Thursday, September 1, 2011

Where to begin?

Life was certainly a whirlwind while at Mrs. United States and hasn't slowed since. First of all, many congratulations to Shannon Ford, Mrs. Florida, who was crowned Mrs. United States on finals night, August 4th. She, the top twelve, and ALL 54 delegates were honestly some of the most accomplished and impressive women I've ever met in my life, and I am truly blessed to know and to be among them. As for life since then, in summary, we returned home from the national pageant in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 6th to spend Sunday the 7th sleeping since our flights home were changed to include a lovely redeye. On Monday I was off to Upper Darby to catch a Janet Jackson concert with my sorority sister, Jess. The rest of the week included a quick visit from our UK friend Mark, followed by meeting former Philadelphia Eagles' player Vince Papale (subject of the Disney film Invincible), and hubs' 30th birthday bash that Friday.


The week after I generally had some opportunities to rest at home! I devoted the extra time to preparing myself for going back to school (read: lots of laundry), squeezed in an appearance at Pride in the Park to support my aunt's anti-bullying efforts as a part of her campaign for Allentown School Board, then kicked off the new school year with teacher in-service the following week. Mid-week I met with my friends at Allentown Beverage to discuss the planning of a local pageant initiative, Miss Lehigh Valley Bud (yes, the beer), which will benefit local charities including one of my favorites, No Kill Lehigh Valley. I am currently serving as their pageant guru and will likely end up officially titled as contestant and production coordinator in order to ensure a well-run inaugural event, projected to be held around June 2012. That Friday I drove out to Williamsport for the Williamsport Welcomes the World block party celebrating the Little League World Series and met some great people, among them those devoted to service as a part of the Williamsport Kiwanis Club.

This past week I met my new students, previewed what's ahead for this year, and administered summer reading exams. Throughout, I've been communicating with local Zumba instructors and the facility managers where they conduct their classes to plan a series of Party in Pink Zumbathon events to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure through the month of October. Additionally, I was asked to serve as my school's Gay-Straight Alliance Advisor so I've been locating resources and developing activities for our first meeting to determine the initiatives to which we will commit this year.

Our Labor Day weekend will be spent the happiest of ways...celebrating the union of our dear friends Nick and Amie as they marry on Sunday...therefore we will be traveling to Massachusetts for the ceremony rehearsal and dinner on Saturday and the wedding and reception itself on Sunday, then we'll head home on Monday. I am honored to be a part of Amie's bridal party and am looking forward to being a part of their life together as a married couple.

Now I realize the preceding rundown includes A LOT of information but I tried to keep it as concise as possible. There is so much to share that short of starting a book I wouldn't know where to begin. I have many upcoming events that will be added to the Calendar of Events on the Mrs. Pennsylvania United States website, so please bookmark the page if you're interested in following my whereabouts. I should be back to regular posting as the events occur and I get fully acclimated to my back-to-school routine!

Dream Big/Do Good,
Kate

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

MBOBB, Worthwhile Style, All-Star Game, Car Show, & VEGAS, baby!

Last post I discussed the Kickstarter campaign for More Business of Being Born...I am happy to report that Ricki and Abby have reached their goal and will be able to properly and independently promote and distribute their films to educate women everywhere about birth options! I can't wait to receive my documentary DVDs and see my name rolling in the "Special Thanks" section of the credits...not to mention all of the fabulous information I am positive each episode will contain about empowering women to take back their birth experience.

I am also happy to report that my Worthwhile Style fashion event was very well-received by the community, and we reached over 100 people, many of whom were unaware of Valley Youth House and/or the work they do. The event boasted local celebrities Jaciel Cordoba and Eve Tannery, morning anchors for WFMZ 69 News, who modeled fashion designer Pamela Ptak's latest creations. We were also honored and humbled by the presence of Marlene "Linny" Fowler, community philanthropist, whose generosity across the Lehigh Valley has made countless programs and opportunities possible. My two favorite moments of the night included the Valley Youth House client spotlight on Marie Acevedo Smith, who spoke about her experience in VYH's "Supervised Independent Living" program, and when Pamela and I were able to take our closing runway walk hand-in-hand for a final pose in front of a very appreciative audience.

The day after I attended the Lehigh Valley Men's Senior Baseball League and Men's Adult Baseball League All-Star games at Coca-Cola park, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. This year's event featured not only a blood drive but also a breast cancer awareness fundraiser, so I was delighted to take part in bringing more visibility to the league's efforts.

