who is one of my Luggage of Love Board Members' mother. Esther passed away last April of Alzheimer's disease. There is no known cure for Alzheimer's, and it accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases today. The Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research. Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s across the globe through our national office and more than 75 local chapters. As the largest donor-supported, voluntary health organization for Alzheimer’s, the Association is a catalyst for advancements in Alzheimer's research and care.

Donate to this worthy cause at:
http://www.alz.org/