Day 177: Dust Devil Difference

I am back! It has been exactly 10 days since I have been able to write and I will fill you all in on my incredible experience a little later! To give you just a little insight on my crazy schedule, I'll share with you my past two weeks in a nutshell before getting to the goods (this could be a long one).

About two weeks ago, I finished school and drove home to work that evening as Promotions Intern for the Tri-City Dust Devils. After the game, I drove back to Spokane to run in the Color Run the next morning. Once finished with the race, I drove back to Tri-Cities to work for Dust Devils that evening. I got to spend Father's Day with my dad (YAY), but had to work again that night. I wasn't in Tri-Cities long because that same night I drove back to Spokane to fly out to Maui to work with Habitat for Humanity the next morning! I got to Maui and had a glorious time, but yesterday it was back to reality. The EWU Maui team and I left Maui at 10PM their time and landed in Spokane at 10AM our time. From there, I drove home and had to work a game last night! It felt as those history were repeating itself because today is ironically my dad's birthday and another day to celebrate with him (YAY). However, today was also cut a little short because it was game two of the Everett series! And now my friends, I sit here and we are all caught up. I know what some of you may be thinking, "Kailee that's a lot of work," but truth is I love what I do!

So now, here is today's story. I began working at Dust Devils four summers ago as the Mascort (escort to the mascot/ NOT the actual mascot/ aka Dusty's Bodyguard). In this position, I worked with kids, I roamed the whole stadium and I found something that really interested me. So far, this is the type of 'job' that doesn't actual feel like work. I go every day looking forward to what is going to happen during the game. You have the players who put on a good show, the full time staff who are incredible at what they do, but most importantly you have the people. Without the people, we, the staff and players, would have nothing. The attendees are what make everything special and meaningful.

For the four years I have worked there, I have seen many faces come and go, but there is one gentlemen who really sticks out in my mind. This gentlemen's name is Russ and he is there in section D each game. And every game, I know he is there not because of his clothes or his seat, but because of the large and genuine smile he greets me with EVERY single time! I have become so fond of him that I make a point to take a moment to stop by and say hello not because I was asked or feel the need to, but because his sincerity is what motivates me to do more. I guess I'll never know what impact that could be  having on him (because I know he does appreciates it), but if that sincere smile is any indication then I know I am doing my job. There is even a large possibility that he is impacting me in greater ways than I am impacting him. With that said, I think often times we don't realize how much that short conversation could mean. I have said it a 100 times and I will say it once more, it is truly the little things that make a difference!

Dust Devils baseball prides themselves on making the audience's experience one to remember. We do what we can to make a great game for everyone and to bring people back. People like Russ, who make our job mean something.

Until tomorrow,

Kailee

P.S. Happy birthday Daddy! I love you. 

Day 167: Father's Day Ft...My Father

Happy Father's Day to the all the Dads out there, but most importantly my Daddy! For those of you who have never met my father, you are missing out. He is one of the hardest working men (if not the hardest) that I have ever met. He has always taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to, but it's going to take some hard work and determination. But, at the same time he always reminds me to, "just have fun Kailee Dunn!"

                         

No matter the situation, sport and now even pageant, my dad has always been my biggest fan. If it was a sport he and my mom would be there cheering me on, giving me a pep talk and giving me advice on what to change if I made a mistake. However, now that the sports ship has sailed, my dad has wonderfully taken on a new role like a champion...pageant dad. Like so many other Dads, he had no idea what we were or I should say what he was getting into, but oh has he learned! He is there 100% of the time to remind me to be myself and have faith in myself. And once in awhile he will even give me advice on hairstyles, wardrobe choices and show me how to walk. ;) Whatever I need, he is my rock.  I believe I have excelled in extra curricular activities because he has always given me and my brother such an incredible example to follow. 

                           

In celebration of him, I decided to surprise him with Mariners tickets! My dad was a baseball superstar and played in college. He coached my brother when he was younger and continued to play in a softball league with his buddies. He really enjoys the game and I can't wait to spend the day with the him and the fam watching a game we all enjoy!

P.S. For every Wendy's frosty sold today 50 cents will be donated to foster children. Dave Thomas' daughter created this idea in his honor because he had a heart for foster kids.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 62: Homeruns For Hope

I am doing this a little backwards, but I thought this was so cool that I had to share! Before the game started yesterday, a very special man got to run the bases as part of Homeruns For Hope! This is a program affiliated with the Cancer Centers Treatment of America.

Homeruns For Hope allows cancer survivors to walk the bases before baseball games and, in yesterday's case, throw out the first pitch! As the participant ran the bases the whole crowd stood to cheer him on. And, in my opinion, the coolest part of the whole event was when both teams approached the dirt to high five Walter as he ran by.

During the game, my mom and I stopped by their tent they had set up. There I got to meet the man who ran the bases at last years game and he gave me a magazine that he was on the cover of. He was a year free from men's breast cancer.The tent also had an enumerate amount of brochures, flyers and goodies to hand out to make others aware of the Cancer Centers of America.

Finally, after the game the audience was asked to participate in the Stroll of Honor. My family and I went on to the field and strolled the bases. Once we reached home plate, we were then asked to announce the cancer patient we were walking in honor of. (I have a video I hope to upload when I get home) It was first cool to be on the field that the Mariners and Dodgers were on, but it was even more amazing to honor our loved ones in front of the whole stadium.

While I was on the field, I met Walter and his mother! He was such an amazing guy! :)

God bless,
Kailee

Day 7-MAO Week: Donated to The Miracle League

Each contestant who competes in the Miss America system is asked to choose an issue relevant and relatable to them. If chosen as a titleholder, that contestant is then asked to be an advocate for their platform during their year. Over the years, I have seen so many amazing platforms and causes which make the young women in this organization that much more incredible. 

Miss Florida 2012, Laura McKeeman

After watching each contestant's video, I was touched by so many of the contestant's platforms and found that I really related to a few of them. The first platform I related to is The Miracle League. This organization runs baseball games for children with physical or mental challenges. Each player scores and gets to round the bases, which just warms my heart!

As an athlete for so many years, I've realized how important sports are in a person's life. Athletics have taught me so much about myself, working with others and was the first thing that gave me a feeling of accomplishment. I love the idea of The Miracle League because I know what it is like to score a point, make a basket or run the bases. As a child, the feeling is unlike any other and it gives you something to believe in. Everyone should have the opportunity to play the game that they love and most importantly everyone should have something to believe in. 

There is a lot of great gear you can purchase to support The Miracle League, or you can make a simple donation like I did!

Watch Miss America live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Saturday January 12th! 

Have a random act of kindness you would like me to try? Comment below.

God bless, 

Kailee