Day 151: Was Nice On The Road

Now, today's maybe a little silly, but I think something we are all guilty of...road rage. I can say that I may have experienced this a time or two as well, but not today. I drove home to Tri-Cities today and while usually I am in a rush because I am so excited to be home, but today I took my time, enjoyed the scenery and embraced the beautiful day. I was still excited to be home but realized raod rage is not going to help the situation are making things happen quicker.

Day 150: Paid For Parking

The paid parking was acting up at school today. Usually, you can pay card or cash for all day parking. And usually the machine doesn't accept cash, but today it wasn't taking a card. For those trying to pay with a card, they were out of luck. A girl didnt have enough cash or change to pay, so I handed her some quarters. She then had enough change for a parking ticket and really appreciated the gesture!

Day 149: Distributed Umbrellas To The Homeless

It was just another rainy day in Spokane and when it rained, it poured. I was out and about doing some errands and I realized that I didn't have an umbrella. I would just put on my rain jacket and sprint to my car. Then, I began wondering what people did when they didn't have a shelter to run to. Knowing that I was about to head to my internship and that I would have to walk about a block from where I parked, I ran to the store and bought an umbrella. However, while I was there, I picked up two more. A good amount of people that I walk past when going to my internship are people that are either homeless or need some help. I told myself that if someone really looked like they needed it, the umbrella was theirs.

Well, the rain stopped by the time I reached the office building and I was left with two umbrellas. But like the good Northwest, the rain started again when I was leaving. Again, it started to pour as it had just hours before. On my way out of town, I saw a man on the side on the sidewalk, standing in the rain, holding a sign that read, "Anything helps. God bless you." Luckily, he was on my side of the street, so I rolled down the window and asked if an umbrella would help. The man chuckled a bit and answered as he looked to the sky, "Yes, I think this will work well right now. Thank you so much." As I began to drive away, I heard him give a little chuckle again and it made me feel good knowing I was able to put a smile on someone's face, especially on such a gloomy day.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 148: Heal Oklahoma

Oklahoma could still use our help! We have the opportunity to DoSomething, by sending art supplies to Heal Oklahoma. Dosomething.org is collecting art supplies to give to children to cope with the disaster. According to the site, "after traumatic experiences, young kids sometimes have a hard time processing what they've been through. In these instances, like the one in Moore, Oklahoma, art can help them work through their grief in a creative way, starting the healing process." Do Something has partnered with Art Feeds, focusing on relieving pain through art.

I went to the store and picked up 3 supplies from the list- notepad, a 10 pack of markers and an 8 pallet paint. The list also consists of a 24 pack of crayons, a 10-12 pack of colored pencils, pencils, black and blue pens, erasers and a cape to make the kids feel empowered! Together, we can help heal Oklahoma. You can send the supplies to :

Arts Feed c/o DoSomething.org

417 E. 7th St.

Joplin, MO 64801

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 147: Paid My Respects

Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends. I sure did because I was able to take a trip to Seattle to see friends, family and a new Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen. On my way home this afternoon I made a pitstop in Yakima to see my grandma and visit a place that holds a very special place in my heart. For those of you who don't know, I was born in Yakima and lived there for the first 5 or so years of my life. This is where all of my grandparents are from and where my grandmothers still reside. This means, unfortunately, that I have lost both of my grandfathers- too early I may add.

Buried just down the street from the house I grew up in, is my mother's father. That, is part of the reason why this particular cemetery is dear to me. But, it is also special because on a nice day my grandpa would take my brother and I down to the cemetery to feed the geese and ducks in the pond. Being there today brought back memories that felt like a life time ago and yet it feels like yesterday. I wasn't the only one paying my respects today. There was a great amount of people dropping by flowers and spending a little time with their lost love ones. It was a bittersweet feeling to be back, but mostly sweet knowing that my grandpa is in a much better place now. And although my dad's dad wasn't buried close to where I was today, he was still on my mind and played an instrumental part in my life.

Overall, it was just a fantastic day spending time with family and remembering those who have/ are serving to protect this great nation. God bless each and every one of them who are so selflessly placing us before them. We appreciate you and we thank you not just today, but always.

