Saturday, November 14, 2009

Ms. Wheelchair California Fundraiser

What a fun-filled weekend in Sun City, CA! I took a nice drive to the other side of the mountains to spend time with some amazing people who put on a wonderful Luncheon, great entertainment, and a wonderful fundraiser for the Ms. Wheelchair California program. Special thanks goes to Robbie Motter for coordinating this successful event.

Below is a picture of me with all the entertainers. Each of them has a great story/testimony, and I was honored to be in each of their presence on Saturday. God has truly blessed each of them with talents and gifts, and I'm blessed that they chose to spend their Saturday afternoon helping to raise money for our program.



Robert Hollywood (below) is a gifted DJ and singer and dancer he toured the world with UP WITH PEOPLE and for years has been performing at some of the top events of the year in the Menifee Valley area. He is also a line dancing expert. We affectionaltly referred to him as "DJ Hollywood." He was fantastic at keeping the crowd entertained and generating a lot of funny commentary.

I had the opportunity to speak briefly about my story and advocacy work with the Ms. Wheelchair California pageant before the entertainment began!

Robbie Motter (l) and Fleet (r) enjoy a dance on the dance floor, but I was soon to have my chance! Fleet is the current winner of the Desert Idol competition for best singer/entertainer in Palm Springs. He was born in Akron, Ohio where he began his show business career by appearing in many musical productions at the Goodyear Musical Theater. He has an extensive background in dance, acting and singing. He studied at American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Arts and took master classes at the world-renowned Julliard School.
Here, I take a spin on the dance floor with Fleet!

Lecia Breen (below) has made numerous appearances as a vocalist and performer over the years in Washington and Oregon. She began singing at the age of 6 and started her professional career in her late teens. She sang for Lawrence Welk at the Seattle Center Coliseum, was the featured Star Spangled Banner vocalist for the Seattle Mariners through the eighties. Lecia was Miss King County 1980 and Runner up to Miss Washington 1981. Lecia is a newcomer to Palm Springs and excited to be part of such a dynamic and diverse community. She also has been responsible for putting together some great shows at the Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs.



Jasmine Nazari (below) is the daughter of Lecia Breen (above). She performs as a singer, and recently performed in the Broadway at the Sozo where she sang, A Whole New World, and I’m Not That Girl. This year Jasmine is entering the Miss Asia USA Pageant, the premier Cultural Pageant participated in by Asian women in the United States, who trace their ancestry to the 58 countries considered part of the Asian continent. She currently holds the title as Miss Iran.


Megan Clynes (below) is thirteen years old and lives in Lake Elsinore, CA. She is an eighth grader at Canyon Lake Middle School and is a member of advanced choir. Megan enjoys being in theater and was a Child Soloist for The Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral in 2008, she was also in various productions with Christian Youth Theater, Canyon Lake Community Church , and Canyon Lake Middle School, and Canyon Lake Community Theater. She also sang the National Anthem for a Minor League Baseball Game. Megan has a love for music and performing arts and is learning guitar to be able to sing and play together in the future. This girl has an amazing voice and a beautiful spirit! Remember her name as she will be famous one day soon! Below her picture is a clip of her singing, "Only Hope."




Melody Encheff (below) is a Chapman University graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production. She has had lifelong training in music and voice, studying with such notable instructors as piano teacher Mary Costa, and voice teacher Susan Montgomery. Melody’s singing experience includes first prize winning talent show performance for her school, and performances for various church’s. She has recorded 4 original songs, and made one music video.
Finally, we did some drawings for prizes of which I had to shuffle through a bowl of a lot of names to call out prize winners! I felt like I was on the "Price Is Right" again, but on the other side!
Megan Clynes and me during a brief break. I love this girl!

The wonderful June Davidson presented each of us with a beautiful certificate in honor of all of our achievements, and then I was able to present the Executive Director of the Ms. Wheelchair California pageant, Ruthee Goldkorn, with the proceeds of the afternoon. Thank you everyone for a great time and for coming to this fantastic event! I had such a fun time with each of you!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

2010 Tournament of Roses Rose Queen & Royal Court

On Friday, January 1, 2010 at 8 a.m. (PST), millions of spectators from around the world will celebrate the New Year with the 121st Rose Parade themed 2010: A Cut Above the Rest. The Rose Parade will once again feature the beautiful pageantry and tradition of magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands.

I had the honor being a part of the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena Luncheon at the University Club of Pasadena and got to meet the 2010 Royal Rose Queen and her Royal Court. Each of these beautiful highschoolers have acheived amazing accomplishments both in their personal lives, school, and community, and it is a great honor to be selected as part of the Court. Below, I am with each of the Royal Princess with the Queen, Natalie Innocenzi, in the middle.

I am also honored to have the Kiwanis Rose Float Club partner with the Ms. Wheelchair California program. Larry Maddick (r) and Dave (l) below will be my guides on New Year's Day as I join them on their float! I am thrilled to be part of such a huge part of history as I get to ride down Colorado Blvd. on one of the many beautifully decorated floats with Kiwanis.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day and for the opportunity to meet each of these extrodinary women. I look forward to them each representing our commuinty in their own way as they strive to truly be "A Cut Above the Rest."