A day full of appearances

I just want to start by saying how blessed I am to have such wonderful opportunities in my life.  Not only do I get to represent the Three Rivers Festival, I also get to promote my platform and passions.  Today just showed what a wonderful year I have ahead of me.

I started out at Parkview Hospital's Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Renell gave me a tour of the facility and I got to see all of the premature babies that are currently receiving treatment there.  It was such a wake up call for me to see the babies and imagine that I was once in their place.  The facility is just fantastic and I can't wait to get involved helping out any way that I can. 

After Jenee and I were done at the hospital, I got to meet the head honchos of the Three Rivers Festival.  Wow, they were a hoot!  I had so much fun talking with them and telling them a little about myself and learning about the festival a little bit more. They are just so fabulous and I absolutely cannot wait to be involved with them and help out in any way possible!  

Then I was off to finish the busy day at Northwood Middle School.  To say that I had no idea what I was walking into is a bit of an understatement.  The students and staff of NMS put on Aunt Elena's Hair Care Challenge to raise money for charity every year.  This year the money raised went towards Holland Elementary School & some even went to the middle school. There was over $5,700 raised by these kids!  It was just amazing.  The enthusiasm and spirit the kids had for this program was just fascinating. I wish every school could have a day like this for kids to support each other and such a great cause. I am so honored to have been involved with the program this year!!

Wow, this was such a great way to start off my Thanksgiving break.  Great, great day

March for Babies was a success!

Well even though yesterday was quite cold with the wind and no sun, the walk was extremely successful.  I did decide to walk inside because I felt like a human popsicle but it was much better than keeping it outside.  I ended up being able to donate $1,100.67 to the March of Dimes!! I am absolutely thrilled.  My original goal was to donate $500 and thought that I might be reaching a bit far but I more than doubled that amount!  I can't thank everyone that donated and participated in the walk enough for helping me make this a success.

So glad my first event as Miss Three Rivers Festival went so well. Couldn't be happier!  Now it's off to the Ball State Cardinal's last football game of the season. Chirp! Chirp!  Go Cards!

-Courtney

My First Blog!

Hey everyone!

Well this is my first official blog as Miss Three Rivers Festival!  I've had my title for about a month now and am already underway with preparations for Miss Indiana next summer!  This next week is a super exciting one for me with lots of different appearances coming up.

Tomorrow is finally the day for the March for Babies at Ball State University!  I was born eight weeks premature and was not supposed to live the first week of my life.  Therapies developed by the March of Dimes had a huge part in my survival which is why it is the personal platform I have chosen to support during my year of service.  Because of that fact, I have planned a walk to benefit the March of Dimes and tomorrow is the day of the event! I have raised over $800 so far and can't wait to see what donations I receive at the walk tomorrow. If you would like to attend Sign-ups for the walk start at 3pm and the walk starts at 4pm from Gate 1 of Worthen Arena on the campus of BSU in Muncie, IN.

Not only is next week Thanksgiving, but I get to have the most wonderful Wednesday with my lovely director, Jenee.  We will be visiting Parkview Hospital's NCIU to find ways for me to get more involved and also get to meet with the Three Rivers Festival board! I can't wait to get involved with the festival next summer :) Then I get to finish my day in Ft. Wayne at Northwood Middle School for the Aunt Alena's Hair Care Challenge.  Can't think of a better way to start my Thanksgiving break.

Then I have a lovely four day break with my family for lots of great food and company before I have to come back and finish the last two weeks of the semester. Can't wait to fill you in on the results of my walk tomorrow!

-Courtney