Boise Rescue Mission first experience

I got this great opportunity to be in alliance with the Boise Rescue Mission, which includes a womens and children's shelter (City Lights), as well as a mens shelter and a vet's homeless shelter. I happily made my appointment with one of the men that do tours and he explained everything on the entirety of the Missions purpose. His name is Jason.

He showed me that there really IS a use for the Mission and all that it entails. I was baffled at the need here in Boise. I believe I was very naive about the less fortunate in my own home town. Out of sight, out of mind and in a city the size of Boise, we don't see a whole lot of homeless and people that down on their luck. This experience has opened my eyes and I feel so blessed to have realized there is a need for all that they do as well as volunteers, helpers, businesses to contribute and everyone to help them make up this amazing charity.

I look forward to working with the Boise Rescue Mission mainly in the women's and childrens shelter, City Lights. In starting my involvement on June 2, my daughter really wanted to help out as well when she heard what I get to do. We have started serving meals on Wednesday's to get to know the women and children there and hopefully help empower them to grow strong enough to branch out on their own. I feel touched and so blessed to see my daughter help those in need. She does it with a smile on her face, she says "you're welcome" each time one of the women or children say "thank you" for serving their meals. I am so impressed with my 9 year olds ability to look aside from her friends, school, play time, fun time and do what she does willingly with a smile on her face. I'm a very proud mom and these experiences with her thus far, have been amazing!

My journey thus far...

Once I got my title, I started a rigorous course of action. I had to find the perfect dress. First things first, lol! I had purchased three different wedding gowns just to get married so I went to my favorite place of all time, the Mon Cheri Couture Boutique. I had done some modeling with this great boutique previously and knew once I got the title, THAT's the place where I need to get my gown. I feel like a million dollars in each article of clothing or gowns I've ever worn from there, so it was unquestionable as to where to go. I can tell you after only a couple of gowns, I found just the right one. All that I will say is tune in for pictures when I compete for the Mrs. Idaho title on April 23, 2011. It is a stunning, eye turning, capture your imagination and eye appeal type of gown.

Once this had been taken care of, I was off to get sponsors, team up and be in alliance with the people and companies that I have passion about. It was and has been such a hard decision on how to spread my time and which organizations to choose from. I have been giving back on a one on one basis to women in the community that need and want to learn how to live a happy, productive life. I decided the Boise Rescue Mission is a great place to start. I am currently doing a clothing drive for them. The womens and childrens shelter (City Lights) also need donations. They will accept anything from clothes, sheets, to pots and pans or even bikes and cars. This organization helps those less fortunate get a better start than being forgotten about. Between my friends, family and acquaintances, I expect a very large return in order to help the ones who need it in our community. I have collected many items thus far and will continue to until I am able to have a full truck load to deliver! They also have invited me to do a meet and greet at a golf tournament on June 16, 2010. I will be able to say a personal thank you to those that have contributed to raising funds for such a worth cause.

I am a believer in "knowledge is power." This is all inclusive and I mean it from every angle of life. Whether it's spirituality, emotionally, physically, mentally and any other area this could touch, knowledge will give anyone and everyone a step up to branch out and grow. The avenue I have chosen to live this belief is in the prevention and awareness of HIV/AIDS foundation named A.L.P.H.A. (Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS). It is a local foundation to get free testing and knowledge of how this disease can effect others. It's definitely not the "epidemic" of the 1980's but this is a real issue and can be devastating. I will be getting tested to show that it's ok to know your status. I will post the video on here once it's done and complete as well as getting the opportunity to help spread the message.

I will continually update this blog and hope that if it brings anything at all to your life, that maybe you can realize, with or without a "title" you can give back too. Let it help motivate you to be the best person you can be.

The day I got the news!

When I realized I wanted to do pageants, I was 28 (and still am!). I had no prior experience in competing on an experience of this level. I have a modeling and commercial back ground, but had an awakening when I realized that I am not helping enough, therefore, I decided to see where this path would take me!

I was laying in bed with my husband, well equiped with my blackberry phone (I can do most my work from it) and it started vibrating. The night before Mother's Day, 2010, I got the email stating I have been accepted as Mrs. Boise 2011! I was overcome with joy, excitement and anticipation and couldn't wait to start giving back at a larger level than what I was able to do prior. I couldn't sleep, was restless and started referring to my husband, Edward, as Mr. Boise! :-)

Hence, my journey has began...