2010 Wrap Up

I want to thank everyone for the opportunity of serving as Mrs. Kansas US 2010. It has truly been an amazing year! I feel so honored to represent our state! The best part has been meeting so many incredible, generous people. I have had the privilege of volunteering at so many community events, riding in 2 parades, and giving back to my community through many different venues.

My most recent adventure was helping honor the residents of Safehome by treating them to a new wardrobe, makeovers, and a professional photo shoot. Safehome is a facility that provides shelter for battered women and their children here in Johnson County, Kansas. I was invited to participate with Hoffman International Model & Talent Agency. The idea to pamper these women came about from a local hair stylist here in Kansas City. This story was featured on KCTV5's morning show on Christmas Eve by anchor Kelly Jones. I enjoyed meeting these young women at Safehome and sharing this fun experience with each of them. I was able to present each of them with a gift bag full of products and services donated by generous local businesses. Many thanks to Hoffman Model's for inviting me and gathering all of these donations.

Throughout this past month I have witnessed the spirit of giving to others alive and in action! I have met many "angels" in and around my community. From helping sort donations for Angels for Afton to volunteering at Safehome, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be able to share my time and resources with others. May God bless each one of you in the coming New Year! I look forward to many great things in 2011!

Angels for Afton

Hello everyone! I am excited to take all of my donations to a "sorting party" tomorrow morning. A group of Kansas City area volunteers are gathering and sorting all of the donations collected for the children of Afton, Oklahoma. A group of volunteers are driving down to Afton on Monday to deliver everything and watch the children perform their holiday program at their school.

On another note, I invited all of the contestants at the 2011 Mrs. Kansas and Mrs. Oklahoma America pageants (being held in Oklahoma) to join me in gathering children's clothing, books, personal care items, backpacks and food. We are going to present our collective donations to a representative from Afton at our January 22 pageant in Guthrie, Oklahoma! I will compete in this pageant in 2011 as Mrs. Kansas City.

As I prepare to go visit family and friends in Wichita next week, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have my health, my family,a home, food, and such wonderful opportunities to serve others. I have met the neatest people during my reign as Mrs. Kansas US 2010. I will continue to promote my platform of skin cancer prevention and awareness in the new year! I am currently helping organize a 5K run/walk in the KC area that will raise awareness for melanoma (skin cancer). The run will be held May 28, 2011 and proceeds will go to the Kansas City Cancer Center, which provides financial help to people battling cancer.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Holiday Challenge from Mrs. Kansas US 2010

Hi Kansas queens and friends! I recently became aware of a small community in Oklahoma where 80% of the children live at or below poverty. They have established a website on Google at http://www.sites.google.angelsforafton.com/

I challenge all current and past Kansas queens to get involved by making an online donation or delivering toys, gently used children's clothing, personal care item, body wash, or food to this wonderful cause. I plan to help at the "sorting party" here in the Kansas City area this Saturday morning. I am taking 3 huge bags of clothing with me to donate and whatever else can fit in my vehicle! Join me in giving something to children living right here in the midwest who have nothing. Blessings to all of you!
Stephanie

Lenexa Christmas Tree Lighting

I had so much fun helping with the City of Lenexa holiday lighting ceremony on Friday evening! I got to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! It was fun to see my sister queen, Allie Marx there as well. After the lighting ceremony, I helped children of all ages shop for their family members at the holiday store. It was fun to see kids from 18 months through 14 years old go in to select gifts for mom, dad, siblings, grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. They each came out with smiles on their little faces, proud that they selected a surprise gift for Christmas for a loved one! I especially enjoyed seeing all of the kids faces light up when Santa appeared. It was fun to watch kids of all ages give him high-fives and big hugs:)

November - Jr Miss

Allie wasn't quite as busy this month, but she did get to volunteer at our library's annual book sale. One of Allie's favorite past times is reading so she was excited to help out at the sale. She had a great time organizing the books and helping kids pick out books. Allie also had a chance to buy some books for herself.

During her Thanksgiving break Allie and her sisters made blankets to donate to Childrens Mercy Hospital. They were able to make 11 blankets to donate.