Day 295: It Can Wait

Yesterday was the Teenage Driving Safety Day and this is an important cause to me because I was in a texting and driving accident. Five years ago, I was in a collision with a girl who was texting while driving. I stopped behind the car in front of me and the girl in the car behind me hadn't slowed down and crashed into me at, at least 35 mph. Because my car was an older model, my air bag didn't deploy causing me to hit my head on my steering wheel. Ultimately, fracturing my orbital bone (eye socket) on the steering wheel.

Since that day my life has completely changed and I think it is important that teens are taking a stand. To join the movement, click this link and learn more about pledging for "It Can Wait." I took the pladge to drive without texting. Will you? No text, video or call is worth the risk.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 289: Canned Food Drive

One of the coolest things about homecoming week is that it isn't all about the fun, friends and alumni, but about the community as a whole. Almost every event this week has some way of giving back to sweet ole' Cheney. A lot of what the school tries to do is provide canned goods and food for people in need. As admission for the Mr & Ms. Eastern pageant, students were told to bring a can of food. In addition, the bookstore is collecting non-perishable food items.

                                

Unfortunately, some people don't like to give unless they receive something in return. Well, Eastern has made homecoming week into something similar to a spirit week in high school. For every event participated in, you will receive points. Whoever has the most points at the end of the week will be deemed the winner of homecoming. So, being as I love to give back and be involved, I had to donate some food. Again, I went the trusty dollar store and bought six cans of food. If you are interested in donating food, you can bring the canned goods to the bookstore from 1-2 PM. Help feed Cheney!

God bless & happy homecoming week,

Kailee

Day 285: Tip-A-Cop

Red Robin...Yum! That is where I went for dinner, but when I arrived I was greeted by two flashing police cars and police. At first I was startled, however, I then remembered that today was the annual Tip-A-Cop event. "Tip-A-Cop is an official fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign (LETR), the largest grassroots fundraising effort for Special Olympics."As we walk into the restaurant a law enforcement officer handed Austin and I an envelope and a letter explaining the event. At the end of your meal, if you were feeling generous then you could leave a tip for the cops. Austin and I left a few dollars and were happy to help out Special Olympics. You can learn more about the Torch Run, by clicking here.

                               

God bless,

Kailee

Day 281: Celebrate Your Inner Beauty

This week Eastern is starting something new, Inner Beauty Week. All week several ladies are running  events that are celebrating how beautiful women are inside and out. Today, girls gathered in the Pence Union Building to recognize how lovely they are by taking pictures with a sign with a saying similar to, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

                                         

In addition, the ladies in charge of the event asked that everyone who took a picture also do something nice for a women that has empowered them. For me, I have so many phenomenal women in my life that it was hard to choose just one. However, there is one women that I may have just met recently that is so supportive and is just a superstar. Her name is Michelle Helmerick and she was my advisor for my Habitat For Humanity trip in Maui. While our trip was incredible, we also ran into some unforeseeable trouble. Michelle was such a trooper and made every student on the trip feel safe, loved and important. i don't think that any other person could have handled the situation better than she did. I am so blessed to have her in my life, still encouraging me to dream bigger.

P.S. Thursday evening at 7pm Stacy Nadeau, a Dove model, will be speaking about her experience in Showalter 109. If you didn't know Dove runs a campaign with real women to promote inner beauty. Hope to see you there!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 280: Pray It Forward

As mentioned in a previous blog, the month of October stands for many different things. For example, October is breast cancer awareness month, dyslexia awarenenss month, national book month and national pray it forward month. We have all heard of the common term,"pay it forward,"but believe.com has created pray it forward for those in need of a prayer to request it. Then those who are ready to be a prayer warrior from all over the country will take read the requests and pray for others. Requests can be anything from health prayers or financial difficulties requests. My job now is to read them and keep them in my prayers.

Believe.com

"Prayer Requests has been a longstanding favorite feature on Believe.com, as users are always eager to lift up the needs of others and share the miraculous things God is doing in the lives of people. To meet a broader need, Believe.com has launched a new way to connect communities across the world through prayer."

Day 276: Battling For Bridger & Bella

A friend of ours posted this page on Facebook a little earlier this afternoon. I strongly advise everyone to take a look and donate if at all possible. Two 4 year old cousins, Bridger and Bella, are currently fighting cancer. Bridger was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma in July 2013 and Bella was diagnosed  in August 2013 with Leukemia. The family is now asking for donations and every little bit counts. To donate and read more about the two you can visit this page. Even if you can donate a $1, I am sure it will be appreciated. These kids are local kids and friends of a friend, so I scrounged up $10 of my own to help.

In addition, they are also having a pancake feed at Applebee's in Kennewick on October 12th from 8:00am-10:00am. Tickets are $10. The meal includes pancakes, sasuage, scrambled eggs, and coffee, milk or a soft drink. For tickets please contact Christian Moran at (509)727-3193 or cutiepiecoop@hotmail.com.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 275: Parker Toyota Ultimate Donation

Here is an act of kindness that everyone can do! Parker Toyota is currently running a donation campaign on Facebook and they want to hear from you. First, like Parker Toyota on Facebook. Then, visit this site to vote for 1 of the 20 companies to receive a large donation courtesy of the Toyota dealership. The first place winner will receive a donation of $6,000, 2nd place $5,000, 3rd place $4,000, 4th place $3,000 and 5th place $2,500. The organizations are all 501 (c)3 charities.