Another worthy cause to which I devoted some time was the PennMustangs Mustang Muscle Car Show held at Haldeman Ford Lincoln on Lehigh Street in Allentown. While a car show might not at first seem like a likely place to raise awareness for a cause, PennMustangs founder Ric Reppert, with whom I went to high school, made the Nicole Reppert Foundation the beneficiary of all proceeds of the event. The Nicole Reppert Foundation was created in memory of Nicole, who died from injuries sustained in a house fire. The Foundation works to educate the community about fire hazards and fire safety. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet the owners of the vehicles which were on display in the show, as well as helping to raise money for such an important cause.

Last but certainly not least, I am preparing to leave for Las Vegas in just short of two weeks for the Mrs. United States national pageant. My state costume just arrived today and I will picking up the rest of my wardrobe on Saturday, so I am VERY excited! Pictured is a teeny-tiny preview of the costume...needless to say, it will fit in well in Vegas! Following is the press release concerning the competition...

SALISBURY TOWNSHIP RESIDENT TO COMPETE FOR MRS. UNITED STATES TITLE

KATE MACK of Allentown, Pennsylvania will be competing for the title of Mrs. United States at the Mrs. United States National Pageant®, which will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, July 31- August 4, 2011. Kate is honored to be participating in the celebration of the pageant’s 25th Anniversary.

Kate A. Mack's mantra to "Dream Big" has been a guiding force from the time she achieved her goal to dance professionally in 2005, to her crowning as Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011. Such ambition extends to lighting the way for others to fulfill their dreams, as Kate supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Valley Youth House, Women in Art in PA and additional organizations that support the needs of the underprivileged. She and her husband/teammate, James, believe the purpose of life is a life of purpose, and thereby work tirelessly to enrich the lives of others with hope and joy.

About to begin her seventh year of teaching, Kate's current high school English assignment at her alma mater reinforces her priority to nurture the lives of youth, particularly through education attuned to students’ interests and skills. She obtained both her B.A. in English and her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Lehigh University in just five years, while working two jobs, interning and volunteering. She uses her own story and experiences to inspire her students that anything is possible with a little courage and effort.

Described as "the premier event of its kind" by The Las Vegas Sun newspaper, the Mrs. United States National Pageant® is a spectacular event. Since 1986, the Mrs. United States National Pageant® has assembled annually in Las Vegas Nevada to celebrate the achievements of married women.

Mrs. United States is no ordinary beauty pageant - it is extraordinary. It believes that married women should be recognized for their ability to integrate intellect and beauty. The Mrs. United States Pageant contestant is confident... intelligent... successful... beautiful!

To learn more about the Mrs. United States Pageant, visit the official website at www.mrsunitedstates.com. To learn more about the Mrs. Pennsylvania United States Pageant, visit their website at www.mrspaunitedstates.com.

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Note to the Press: For more information/press passes, contact Kaitlyn Pieri, Director of Administration, at 724-785-4648.

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I believe that is all for now!

Dream Big/Do Good,
KAM

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

I'm a BACKER...of More Business of Being Born

If you are friends with me on Facebook and/or you follow me on Twitter, you know I often post articles on the importance of empowering women to take control of their birth experiences, which means education, education, and more education on birth options and the research that surrounds them. What sparked my interest in such issues was essentially the documentary of filmmakers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, entitled The Business of Being Born. It asked the pertinent, tough questions of the current medicalized culture of childbirth in the United States and got me thinking intensely about plans for when our time to have children comes.

Three years later, Ricki and Abby are back with More Business of Being Born, a series of four films that continues the conversation. Through a Kickstarter campaign, Ricki and Abby are raising the remainder of the funds needed to complete the project. Today I pledged my support by purchasing my copies of the new films as well as securing my very own FILM CREDIT (!) to be rolled in the "Special Thanks" section at the conclusion of each segment (How cool is that??). Please check out the project by clicking on the video here, and if the cause moves you in any way, please consider becoming a backer yourself.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Again already?!?

Yes! REMARKABLE! I promised a post later in the week and I am delivering.

This week I am in full prep mode for my Worthwhile Style: Show Your Compassion with an Evening of Fashion runway show and event. The flyer is posted above along with a handy ticket-ordering link if you're interested in attending. Online sales will be shut down on the morning of Friday the 8th, so save yourself $5 by ordering in advance!