God bless our troops

God bless America

& God bless you,

Kailee

Day 146: Donate A Dinner To A Vet

Today is so simple that everyone can AND should do it! By clicking the link below and clicking the blue button, you will donate a dinner to a veteran in need. Funds are distributed to their charity partners through greater good.org.

Click here to donate!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 145: Shared An Act Of Kindness

Today is a little out of the ordinary. I would like to take the opportunity to share several other acts of kindness that I have encountered and others have shared with me.

1. Submitted by Kenzi Novell:

My friend's parents bought her a new car for her college graduation present and at dinner they gave her old car to the waiter!

2. Submitted by a Teressa Shively:

I was inspired by your blog, so I bought a tank of gas for a lady at the gas station. When I told her the tank was on me, the woman couldn't help but break down in tears. 

3. Submitted by an anonymous friend: 

A friend of mine and her (ex) finance had just called things off and she gave her engagement ring to a homeless man on the street.

4. Submitted by an anonymous friend: 

This evening at dinner my father offered to pay for a man across the restaurant in his military uniform. When he asked the waitress to pay for him, she explained that someone else had already offered to pay. I guess there really are good people in the world. 

5. This is an act of kindness I experienced:

My mom and I were at Dairy Queen about a week ago and lady seemed to be choking (not to the point of the Heimlich I might add), that my mom rushed her, her a glass of water. The lady was so incredibly grateful. 

I really liked this idea, so if you have an act of kindness that you have done or witness please send them my way! 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 144: May Is For Miracles

May is the month for miracles! During May, Children's Miracles Network has teamed up with several different businesses to raise money for the hospitals. One of those businesses is Carmike Cinemas. This evening, when I went to the movies, I had an opportunity to donate my extra change from ticket sales and concessions. In addition, they were also selling all movie posters for $3. All the proceeds from the poster sales, along with all other donations, will be donated to CMN.

Other destinations and stores that you can donate include; Rite Aid, Costco, Speedway, Chico's FAS, Walmart and Sam's Club and Publix Supermart. You can learn so much more about this promotion and CMN at May is for Miracles. The site talks about how you can donate by giving, watching, shopping and sharing!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 143: Left Tickets At The Game

Today, my family and I headed back home after a week of sun, smiles and fun! However, before I left,  a few friends and I visited the New York, New York hotel where there is an arcade for kids. Of course, the children in us came out and we each played a few arcade games. This arcade was very similar to a Chuck E. Cheese, where you get tickets to earn prizes. I knew that I wouldn't use the tickets I earned, nor did I need any of the prizes that they offered. Instead, I left the tickets at the different machines for someone else to collect. Who knows, maybe they just needed 1 more ticket to win the big prize they had their eye on!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 142: Donated A Dollar For An Angel

As I was eating breakfast this morning, a deaf man stop by and dropped off the angel pin with a card attached. The card asked for donations and in return you would get the angel. My dad and I donated $4 for 2 and the man was very grateful!

Day 141: Donated To The Oklahoma Red Cross

It took 30 minutes to devastate a state. It only takes 3 words to donate. Donate $10 by texting "red cross" to 90999 followed by "yes"!

Day 140: Spare Some Change

Today was my first full day in Vegas! It was a great day full of sunshine and friends! As many of you know that have been to Vegas, there are many homeless and hungry people in need. I had some extra change in pocket, so I thought others could use it more than I could. Simply, spare some change!

Day 139: Abercrombie & Fitch Petition

Recently, the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch royally ticked off an immense amount of people. Why, you may ask? Well if you haven't heard, here is the break down. In the last week or so, Mike Jeffries made a statement/ announcement that A&F will not sell sizes for "fat kids", only the "popular kids". They will not sell clothing that is an XL or larger. Below is his portion of his statement.

“In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids,” “Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.”

