Check-out the events and fundraisers I took part in throughout the month:
Miss/Teen Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale Pageant
Adell & Janae, the pageant was an absolute success! It was very entertaining and the personal touches made it a unique pageant! Alex, throughout the pageant I had a feeling it was going to be you! You radiate so much confidence and you never gave up on your journey to the crown. That is such a beautiful testament to the person you are on the inside. I am so glad to have been apart of your journey and to call you my friend! (XOXO)
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| Miss Boca Raton, Alex Cossio |
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| With my beautiful pageant sister, Miss Palm Beach County Brittani Robbins |
International Women's Day
This was such an educational event. My mom and I joined some of Palm Beach County's most influential, educated, and wise women in celebrating Rosa Park's 100th birthday. It sounds simple, but cutting a cake in honor of her was an experience I will never forget.
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| How sweet, my two friends wanted to crown me! |
Peggy Adams Walk for the Animals
I am a dog-lover so this event was so exciting to be apart of! I spent the morning with Theresa and hundreds of dogs, how awesome! The moment I arrived, a medium-sized dog came over and licked my entire right leg calf. I started laughing and knew I had "arrived!" From there, I joined the CEO of the Peggy Adams League, Rich Anderson in the pace car to begin the animal walk. Later, I
joined 4 other fabulous judges to judge the pet contestant...which was SO FUN! The dogs were adorable and I kept thinking to myself, "I am so blessed!" After taking pictures with many dogs and kids, Theresa and I called it a day! Thank you Lauren for the opportunity to take part in something so unique and worthwhile.
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| A few of my favorite dog costumes! That's Marilyn Monroe on the bottom left! Ha! |
Women's Chamber of Commerce Giraffe Awards
This was such a fantastic night. The women being honored that night were truly inspiring and accomplished. After eating my giraffe shaped chocolate (oops), I bonded with several women including my dear friend, Maria Vallejo, Provost of Palm Beach State College LW campus. Being apart of this event allowed me to meet successful women of all backgrounds, which in turn, motivated me to continue working hard for my goals.
ASPIRA speaking engagement
Through my friendship with Dr. Vallejo, she encouraged me to get involved with the ASPIRA organization. "The ASPIRA Association, a 501(C)(3) organization, is the only national Hispanic organization dedicated exclusively to developing the educational and leadership capacity of Hispanic
youth. Since 1961, ASPIRA has been working at the grass-roots level to provide programs that encourage Hispanic students to stay in school, prepare them to succeed in the educational arena, develop their leadership skills, and to serve their community. ASPIRA is a very diverse organization working with substantial numbers of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Central Americans, Mexicans, and Cubans, as well as with African Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Haitians, among others."
Because of my Venezuelan background attending the "Muchachos and Muchachas Conference" held at Palm Beach State College Lake Worth was very significant to me. It is my priority to invest time into the advancement of the Hispanic community and by sharing my platform C.R.O.W.N. with them, I felt as though I was passing on to them the many lessons I have learned as a young women.
Miss Florida's fundraiser for The Miracle League
Later that day, Theresa, Miss PBC and I drove to Miami to join Miss Florida 2012, Laura and other local Titleholders for a fundraiser for Laura's platform: The Miracle League. Not only was our time together educational, but we also got to know each other on a different level. We laughed, shared our thoughts about the Miss America Organization, and overall had a fantastic time. I am so grateful for Laura....she is a beautiful (Inside & out) representative for our state and she's just a cool gal ;)
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| Miss Florida 2012 Laura McKeeman, top 16 at Miss America! |
Miss Miss Coral Gables, Brickell, Hialeah Pageant
Wow, what a pageant! Over 18 Teen and Miss contestants competed for these various titles. What an accomplishment for the director Rose Martinez and her team! The talents were very entertaining and the crowd loved cheering for and encouraging the girls on stage. Once again, what a relief it is to just sit back, relax and enjoy the show. ;)
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| My pageant sisters! |
"Fueled by the vision, energy and resources of Quantum Foundation, The Junior League of the Palm Beaches and St. Mary’s Medical Center, Quantum House opened its doors in 2001 to serve more than 1300 family members each year. As the only facility of its kind between Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Quantum House is proudly celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2011. Families and their children from every state and more than a dozen countries have found a caring a supportive home at this ten guest suite facility. Quantum House - where "hope has a home."
Participating in this fundraiser with Theresa was great because it gave us a chance to educate Jersey Mike's customer that day on this incredible organization. 100% of the proceeds that day went to the Quantum House, woohoo!
Regalia's
David and Carry are without a doubt the pageant kings! We laughed, tried on BEAUTIFUL gowns and they made me feel like a princess. I am so excited to wear my gown on the Miss Florida stage! THANK YOU for your hospitality!
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| Wearing a gown that Miss America 2012 wore for a photo shot. VERY COOL moment! |
Until next time readers!
Love you all,
Nicole
