Make A Wish Recognition Dinner

Last Thursday my Mom, Dad, and I went to the Essex Resort and Spa for a Make A Wish dinner where sponsors would be recognized for their donations to the foundation. My father was being recognized for his contributions, so I decided this was my opportunity to support him for his accomplishments as he has always supported me with mine. As his name was called I clapped excitedly and was so proud of him! One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was watching a slide show of all of the wishes that had been granted throughout the year with the help of all of the people sitting in the room with me. I was blown away by the generosity of all of these kind people. As the slide show went on I was reminded of how lucky I am to have my health. It is one thing that many people take for granted, but I know that you have nothing without it. I was so proud of my father and the other contributors because they all made a difference in the life of a sick child. I commend Make A Wish for their efforts in bringing light into the lives a children who are suffering. While viewing the slide, seeing the smiles on the faces of the children who werereceiving their wishes was by far the most amazing thing that I saw throughout the evening.

I was also happy to be at this event because it introduced me to the many opportunities there are to become involved in Make A Wish. Although my family has been involved with the organization, I would like to become involved on a more personal level. I hope to be doing more events and volunteering with them in the near future!

Penguin Plunge

On February 6th, I got up bright and early to travel to Burlington to meet Nydelis at the Penguin Plunge on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. It was a bitter morning, but over 1,000 dedicated plungers came to support the Special Olympics of Vermont. I had a great time walking through the crowds and meeting people I otherwise may never have met. I enjoyed talking with some of the Special Olympic athletes, as well as getting to know some of the cadets that attend Norwich. I also had the opportunity to be interviewed on the radio by Mark from CHAMP 101.3. Nydelis and I were also introduced to the crowd and were able to say a few words about ourselves which was a fun way to break the ice and show people that even though we are beauty queens, we are still normal, every day girls too!

As I looked around the waterfront it was amazing to see how many people had come

out to support this organization. With the combined efforts of sponsors, plungers, and the volunteers that made this event possible, the Penguin Plunge raised $325, 289.00 for the 850 athletes they serve. I am so proud of this accomplishment, which was made possible because of the help of dedicated Vermonters!