Well A&E, you've rubbed me wrong for the last time. Like many others, I was outraged and couldn't believe that in this day and age someone would so blandly express discrimination and hatred. If they think any publicity is good publicity then they got what they wanted, because the news blew up with furious responses. Just yesterday I received an email from change.org asking me to sign a petition asking Mr. Jeffries for a very well deserved apology. I signed the petition and you can too, by clicking here.

And to all readers out there, please keep in mind that we are made the way we are for a reason. No matter shape or size, our bodies are beautifully made. Confidence is beautiful and if you love yourself and love who you are, then that is all that matters. Embrace your beauty, because there is no one else like you! 

God bless everyone,

Kailee

Day 138: Helped With Kidz Dig Rigz

This afternoon a few titleholders and I helped with a local event titled, Kidz Dig Rigz. This is an annual event that is held in the park by Kadlec Medical Center. Trucks, tractor, cars, etc. all gather for this day for the amusement of children and families from all over. For a small fee, the attendees are allowed to meander through the park, sit in all of the cool cars and maybe meet some local heroes, such as firefighters and policeman. The money raised from today will help Kadlec foundation. It was a beautiful day and there were many of cool cars to be seen.

Volunteers helped hand out hard hats and event maps as the families walked in. The girls and I were also asked to greet the attendees and converse with them to make their experience better. 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 137: Raised Money For A Child With Cancer

Cancer sucks, period. Together we fight, strive to find a cure and raise money for those in need when we can. This afternoon I was able to fundraise for a 8 year old girl from Pasco who is battling rhabdomyosarcoma. Never heard of it? Neither had I. After learning a little more about it, I found out that it is a cancer that usually develops in skeletal muscles. Specifically, this young lady has alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, which forms typically in older children's legs or arms.

A few girls and I staked out at Walmart and asked for donations for Sarah's medical bills and traveling expenses. In return, the donor would receive autograph cards from the three Miss America titleholders there helping and a wristband. The band is like the one below and read, "charity never faileth." The phrase was chosen by the young girl fighting cancer and the coral colored bands are her favorite color. Overall, we raised over $300 and received donations from people from all walks of life.

Why I love events like this is because I am fortunate to meet incredible people and listen to their stories. Several people today donated because they had lost someone, or had battled cancer themselves. How incredible it is to see everyone stand as one and fight for a common goal. The best part of the day was when a young girl walked up to the table and said, "how much do I have to pay you for an autograph and bracelet?" (For both we were asking $5) When Janae explained, the little girl said, "Oh, what can I get for $1? That is all I have?" Of course we were not going to turn her away empty handed. I purchased a bracelet minutes before hand and took mine off and gave her mine and Janae and I gave her autographs. She lit up and I just knew that meant so much to her. God bless eveyone who stopped to learn more about Sarah and who donated!

On a side note, Austin and I also ran the Glow Run 5K this evening. The registration fee went to the American Cancer Society. It was so much fun and they raised over $30,000! Together we are all fighting to kick cancers booty!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 136: Positive Bookmarks For Strangers

As I was walking through the EWU campus mall I notice a sign that read,"Need a little positivity? Come visit our table." Curious, I walked over to the table and asked the girls what this was all about. The four girls were all taking part in a project for a leadership class. They just wanted to spread a little love and positivity with sweet messages. At the table were bookmarks and markers for students to write anonymous and kind notes for strangers. If you wrote on a bookmark, then you got a bookmark.  A great and simple idea that could make a great difference.

Fascinated with the idea, I grabbed a bookmark and wrote whatever kind thought popped into my mind. After, I got this sweet bookmark below. It was such a good feeling to receive and simple note. In return, it felt good knowing that your bookmark could also bring a smile to a complete stranger's face, like it did mine.  :) This week I encourage you to leave a kind note for a stranger...you never know how much they may be needing it.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 135: Baked Cookies For My Neighbors

If you love cookies, then today is your day because...it is national chocolate chip cookie day! That is why I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to make cookies for my neighbors and friends. In the end,  I made 8 dozen chocolate chips cookies to share. Of course, I save a batch for my roommates (& me). :)   In honor of this decadent holiday, I find it only suitable that everyone have a cheat day and enjoy this scrumptious snack!

