Day 212: One Drop

On a hot summer day, the only thing that will quench my thirst is some good ole' H2O. As Americans, we have more clean and drinkable water than we know what to do with. Heck, most of the time we will open a bottle of water, leave it sitting somewhere, and open another. I am even guilty of this and just this weekend I realized I had 3 half full bottles on one table. Some in others parts of our world are not as fortunate. Luckily, there are many different organizations trying to combat that.

One organization in particular is One Drop. One Drop is a non-profit established in 2007 to fight poverty and allow access to clean water for all. Their website offers many different ways in which one person can help and allows insight in a world without clean water. To help, someone can donate money to give a family water, someone can talk about it over social media and create an awareness or someone can commit to make a change in their own life. I chose to make the personal commitment and give up plastic disposable water bottles. In addition, I also donated to help provide water for a family. You can take the commitment too. Essentially, we need to cut down, be grateful for what we have and stay hydrated!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 211: Operation Homefront

This afternoon I ran to Dollar Tree to pick up a few cards and noticed that they had a great amount of school supplies. Next to the school supplies was a sign explaining that if you buy a school supply, Dollar Tree will donate a school supply to a family in the military. This mission is deemed Operation Homefront. Knowing everything was only $1, I had to buy something to donate, so I bought a notebook. Now a family will receive my notebook, along with the school supplies donated by Dollar Tree and others. You too can donate at your local Dollar Tree.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 210: Redbox Return Surprise

Yesterday, I wrote about leaving a surprise on the actual Redbox machine. Today, I needed to return my Redbox movie. Before taking the movie back, I snuck a dollar bill into the movie sleeve. I had to fold it just right so it would close all the way. Now, next time someone orders the movie I returned, they will not only get the movie they rented, but they will be a dollar richer.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 209: Popcorn For A Redbox User

Every movie deserves a little popcorn. Or at least that is what I think, even if it is a rented movie. Earlier, Austin and I rented a movie from Redbox and I just wanted to make sure the next user had the full movie experience. To assist them in fully enjoying their movie, I left a bag of popcorn attached to the machine and a note advising them to enjoy. 

God bless, Kailee

Day 208: Crowned A New Princess

This weekend is a very busy one for me. Among the many things I have going on is a family reunion. Within my family are many kids that could bring a smile to anyone's face. Several members of my extended family even made the trip to watch me compete for Miss Washington about a month back! (Thank you!) There is one little girl in particular, who is a little firecracker and I would say one of my biggest fans. Although I was unable to see her in the audience at Miss Wasington- for obvious reasons- I still heard nothing but great and encouraging things about this young girl. After Miss Washington, my mom relayed to me that my second cousin Angela, loved every minute of watching me compete and even deemed me, "My Princess Kailee." As a titleholder, this is a very humbling experience. We work to inspire young girls, such as Angela, and hope to be good role models for them.

Today, I had the opportunity to finally get to meet my biggest fan! She was very enthusiastic and very excited to meet me. She, from the stories I had heard and the smile she greeted me with, had already given me so much without even knowing. This precious 8 year old had reminded me once again why I do what I do and reminded me that one person can really make a difference. With her giving me this gift, I thought it was only proper to reciprocate. During Miss Washington, I gave my mom a crown to give her and a Miss Northwest t-shirt. She brought both to the family reunion and I thought it only fitting that this princess get her crowning. I placed the crown on her head, snapped a few pictures, and signed her t-shirt. It was the most I could do for my "little princess."

Once again I am reminded that sometimes we set out with the intention of making the difference, when really it others who are making a difference to us.

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 207: Free Pit Passes

Here is an update for you all: a few days back I entered a raffle for Red Cross and the Bloodmobile. I ended up winning two pit passes and two rockstar tent tickets (a.k.a. the grand prize). I was so excited because I have never really won anything before...and then I realized that the boat races were this weekend. The weekend when I will be out of town. So, here I am with this amazing prize and I can't do much with them. I remembered how in demand tickets, pit passes, etc. are and I decided to give the passes away.

A friend of mine is new in town, has never been to the boat races and would like to experience all that the boat races have to offer. Since 1) I couldn't go and 2) have had the royalty treatment at the boat races as Miss Tri-Cities, I know how cool the whole event can be and I wanted to give them that experience. I hope they enjoy their weekend and I hope all who attend have fun. Be safe! 