From the many organizations like Boys and Girls Club, Meals On Wheels and Union Gospel Mission, I chose to go with the Alzheimer's Association in honor of my late grandpa. If the Alzheimer's Association is not your first pick, then I still recommend voting for the organization that stands out to you. Although I would appreciate your vote for the Alzheimer's Association. The contest runs until October 13th, so vote, vote, vote!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 274: It's In The Bag

September is represents many things. One of those being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. And although it is now October, (crazy) it is never too late to recognize a good cause. This afternoon, I was at Safeway and on display they had reusable grocery bags on sale for $3. However, these were no ordinary bags. They were light blue with blue ribbons on them and said, "It starts with a wish. It can end with a cure." These particular bags were supporting prostate cancer. For every bag sold, $2 will be donated to prostate cancer research.

                                      

Buying a bag is really like killing two birds with one stone. The bag is reusable for groceries and the proceeds helped a great cause. Knowing that, I had to buy a bag.

God bless & happy October,

Kailee

Day 273: Pageant Planet Helps Feed The Planet

I am always on the look out for new opportunities to give back, so when my mom emailed me this earlier, I knew I wanted to give back. I love, love, love when I see others giving back as well. In this case, this particular gentlemen is giving back in a big way. The gentlemen who sent the email below is trying to raise $6,000 to feed 240 children for 30 days.

If you would like to help him reach his goal, please email Steven Roddy at info@pageantplanet.com with the subject line "This scares me..." and your phone number. If you are involved in the pageant world, you can sign up for coaching and the proceeds with be donated. He also asks for everyone to simply help share his mission on any and all social media sites.  I emailed him and I am waiting to hear back so I can donate. Please tell me that you will, if nothing else, share this mission on Facebook, twitter, etc. Together we can all make a difference. 

God bless,

Kailee

Day 269: World Food Programme Challenge

This is quite simple and only takes but a minute. By clicking on the link below, you will be taken to a website where you can take a 5 question quiz. For every person who takes the quiz, a hungry child will be fed. Like I said, really simple. So, do it! I challenge you. I went 4/5. Can you beat me?

http://quiz.wfp.org

God bless,

Kailee

Day 268: Women's Health Day

Today is national women's health and fitness day! I wasn't really aware of this until my mom showed me it. What women's health and fitness day is, is the nation's largest health promotion for women of all ages. Across the country, thousands of women are taking part in group exercises to talk about women's health and fitness. In addition, and most importantly they are keeping their bodies active and healthy. The focus of this day is to stress the importance of regular physical activity.

This is an act of kindness to your body. It is so important to stay healthy and happy which comes from regular exercise is essential. This afternoon, I also took part in a group exercise class. I took a zumba class and got my sweat on. At the beginning of the class, they spoke about proper workout techniques and also maintaining diet. So, I challenge you to take part in 30 minutes of physical activity. It doesn't need to be extremely vigorous, it just needs to be done. Do something nice for your body today. It will thank you later.

God bless,

Kailee

Day 267: ReStyle

As I sit here typing this, I am gearing up for my last first day of school...ever. The feeling is really surreal and yet I am so excited for all of the adventures that this year has in store. I spent today getting everything ready before diving into full madness. I did a lot of organizing, cleaning and emailing. While   taking a little break on Facebook, I found an organization called Hope For Women. This organization strives to bring "premium quality, Fair Trade, eco-friendly products created by women artisans to the mainstream marketplace since 2006, and are committed to providing sustainable employment for economically disadvantaged women worldwide." 

One of their brands is named ReStyle. At ReStyle, you can buy products mainly made by women to help women. This website offers many different items, including; jewelry, bags and cases, cards and items for men. I personally really liked the bracelet seen below with the saying, "Dwell in possibilities."They have some really cool items on their site and I highly encourage you to take a look. 

God bless,

Kalee

Day 265: World Peace

Today, is International Peace Day! This is a day celebrated across the world. This day was founded in 1981 by the United Unions General Assembly. In my opinion, this is just a day to encourage positive attitudes, spirt and encouragement to others.

"On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect.  Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity.  Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might."

To join in on the festivities, people are asked to wear purple, a color of serenity. Of course, I had to show my support and wear my favorite color.

                                          

This day is celebrated every year, so next September remember all we need is World Peace...enjoy.

God bless,

Kailee

P.S. 100 more days!

Day 263: Wedding To Remember

Hey all! A fellow Miss America sister needs our help. My mom was on the internet the other day and came across this contest and shared it with me. Keep in mind that this girl and I have never met and literally live on opposite sides of the country. However, she is a Miss America titleholder and a great believer in the 4 points of the crown; style, scholarship, success and SERVICE. She is engaged to a gentleman in the military and they have been chosen by Fox as finalists in this years "Wedding to Remember."Her name is Ashleigh and her fiancé's name is Matthew. She is the current Miss Taunton in Massachusetts. They are one of the three final couples left and you can vote for them to have their dream wedding by clicking here. You can read a blurb from all of the couples and vote from there! Best of luck Ashleigh and Matthew!