To boot, my roommate and I even met some neighbors that we have lived next to for almost a year. The neighbors we brought cookies to were very grateful. Cookies are a great ice breaker for future reference.

P.S. I just saw that some bakeries gave out FREE chocolate chip cookies today! Just something to look out for the next time this rolls around.

& that's the way the cookie crumbles,

Kailee

Day 134: Save the Seals

For as long as I can remember, seals have been one of my favorite animals! Unfortunately, many seals are killed for their pelts each year. I think seal slaughter is so incredibly awful! Save the Seals is fighting to end seal slaughter! I found this cute shirt on the PETA website. The money from the shirt will be donated to PETA and their fight to end this horrific act.

This excerpt was taken the PETA the website:

The end of Canada's annual baby seal slaughter is near. Over the last few years, all major markets have banned seal-fur imports, including the U.S., the European Union, Mexico, Taiwan, and even Russia, which had been importing 95 percent of Canadian seal pelts. There are no remaining markets for seal fur—the only reason the Canadian government continues to defend this dead industry is because political parties crave Newfoundland's swing seats in Parliament. But as this editorial shows, even local sentiment is turning, and lack of markets has led Canadian officials to seriously examine whether the slaughter should end.

We've reached a tipping point. The time is now to urge Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Keith Ashfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird, and Minister of International Trade Ed Fast to help bring the commercial seal slaughter to an immediate end by supporting a government buyout.

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 133: Fill a Bag, Feed Families

In the mail a few days ago, I received a notecard that read National Association of Letter Carriers- Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The note asked members of the community to fill a grocery bag with non-perishable food items and return it to the mail box by a certain day. The mail carriers then pick up the bags and take them to post office to be combined with other neighborhoods. My mom and I filled a bag of cans and dropped it off at the mailbox!

Apparently, this is the 21st Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! The National Association of Letter Carriers run this event each year. You can learn more about the food drive and look for next year's Stamp Out Hunger date by clicking here.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 132: All About Mom

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! I hope you all enjoyed your day dedicated to you and I hope you all were treated like queens. Although I am not a mother, I spent my day with my beautiful mother and grandmothers and celebrating them! That is why today is all about my mom!

My mom is my everything. She is my best friend and my rock. She is the inspiration behind most of the things that I do. She is the MOST kind hearted person and selfless person I know, not just to my brother and me, but to any person. My mom has taught lessons that no school or book could ever teach and yet are the most essential and instrumentals lessons I have ever learned. As a child, she always reiterated that people will like you because of how you make them feel and because of how you treat them, not because of how you look. My mom taught me to be a good person and expect little in return. With that said, she also always told me how beautiful I am to the point where I would believe it and tell people, "I am so bootiful." When really she is the most beautiful and sincere woman I know inside and out. I know I am the woman I am today because of her. If I am ever half the woman she is, I will believe myself to be successful. I hope to inspire others, because she has always inspired me.  

This morning I woke up early to get her doughnuts and flowers. Then, like I did as a child, brought her breakfast in bed. Accompanying her breakfast were her cards from my brother and me and her mother's day gift. She and I both really like the show Long Island Medium with Theresa Caputo. It just so happens that Theresa will be visiting Spokane next month, so I figured this would be a fantastic way for my mom to see her in person. She was so excited when she finally realized what the tickets were for that I got even more excited for her! She deserves so much more than breakfast in bed and the tickets, but it is a start. In fact, I am sure so many of us could agree that moms deserve more than one day to be shown our full appreciation. My mom gives so so much and don't expect much in return. I hope my mama knows how much I love and appreciate her always! A very happy happy mother's day to my mom! I love you more than you know! 

God bless (all the moms),

Kailee

Day 131: Bike Day!

It was another early morning for Janae and I. We started off the morning at the Inland Empire Century Bike Ride. The ride was run by Kiwanis Clubs of Columbia and Tri-Cities Industry to raise money for their scholarships. Janae and I were in charge of managing pre-registered riders and riders packets. Bikers received packets with a snack and a t-shirt and could ride anywhere from 25 miles to 100 miles! In the short time that Janae and I were there, we were able to help and mingle with several people. I even ran into a few girls and a teacher who I spoke to last year as Miss Tri-Cities.