God bless & have fun this weekend,

Kailee

Day 206: Rae Walks Across America

Today's is pretty incredible! A friend of mine's sister has challenged herself to walk across the United States to raise both awareness and money for eating disorders. She has set out to walk 2,613 miles across the states and end up back here in Richland, Washington! Rae struggled with an eating disorder 10 years ago and would like to shed some light onto the unfortunate this disease.

You, too, can follow her story and progress by liking here Facebook page or donation page! Her overall goal is to raise $5000 and she just reached the half way point! I wanted to help her with her cause, so I donated something to her and hope she can push to reach her goal! She is a true inspiration and I think we could all learn a thing or two from her. You can read about her story here. 

God bless you & Rae.

You go girl,

Kailee

Day 205: Coffee For Cassidy

Our community is at it again! This time Dutch Bros in Kennewick were donating all proceeds to Cassidy. Cassidy, for those who didn't read a few blogs earlier, was in a severe accident. In response others are now fundraising to help pay for medical bills. All day the line at Dutch Bros was never ending. I drove by several times and the line was at least 20 cars long. This afternoon a co-workers mom waited in line and picked up a drink for everyone at work. My first drink: Peach Smoothie!

Then after dinner my mom saw that Dutch Bros was open until 10PM. This intrigued my dad, so Dad and I went to Dutch for yet another drink. Drink number two: Watermelon Green Tea. 

In addition to donating the proceeds, all tips collected today go to Cassidy's fundraiser. For those of you who love your Dutch and/ or are night owls, Dutch Bros on Clearwater will be open and donating proceeds until 5AM.

God bless & keep the Almquists in your prayers,

Kailee

Day 204: Free Ice Cream

It's hot and summer. When it's hot in the summer, I love my ice cream. Last year, I was doing a fundraiser for Miss Washington at a local ice cream shop. I still had a few coupons left that hadn't expired. This afternoon I stopped by and dropped off the coupons for a chance for others to get some free ice cream! 

Day 203: Donated To The Bloodmobile

This afternoon after work, I stopped by Circle K to get some gas. When I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed there was a large tent set up next to a large van that read "Bloodmobile." Red Cross had brought this van to Circle K so others could donate blood and donate money. Inside the gas station there was a staff member selling raffle tickets. Because I have established that I have a large fear of needles and was in too big of hurry to conquer that fear, I decided that raffle tickets were the best way to go. I bought 5 raffle tickets and the money from the raffle tickets will be donated to the Red Cross.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 202: Carwash For Cassidy

By now so many of you have already heard the story about Cassidy Almquist. But, here is what I know for all of you that haven't heard. Cassidy is a student at Southridge High School and was away last week at summer camp where she had a very unfortunate accident. Cassidy had fallen about 50 ft. from a rope swing (according to the news) and was rushed to the hospital. She underwent several surgeries and if I am correct, still has a few to go. After this unfortunate event took place, social media blew up and the community came together. I have never met Cassidy, but from the buzz "Praying For Cassidy" is generating she must be a pretty outstanding young lady.

This afternoon a group of Southridge students (dance team, football team, etc.) held a car wash to help fundraise money to help pay for her medical bills. My mom and I took our car down there and were blown away by the outcome. We waited in a line of 10-15 cars just waiting to get washed and more importantly to donate. There were tons of volunteers making it all happen and they even had a table set up with raffle tickets! I am not sure how much money they raised, but I assure you it was a tremendous amount. The young girl in line behind me donated $100 and the lady behind her handed over a check for $300! It was really an incredible experience to be a part of and see the influence this young girl had on others.

There are several other ways you can give back to Cassidy and they are listed in the article linked below. For example, there is a Facebook page titled, "Praying for Cassidy" which gives you updates on her and her condition. The page reminds you that at a time like this, if you don't have much to give, you can always say a little prayer. There is so much power in prayer. God bless Cassidy and God bless all of the people who came out this afternoon and those who helped at the car wash! How incredible.

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2013/07/18/2475884/fundraisers-for-cassidy-almquist.html

God bless,

Kailee

Day 201: SafeKids

It is that time once again! Miss Tri-Cities 2013 will be crowned this evening and I couldn't be more excited. Before this happens, I would like to take a minute and look back on one fantastic girl's year. A year ago, I crowned the phenomenal Halle Goodwin and she was off on an incredible journey. This July, I had the opportunity to compete with her at Miss Washington. I have loved the time I have spent with her and I know she will go off to bigger and better opportunities. Let's meet Halle.