Today's entry will catch me up on all events I've attended or to which I've contributed thus far, starting with just about two weeks ago at the Star of Bethlehem Festival for Kids. The festival included various stations dedicated to the arts and sciences as well as related presentations from community groups. I am pictured here next to the festival's welcome banner, petting some sort of reptile from the Lehigh Valley Zoo prior to their "Birds of Prey" demonstration, and posing with the O'Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance. The day also included martial arts demonstrations, a cardboard cityscape painted by the children, arts and crafts, science exhibitions, and a multitude of other enriching and fun activities for children.

Nearly a week later on Thursday night I was a celebrity bartender for a benefit to "Save Baby Myah," a beautiful 11-month old girl who was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a form of Leukemia. I was thrilled to be a part of this event and meet the generous donors who will be collecting cord blood upon the birth of their baby that will be used to treat Myah's condition. All tips and 10% of food sales were contributed to the fund established to cover the cost of the procedures, since insurance does not cover the collection of cord blood for a non-family member.

Finally, I made a second appearance at the SteelStacks Farmers' Market to support the importance of the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign and its contribution to the health and wellness of our communities as well as to discuss the beneficiaries of my fashion event with others. Photographer Jeff Heller was kind enough to snap this shot of me in front of the blast furnaces directly adjacent to the market. If any of you haven't been to SteelStacks, the atmosphere created by the history of the steel structures combined with the modernized use of the space is something you simply must see!

I CAN'T WAIT until my next post, when I'll get to tell you all about Worthwhile Style and its success. We hope to see you there and if not, remember that there is a 50/50 drawing for which you need not be present to win! Tickets available above!

Dream Big/Do Good,
KAM

Monday, June 27, 2011

Is it that I'm slacking, or that I'm too busy with scheduled events?

So maybe it's a little bit of both...slacking on the posting and ALSO being too busy at actual events to find a second to write a new blog entry, but now that school is out for a bit (HURRAY SUMMER) and I am pretty well-prepared for the national Mrs. United States competition, I should be better at updating on a more regular basis.

To begin catching up, let's travel back in time to May 20th, when Jimmy and I attended the Freund & Associates Spring Fling. Attorney John Freund, who is the Allentown School District Solicitor, organizes this event for his law firm of KingSpry in order to annually bring the community together for networking and celebration. My Aunt Joanne Jackson, who recently earned her place on the ballot to be re-elected to Allentown School Board in the primary election, secured an invitation for me to appear as Mrs. Pennsylvania United States along with my husband and mom. We so enjoyed the evening as it was an excellent opportunity to share the advocacy work I'm been doing with community leaders and help folks understand a bit more about MRS pageantry.

The weekend after marked a break (WOW!) for me from appearances after a busy week at school, but the week following was equally busy at school and culminated with a trip to Pittsburgh to see my sorority sister Jess and my four-legged nieces, Lily and Leia, for a good ol' fashioned Pennsylvania baseball rivalry between the Phils and the Bucs. Jimmy and I were floored by PNC Park and really relished in Pittsburgh as a whole since we'd never fully explored the city before, which is ironic considering I won my title there!

On the way back from Pittsburgh we relaxed at a dinner fundraiser at Starfish Brasserie to benefit the African Black-Footed Penguins of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Thabo made a guest appearance that night and delighted all with her pleasant demeanor. We were exhausted when we got home so rested well that night for the busy week ahead, as we were engaged all week in finalizing plans for the Take Back the Streets Block Party & Community Yard Sale, organized to raise awareness of auto theft prevention.

The Take Back the Streets block party was a great day and a huge success. The Lehigh County Auto Theft Task Force arrived at noon and VIN-etched over fifty cars until around 3 PM. Lou Franco played and sang live for us until around 2 PM, when Lehigh Valley Martial Arts arrived for a self-defense demonstration until 3 PM. The neighbors enjoyed yard sale-ing, face painting and body art from Funtastic Faces and Body Art, and burgers and dogs throughout (the latter compliments of my wonderful hubs). In addition to being fun, it was also an important event to help the community understand the need to come together to prevent auto theft, particularly in the section of Allentown in which the event was held.

No rest for the wicked goes the old cliche because the very next day I traveled to Dover, Delaware to assist Crowns of Inspiration's Siouxzan Moore in her triple-crowning pageant for Mrs. Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia United States 2011. I can't rave enough about the experience. The contestants were top-notch and I was thrilled to see pageant sisters for the first time in quite a while. It absolutely reaffirmed my belief in pageantry bringing together wonderful people who inspire each other to do wonderful things. Congratulations of course to the new queens, as well: Tamika Hall, Mrs. Maryland United States 2011; Katie Barrie, Mrs. Virginia United States 2011; and Angie Hionis-Bell, Mrs. Delaware United States 2011.