After finishing up with the bike ride, we ventured on over to Kadlec Hospital for Safe Kids. The families who attended Safe Kids were able to walk through the parking lot and visit local safety teams like fireman, policeman and dive and rescue. Each year over 1 million children die due to preventable injuries. However, the greatest part of Safe Kids is all children who choose to, get a free bike helmet, so they can be safe when riding their bikes. Janae and I walked around and interacted with all of the kids and helped in any way they needed. Each year it is estimated that 3,500 people attend! If you are in the area and have kids, I highly recommend attending next year. They will love it!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 130: Tie Blankets For Children

My morning started off bright and early, as I ventured home for a weekend full of celebrating mom, service and a little sun! When I finally hit Tri-Cities, I made my first stop at Ruth Livingston Elementary School and met up with Janae Calaway, aka Miss Washington Outstanding Teen! I was her humble assistant as we visited a first grade class who helped us tie fleece blankets for children at the hospital. The kids were all so willing to help tie the edges of blankets and help make a difference in lives of other children. After we finished tying the 3 blankets, the kids then make cards for children in the hospital that said things like, "get well soon", "be happy", or "smile=)". I had so much fun working with the kids and talking to each of them. For some reason, they thought it would be funny to made me guess their names instead of just telling me. We giggled a bit as I clumsily tried to pin point EACH of the kids' names...and then middle names! Overall, it was so much fun to see how eager they all were to help out and lend a hand to someone else. This is why I love working with kids, they can do amazing things if given the chance!

With that said, I quickly wanted to touch on another project I was SO fortunate to help Janae with. A few weeks earlier, Janae had asked the children to collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. Whichever class brought in the most tabs would get a doughnut party. Below is a picture of Janae and I with probably just half of the schools tabs. I think it is safe to say that the kids blew us out of the water with their contributions! Again, the kids were so excited and so eager. They chose to make a change and that they did!

"Praise youth and it will prosper"- Irish Proverb

Kailee

Day 129: Meals For Moms

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I wanted to find a way I could give back to a mother in need. A simple Google search and I was inundated with opportnites and ideas. There is jewelry that can be purchased for your mom and a percentage will be donated to a certain cause, or you can purchase  organic flowers and a percentage will be donated to an array of different causes. The simplest cause that I found is an organization called Meals For Moms.

For a donation of $7, you will buy a mother in need a nourishing meal. This program is affiliated with Meals on Wheels and is of service to elderly women ages 60-64 who are divorced and separated and/ or raising a grandchild. At this time, there are over 7.5 million seniors that face the threat of hunger each day. For your chance to give a mother a great Mother's Day gift, you too can donate by clicking here. 

In addition, by donating to Meals For Moms, you can donate the meal in honor or in memory of your mother/guardian. It was so cool to donate it to my amazing mother!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 128: Thank you, Mom by P&G

With Mother's Day just around the corner, this is a perfect way to give back! Proctor & Gramble has recently paired up with Maria Shriver to help Special Olympics. Shriver recently posted a video entitled, "The Gift My Mother Gave Me" on the Thank You, Mom Facebook page. For every share of the video, P&G will donate $1 to Special Olympics. Below is the video, please share it on Facebook and donate to Special Olympics.

This is also an excerpt from PG.com

"At P&G, our mission is to touch and improve lives and support moms through our Thank you, Mom program,” said Jodi Allen, Vice President of North America Operations and Marketing at P&G, and proud mom of four. “P&G’s partnership with Special Olympics is one of the longest continuous cause marketing relationships in the United States. We are thrilled to be partnering with Maria Shriver to honor not only her mom and the courageous moms of Special Olympics athletes, but all moms across the country.”

"It was a honor to celebrate my mother's life through this video and share the unique gifts she gave me, while, at the same time, giving people an opportunity to support Special Olympics, the world-changing organization she mothered alongside her five children,” said Shriver. “The gift my mother gave me was the gift of possibility. From an early age, she instilled in me a belief that I could do anything I wanted to do. She was my greatest champion. It wasn’t a matter of, ‘Can I?’ or ‘Should I?’ It was just, ‘You can, you must, you will!'"