1.) What is your platform?
HG: SafeKids- Preventing Unintentional Injuries

2) How can others get involved with SafeKids?
HG: Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 to SafeKids for every photo you share on the Donate A Photo app!

3) Why did you choose this platform?
HG: My mother is the ordinate of the Benton Franklin chapter of SafeKids. I've been volunteering with them since I was 10. When choosing a platform, it was a natural choice!

As Halle mentioned, you can give back to kids safety by uploading a picture onto the app called Donate A Photo! You can upload a new photo once a day. It is so simple and anyone with an smart phone can do it. I whipped out my iPhone and I uploaded the app.  Once I uploaded the photo, I was informed that I had just donated $1 to kids safety thanks to Johnson & Johnson!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 200: Donated To The Diabetes Association

Holy Cow! 200 days down and 165 to go! Well, I am again going to make this quick because tonight's game was a long one! This evening was jersey auction night at the stadium. The boys played in the jerseys below and they were auctioned off throughout the game! Proceeds benefitted the American Diabetes Association. There was also a chance to donate and you can donate online as well! Overall, it was a successful night, all the jerseys sold and the highest jersey went for $1001! Nice work team;) 

Day 199: Project FEED

Target has recently started something very unique and very cool. The FEED Foundation is a new foundation which support "programs and organizations that are effectively working to fight hunger and eliminate malnutrition throughout the world." Target has designed several handbags, pieces of jewelry and pieces of clothing in which a percentage of the proceeds will be used to feed the malnourished. You can view the products online and in Target stores!

I bought the shirt above and because of this purchase, 16 children and families will be provided with meals. The tag on each product explains the percentage of the purchase being donated and exactly how many children and families will be helped in the process. So, next time you are in Target, take a look at their FEED products. Some are really cool and the purchase of one will help a good cause! 

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 198: Bought Lemonade From A Stand

This morning I was on my way to work, just driving down the road and I saw something glistening in the distance. As I got closer, I realized it was none other than a large pitcher of lemonade. Next to the lemonade pitcher was a young girl holding a sign that said,"lemonade 75 cents!" Of course I had to stop and purchase a refreshing glass of lemonade. However, I gave her a whole dollar instead of a 75 cents. She accepted it and replied by smiling and "Oh, well thank you!"She smiled and waved good-bye and I was on my way.

When I was younger, my friends and I tried selling many things- including lemonade- to raise a little money. So, I know how good it feels when someone did stop and donated even a quarter. Sometimes,  only one person would stop and that person would make my entire day! Maybe I was that one person for her or maybe she had better luck than I ever did! Who knows? But what we do know is, when life gives you lemons make  75 cent lemonade!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 197: Pumped Gas For Someone Else

I was in Couer d' Alene this afternoon and had a blast on my mini vacay! Before heading back into my own neck of the woods, I stopped to put a little gas in the car. However, when I was there I gave $20 to a driver also pumping gas. They were so very grateful and a bit confused. Even though it seemed like a lot of money, it was really nothing(especially when it comes to gas)! Sometimes, you need to take a step outside your comfort zone to reap bigger benefits!

Day 196: Shared A Video

Every once and awhile we all need a little pick me up. For me, I listen to motivational speeches on TED and try to conjure up some inspiration. However, the video below is one of the best motivational speeches, if not the best, that I have ever heard. If you need to hear a few encouraging words, listen to this speech. It is 15 minutes or so, but it so worth it! If you get something out of it, I encourage you to share it as well. I am sharing this to inspire you and if you share it, or a similar video, maybe you can inspire someone else! Remember sharing is caring.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 195: Run From The Cops

I decided to be a bit crazy and run a 5K at midnight! It was called Run From The Cops and all proceeds supported Washington Special Olympics. The run was down Clearwater from 395 and Edison. Police officers blocked all intersections and lite the way with their car lights. It was a good time and it was for a good cause. 

