Wednesday, February 25, 2009


Last Weekend it was a privilege to serve as the Honorary Chairman of the Fellowship Housing Gala. It was the first annual black tie event benefiting Fellowship Housing. Their mission is to transform the lives of the homeless or at-risk single moms and their children by providing safe, affordable housing and holistic mentoring to guide them from crisis to long-term stability and independence. Women and children are heavy on my heartstrings and the core of my own mission work. I had the honor to not only serve as honorary chair but also deliver a speech to almost 300 people. The event, which was titled, "There is no Place Like Home", and held at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg was a success and raised over $70,000.
Here Dean and I are with my directors, Joe, Marcie, and Julie Aceto.



Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Fellowship Housing Gala Board Meeting

A few months ago I was asked to serve as the honorary chair for the Fellowship Housing Gala coming up February 21st at the beautiful Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. It will be a black tie affair that will benefit homeless women and children. Anyone that knows me knows that women and children are the main pull of my heartstrings. This isn't the first time that I will speak to a group about homelessness but it is just as important and meaningful to me to do my best. Here I am at one of the committee meetings speaking to the group, and then, shooting some publicity photos. The committee has done a phenomenal job in preparation for the event and I so look forward to an amazing evening.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Interview with Suburban Woman Magazine

It has been a very fulfilling year thus far as Mrs. Illinois America. I have had the opportunity to speak out on two causes very important to me and my family. One being global poverty and AIDS while the other is pouring into our youth. I have had the chance to meet with various magazines and television stations and speak about both topics. Here I am with Ashley from Suburban Woman Magazine. She was such a sweet gem to sit down with. We discussed the Mrs. Illinois America pageant, the "power of pageants" and having such great directors. I already began recruiting her for the pageant.....but we'll have to wait till she gets married!