Soroptimist International & Gift Of Life

After my two school visits to P.S. 69 and I.S. 75 on May 7th, I continued on with my marathon 4 appearance day, after a quick stop for Dunkin’ Donuts refueling, of course! (Gosh, I should really just be paid to be their spokeswoman...)

Stop #3:

Way back in September, I received an email from Janet Dugo from Soroptimist International of Staten Island. She invited me to speak at their May meeting where they would be distributing the Violet Richardson Community Service Award to deserving young women. I was a recipient of the award in 2009, so I was very excited and honored to be asked. At that time, May seemed so far away…and here it was, time already! 

I arrived at The Staaten with my mom and we made our way to our table, stopping along the way to speak with several people we knew. I was thrilled to see Evelyn and Tina from the SI Giving Circle as well as Roseann from Meals On Wheels. The meeting began just as we made it to our seats.

Once “meeting business” was complete, the ceremony began. As the guest speaker, I was up next. My speech was about my time in the Miss America Organization and my community service experiences. Basically, "what I've been up to" since receiving the Violet Richardson Award. I even got a laugh when I said how much I was looking forward to McDonald’s after the Miss NY Pageant!

After I spoke, new members were inducted, one of whom was Dawn Reid Green, the mom of my friend Naja who I danced with on SI Tech’s Dance Team. Old members introduced themselves and I was completely impressed by all of their accomplishments. One woman was even the first female bank Vice-President...EVER! She is 93 years old and she was totally inspiring to speak with. 

The awards were then presented to three young women for their commitment to service and their outstanding efforts in helping others. It’s always inspiring to me to see young women working so hard to make a difference and become positive role models in their communities. Congratulations to them all! 

Unfortunately, I had to leave right after awards were presented to head downstairs to my fourth (and FINAL) event of the day!

Stop #4:

My last event of this very full day was the Gift of Life Family Transport Dinner. Good friends of mine, Missy and Brian Forsyth, lost their 16 year old niece, Amanda Sue Forsyth, eight years ago when she was killed by a drunk driver. Her organs were donated and ultimately, saved 7 others. In this spirit, her family wishes to continue her legacy. The organization's website reads:

"When Amanda’s accident occurred, the NYC Fire Department stepped in and provided 24 hour transportation services for her family: a gesture that made all the difference for a family suffering the devastating loss of a child. This service allowed for Amanda’s family to be with her as much a possible during her hospitalization, relieving them the stressful task of driving during their grief. The Forsyth family believes this service should be available to all families going through similar ordeals and as a result, have created a charity to continue this service."

After a quick stop in the ladies room to put on my crown and touch up my lipstick, we went downstairs to meet my little sister queen Alexa and her mom. Thank goodness both events were at The Staaten!  All I can say is WOW! There were more people downstairs than I could even begin to count. The event took up at least 4 rooms and the party was in full swing! There was a singer in one room, a band in another, and food & baskets everywhere!

I took a few minutes to look at a quilt hanging in the hallway, which memorialized those who had donated their organs to help others. Inside the second room I found Alexa, who was selling 50/50 raffle tickets. We bought our raffle basket tickets, and I helped Alexa sell 50/50 while mingling with the guests. There were people from all walks of life, but they all had one goal in mind; to raise as much money as possible.

Before the evening came to a close, some of the attendees spoke about how organ donation had helped them or their loved ones. I was so moved by their words that I have decided to become an organ donor myself. It is something all of us should definitely consider. Please, if you get a second, look up the facts about organ donation. They might just inspire you all as well. 

As the night came to an end, baskets were called and we said our goodbyes. Thank you so much Missy and Brian for inviting Alexa and I to attend this wonderful event. I am so proud to call you guys my crazy friends! 

That's All, Folks!

As my first four appearance day came to an end, I was way, way, beyond exhausted. The day was well worth it, though, because I got to inspire students to make a difference and I was inspired by the giving nature of my fellow Staten Islanders. Win-win all around!