Day 194: Left Quarters In Candy Machines

As a child, I loved shopping and going to the mall. Each time I went, I would spy the 25 cent candy machines and check to see if there happened to be a quarter in the machine for me! Well, today whomever that observant little child is they will find a few quarters! I was at the mall and I walked past the candy machines, as I usually do. However, this time I stopped and put a few quarters in several slots and left them for someone else to enjoy. Whether they decide to take the quarter or buy some candy, they will have a new and unexpected prize in hand! Remember it is the simple joys in life that make it all worth it!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 193: Brought In The Garbage Cans

It has been one crazy week, but even in those crazy moments you can find something simple and sweet to do for someone else. On my way out the door for work this morning, I noticed that the garbages cans had all been placed on the street to be dumped. Well, what does one do once the trash has been empty? One typically returns their garbage can to its usual place. So before jumping in my car, I returned the garbage cans to their rightful driveways. Because I didn't know where everyone else's actually went and because I didn't want to creep into someone else's backyard, I left the cans at the top of driveways. It may not be much, but I know my neighbors to my right and left are both elderly and appreciate a little help. Think of that the next time YOUR garbage cans need to be taken in. 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 192: Strike Out ALS

For the past four years I have worked with the Tri-City Dust Devils. Each year, the ALS Association sponsors a game in hopes to raise awareness for the non-curable disease. To show support, game attendees can purchase a bracelet or magnet and all proceeds will go towards finding a cure. I donated a few dollars and received a bracelet in return. 

For those who don't know ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Basically, the body and muscle begin to uncontrollably shut down and, as mentioned, there is no cure quite yet. Every 90 minutes an American is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes an American will pass away from this disease. At this moment there are over 30,000 Americans living with ALS. According to the representative from the ALS Association, the most helpful way to support them is simply spread the word. Because there is no cure, awareness and donations will continue to push research further until we do find a cure! 

God bless, 

Kailee

Day 191: "Liked" Ace Hardware

If you have followed me and my year thus far, you know that Children's Miracle Network has a special place in my heart. They are partners with the Miss America organization and strive to help as many children as possible!  

Yesterday as I was perusing my social media sites, I came across an opportunity to donate to CMN by liking Ace Hardware. In the month of July, if you log onto Facebook and 'like' Ace Hardware's page then they will donate $1 to Children's Miracle Network! The Ace Foundation has been in partnership with CMN for several decades now and have raised over $54 million for them. 

I love opportunities like this because this is so so simple and there is really no reason to not do it. 

Day 190: Donated To The State Parks

This afternoon, I had the lovely task of renewing my tabs. When the cashier was ringing me up, she asked if I'd like to donate $5 to Washington state parks. Of course I said yes, not only because it was an opportunity to give back, but also because we Washingtonians are so incredibly blessed to have so many breathtaking parks. By donating to the parks, I am also donating to the Discovery Pass program. 

A Discovery Pass allows access to pass holders to over 3 million acres of state recreation lands. Three agencies work in partnership to keep this program running. They include Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

"State recreation lands offer amazing outdoor experiences on diverse landscapes including forests, water trails, beaches, deserts, shrub-steppe, lakes, rivers, mountains and alpine meadows. Millions of acres provide opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreation activities,including swimming, fishing, geocaching, wildlife viewing, hunting, picnicking, paragliding, hiking, biking, wind surfing, rock climbing, boating and more."

Lets keep all our of parks beautiful! You can learn so much more about our parks and donate too by going to their website. 

 God bless,

Kailee

Day 189: Save The Ewaso Lions

For those of you who don't know, The Lion King is one of my all time favorite movies! I love the message, the story and the lions! Unfortunately, lions are on their way to being endangered. In Kenya, there are less than 2000 lions left due to poachers. Ewaso Lions is an organization that fights to save the few lions that we have left!

"Ewaso Lions conserves Kenya’s lions and other large carnivores by promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. Ewaso Lions uses sound science, education, and capacity building to foster support for conservation and help guide the long-term conservation management of lions in community areas." 

 

I love my Simba and Nala and I want to keep them alive. I donated by visiting their site! You can visit 

http://ewasolions.org/ to find out more information and donate as well! 

Hakuna Matata,

Kailee

Day 188: Facebook Comment Compliments

I had a long trip home this afternoon back to the east side of the state. Today, was just a wind down day and get back settled into the swing of things. After a long and rewarding week, I wanted to do something simple and positive for others.

I know I always appreciate a little love on Facebook, so I wanted to do the same for others. I went a little over board and just tried to love on as many people as possible. All comments and likes were genuine! I encourage you to leave a little love on Facebook once and a while, it feels good!

God bless,

Kailee  

Day 187: Stay Humble

I am on my way to the theatre for the FINALS night of Miss Washington. I am surrounded by 21 phenomenal women and only one girl will walk away with the crown. Whomever it may be, I feel at peace knowing any of these girls could be Miss Washington. I am also at peace because I left it all on the stage and I could not have ask for anything more from myself. To stay humble is a reminder that everything happens for a reason and to not feel a sense of entitlement. I have worked so hard to be where I am at today and am so grateful to even get a second shot at this title! 