God bless,

Kailee

Day 127: Voted!

Today is the ASEWU election and the only chance for Eastern students to get their Macklemore tickets! Students can either vote at school or online by clicking here. Eagles, you have until 10PM this evening to vote! It felt good to vote because although I may only be one person it could make a difference. Also, I have been on the flip side of this situation and know how important it is for others to vote!

Even though this is just a college government election, it is still important to vote and encourage others to do the same. Maybe this will spark an interest in someone to run for a future position and/or vote in a local, state or national election. Voting is a right that we, as citizens, have been blessed with. Don't forgo this blessing on any level and get to know the issues- they may effect you more than you know!We may be just one person, one voice, one check mark, but who ever said that one was not enough?

Day 126: Started A Piggy Bank For A Cause

After an incredible weekend of fundraising, I felt inspired and decided that a great way to save money to donate is a piggy bank. A while bank a friend gave me this cute little oinker and I decided today that any change that is put into the pig will be donated to a good cause. At this point in time, I am not sure what that cause will be, but when the moment presents itself I will have something to give.

The great thing about using a piggy bank is you should always be putting money in and never taking it out. Over time there is more money than ever expected. Once again, it just goes to show that a little can go a long way in the end. If you have a piggy bank, think about using it to donate to charity. If you have multiple piggy banks, maybe divide the coins into different piggy banks like save, spend and donate. That way you get a little and you give a little! 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 125: Miracle Bowl

Today was another super crazy busy day! This afternoon my fellow Miss Washington sisters and I raised money for Children's Miracle Network and the scholarship organization through a bowl-a-thon at Skyway Park Bowl in Renton. We raised over $30,000 in total! Here are some pictures from today.

Day 124: Dessert Auction

This evening I participated in the Miss Washington Scholarship Organization Dessert Dash! All of the money raised will now be used as scholarship for the Miss Washington contestants in July. Tonight we raised around $3000 for the organization just from bidding on cakes! Below are some of the photos. The dessert we auctioned off is an Ultimate Oreo Cakester!

Day 123: Teeter Totter A-Thon

This afternoon the Alpha Omicron Pi from Eastern started their Teeter Totter A-Thon! This is from their page to better describe the event! It is still going, so go see what it's about! I donated a few dollars to help them out.


"Every spring, our women's fraternity, Alpha Omicron Pi, puts on a 24-hour Teeter Totter A-Thon for the Arthritis Foundation. We take shifts riding a teeter totter for 24 hours, asking for donations from passersby. All the funds raised from this event are donated to the Arthritis Foundation, the official AOII international philanthropy. The Arthritis Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness of the problems arthritis causes and fund research to find a cure...

Our goal is not only raise as much money to donate as possible, but also to get as much of the Cheney community involved in the event. We want to educate as many people as possible about the various types of arthritis, the problems it causes and the Arthritis Foundation. Please come out and join us!"

Day 122: New Balance Boston

It has been a few weeks since the tragedy in Boston and still the city is going strong! What I hadn't known is that the Governor of Massachusetts actually created a foundation in honor of Boston called The One Fund. If you are like me, you first ponder what this fund actually does. After doing a little more research, I found that this is a foundation to help those who need it most. It helps those injured in the bombing and businesses destructed in the event. You can learn more about The One Fund by clicking here.

I found today's act of kindness because Austin works at a shoe store. New Balance, for a limited time, is selling a style of shoe actually called Boston. If you purchase the shoes, 100% of the proceeds go to The One Fund. I have needed a new pair of shoes for quite some time, so I figured this was a great opportunity and I would get a new pair of shoes too. In addition, they glow in the dark! How cool right?

Even if you didn't want to buy a new pair of shoes, there are other ways to help out. Adidas is also selling merchandise to raise money for The One Fund. Or, you can simply donate a few dollars on The One Fund website. 

God bless,

Kailee