God bless,

Kailee

Day 260: Bought A Bracelet From A Woman In Need

While running a few errands today, I ran into a woman who was selling bracelets outside of Safeway. She explained that by buying a bracelet, it would help her buy food. The bracelets were a dollar and that is what I had in my wallet. I gave her my dollar and in return she handed over a pink braided bracelet to "match my outfit." I hope my donation will really help her buy food.

                                      

God bless,

Kailee

Day 253: Helped With Luggage

This morning, my mom and I began our adventure to Atlantic City. While waiting for our fellow travelers in Philadelphia, we saw a young girl traveling alone with 3 large sized suitcases. She tried to stack them together in a way that she could drag them all along at the same time. While I am sure she would have made it to her destination...eventually, I knew I wasn't going to let the poor girl suffer. I offered to help and she seemed baffled and replied, "oh that's ok I'm just going to my shuttle. But thank you!" Seeing as we were still a good 60 ft from the door, I told her that I would at least help her to the door. When I finally helped her to the shuttle desk she was again very gracious and thanked me multiple times. She even told me, "I really wasn't sure how I was going to move all of this." I told her it was my pleasure, because it was. I mean if you would have seen the poor thing trying to lug it all by herself, you would have helped too. Wouldn't you? I mean these are the simplest, unexpected moments that really bring a smile to your face! :) 

God bless, Kailee

Day 252: Drive For Dollars

A few days ago, I wrote my blog on wearing orange to urge others to donate to local food banks. This being the case because September is National Hunger Action Month. Today, the family and I went to Papa John's to pick up pizza and we saw this can sitting out at the cash register. The note on the can was titled 'Drive For Dollars' and explained,

"Thank you for helping feed hungry people in our community. Every $1 donated provides 6 pounds of food for hungry children, families and seniors." 

 I would still like to donate food to a food bank, but of course I had to donate a $1 here. The fact that a dollar, which so many people take for granted, can provide a good amount of food for a hungry family is incredible. Can you give a dollar today or even this month?

                                              

God bless,

Kailee

Day 251: Grandparents Day

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially proclaimed the Sunday after Labor Day 'Grandparents Day.' Today, happens to be that day. This is solely a day to recognize our loved ones who are always there to give us an extra hug or an bake us something scrumptious. I know that my grandparents have fortunately played a large role in my life and have taught me so much about life. When I was younger and my parents were working, my grandparents played babysitter and I loved spending time with them. 

I am sad to say that I have lost both of my grandpas, but today I am thinking about them and thanking God for the time I was able to spend with them both. I am so blessed to still have both of my grandmas with me. A few days ago, I found the perfect cards to send my grandmas. I wrote them each a little note and sent them off. Hopefully, they received their cards and know that today more than ever I am thinking about them and appreciate all they have done! God bless grandparents! Love you Grammy and Grandma Dot.

                                         

Much love,

Kailee

Day 248: Wore Orange For Hunger

This month people are going orange. Food banks are hoping to spark interest and spread awareness by wearing orange. The goal is to get more people to donate to local food banks and volunteer. Now, they need food more than ever. People tend to think that food banks only need food in the winter months, when really they receive the most during those months. Orange is the color because it represents the color of harvest.

One in six Americans and one in four children are at a loss for food. Those statistics startled me, so today, I simply wore orange and told others why. You can participate too! It is taking place all month long. Also, you can donate to the local food banks listed below. I plan on it!

• Second Harvest Food Bank
• 810 E. Chemical Dr. Kennewick WA
• Tri-Cities Food Bank of Kennewick
• 424 W. Deschutes Ave Kennewick WA
• St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank
• 115 W. Lewis St Pasco WA
• Golden Age Share
• 504 S Oregon Ave Pasco WA
• Tri-Cities Food Banks
• 321 Wellsian Way Richland WA

Day 245: Help An Expecting Mother

A while back, I was going through a winning streak of raffles and ended up winning a $10 gift card to Pipsqueaks. I was so excited that I actually won something, but the problem was Pipsqueaks is a child's boutique. Since I am clearly not pregnant nor do I know anyone who is having a child soon, I was at a loss.

 

Well, the other day I was at the mall and ran into a girl working in Penny's who was indeed pregnant. After coming home from my shopping escapade, I realized that I still had the unused gift card. I thought to myself that the young expecting mother could use the gift card a lot more than me. Today, since there were many Labor Day sales, I returned to the mall. I returned with two missions in mind. One was a price adjustment on the clothes I had bought on the prior trip and second was to find the girl and give her the gift card. 

I was successful in both tasks. When I was finally able to find her and explain what was happening, she was, well...dumbfounded. She was very grateful and I could tell that it had taken her by surprise. It was so fun to see the look on her face and help a young mother out. I hope she can find it useful.

God bless,

Kailee