God bless & good luck ladies,

Kailee

Day 186: Thanked The Volunteers

Ahh, what a day/night! The girls and I just finished our preliminary night competition for Miss Washington! The show was incredible and all of the girls did a fantastic job! This show, however, would not be the same without the Miss Washington support system, aka the volunteers. Each person that helps with a Miss America organization is strictly, and graciously a volunteer! Without these phenomenal people, this organization and show would not be as spectacular or solid. Quite frankly, it would be nothing. The volunteers each received a small gift that I put together for them (no pic unfortunately). In addition to that, I just to give a special shout on here to our chaperones, Debbie, Doreen, Jennifer, and Joyce. Tremendous thank you to Tania for always keeping our bellies full. Huge thank you to the lady in charge of us all, Mama Duck aka Patti. This outstanding show would be nothing without choreographer, Kelly and producer Sarah. Finally, the biggest thank you to Peggy for continuing to run a near perfect organization! 

Now to sleep, 

Kailee

Day 185: Cup O Joe For A Joe

Happy Fourth of July! Happy birthday America! Today, is a day of celebration and a day of remembrance. We celebrate our great nation and we remember those who have fallen and those who fight for our freedom, so that we CAN celebrate. This morning the other contestants and I had our Miss Washington interviews and that was proceeded by a very fun time at Ifly (indoor skydiving)! So even though I am quite sequestered at the moment, I still wanted to find a way to show my appreciation to the troops and this beautiful country.

I was doing a little Google search and found an interesting sight called Green Beans Coffee. This is a sight dedicated to providing coffee to our troops. One troop will receive coffee for a small fee of $2. Now, because the majority of us reading this are from Washington State (a.k.a. the Starbucks State) and we love our coffee, we understand the thirst for a cup of joe. Its a warm and simple joy to remind us of warmth and comfort. I, even though know I'm not fond of coffee, know how great it feels to snuggle up on a poor day and just drink some- in my case- hot chocolate. It's a luxury that we all take for granted. We as a great country love to help others and I would love to share a cup a joe with a joe to celebrate our amazing country and freedom!

God bless America, our home sweet home,

Kailee

Day 184: Free Rice

I must keep this short because I have my Miss Washington interview in the morning! I wanted to quickly share a fun opportunity for you all to give back. If you go to freerice.com and play the game on the screen, rice will be donated to the World Food Programs. Go try it, it is fun! Plus, you can brush up on your vocabulary!

Wish me luck

&

God bless,

Kailee

Day 183: Refrained From Gossip

I am so blessed to be back on the Miss Washington stage again! This can be a long and strenuous week, but it is incredible to be surrounded by 21 amazing young ladies from around the state. At times, it can be hard to remember not to compare yourself to others. To prevent that, it always helps to refrain from gossip. Nasty words may make you feel better for a minute, but it does nothing but hurt you and potentially others in the end. Remember, in whatever it is you may do, as long as you give 100% of your best and focus on bettering yourself, then there is nothing else you can do! As a graduate of Kamiakin High School, I will always remember our school's motto: Be the best YOU can be!

God bless,

Kailee 

Day 182: Visited The Children's Hospital

This afternoon, the Miss Washington contestants and I visited the Seattle Children's Hospital to visit with some patients. A few contestants hung out in a play area with a few children, while a few very lucky girls were chosen to visit patients in their rooms. I was so very fortunate to be one of the lucky few to do room visits and meet with a few patients one on one. The girls and I met many outstanding youngsters who are serious warriors! Unfortunately, we were not able to take pictures with the patients because of privacy reasons (understandable), but trust me when I say that I had an incredible time!

There was one patient in particular with special needs that just illuminated when the three girls and I walked into the room. It is a simple moment like that, that make a strenuous week that much more worth it! Each girl and I gave the patient autograph cards and in return he gave them each a kiss and blew us all kisses! It was one of the most precious events I have ever expereicned and one I will treasure forever.

For those who don't know, each year the Miss Washington contestants visit Seattle Children's because of the partnership between Miss America and Children's Miracle Network. Seattle Children's works with both CMN and Ronald McDonald House. All of the money that contestants raise for Miss Washington will be donated to this hospital. To learn more about Seattle Children's, please click here.

God bless,

Kailee