Since Blogger only lets me post five photos per post, I will have to cease updating here and continue, hopefully later this week, with an update on the Star of Bethlehem Festival for Kids, the Save Baby Myah Celebrity Bartending Event at Starters Riverport, and the SteelStacks Farmers' Market.

Dream Big/Do Good,
KAM

Saturday, May 21, 2011

So much to update, PART DEUX

For my continuation of the update, I'll begin with the SteelStacks Farmers' Market grand opening on Tuesday, May 10th. Not only is SteelStacks an important advance for economic sustainability in the Lehigh Valley, its Farmers' Market is also a splendid foray toward positioning fresh, local, organic eating at the forefront of health and wellness. Pictured with me here is Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, who helped me cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony; Lorraine Torrella, the manager of the Farmers' Market; and some beautiful Girl Scouts from Holy Infancy School on Bethlehem's Southside.

Just two evenings later I attended the "Rhapsody in Blue" dinner organized by the Lehigh County Democrats, an organization which my grandmother served in multiple capacities. My aunt has carried on my Mimi's legacy with the organization as both a member, officer, and candidate. We are so proud of my aunt for clinching the school board nomination as of Tuesday, May 17th, and can't wait to continue campaigning for her through November.

That weekend on Saturday my mom and I scoped out the Recycling, Electronics Drive featuring VIN Etching at Whitehall Public Works. VIN etching is an important part of auto theft prevention, a cause that has recently become important to our family due to four occurrences of auto theft affecting the vicinity of my mother's home. The VIN etching team is made up of Lehigh County Auto Theft Task Force members who work all hours as undercover investigators, so in order to protect the integrity of their work I don't have photos to share. HOWEVER, the Take Back the Streets Auto Theft Awareness & Prevention block party on my mom's block is upcoming on Saturday, June 11th, so I'll be sure to snap some photos at that event to share more about our progress with this cause.

I rounded out the week by attending EmPoWeReD Birth's presentation of Birth: A Play by Karen Brody. I was so moved by this experience as the play emphasized the importance of educating women and families about their birth options. Far too often I believe we are not properly or fully informed regarding decisions associated with childbirth, and far too often folks look at me like I have three heads when they realize I am researching my options even though I am not pregnant. My favorite retort is that I spent ten years longing for and researching my favorite car before I finally bought it, so why wouldn't I spend all this time learning about my options for what will be one of the most important days of my life? Needless to say, it was reassuring to be among an audience of like-minded individuals who respectfully consider each other's feelings and beliefs. Pictured with me here is the remarkable PRESIDENT of EmPoWeReD Birth, Mari Walsh Nebbaki, whose organization so lovingly and passionately enabled the production of the play.

Look next for a report from the KingSpry/Freund & Associates Spring Fling at the Crayola Factory in Easton, as well as some additional information about the aforementioned Take Back the Streets block party and this summer's Worthwhile Style fashion event.

Dream big!
KAM

Monday, May 16, 2011

SO MUCH TO UPDATE!

Hi all,

Hmmm...where to start...I guess where I left off last!

After World Penguin Day, my next pageant-oriented activity involved my photo shoot for the national pageant program book with Angie Carr of Angie C Photography. If you visit her website, you'll see me on the right of her portfolio page in a photo from our first shoot together, and let me tell you--she is AMAZING. Anyway, it took a lot of hemming, hawing, and unofficial online voting by my Facebook friends, but pictured to the left is my official nationals headshot. ALL of the photos are absolutely gorgeous and are viewable via her FB album located here.

Next up was my golf tournament...Wish Upon a Par...to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. While all aspects of the day were fantastic, my favorite part was meeting Molly, a wish kid whose wish to be on a television show was granted a few years ago. She and her mom Colleen spoke briefly about Make-A-Wish and what wishes mean to families during the banquet following the golf. I was so impressed by both their story and by Molly's poise...future pageant girl, perhaps?! But to think that through this process we raised $1675 simply boggles my mind. It didn't even feel like work, and I can't wait to plan my third tournament in 2012!

Nearly a week later I attended the tail-end of the Community Lehigh Valley Music Conference on Saturday night presented by some of the same folks who bring us the Lehigh Valley Music Awards and Women in Art in Pennsylvania. Hubs and I walked in during a performance from Bonehead, who has also been known as Familiar 48 and had a radio hit in 2002 called "The Question." Very cool that we got a photo together!

That Monday was the Lehigh University Home Club's annual golf outing. While I couldn't be there due to my teaching schedule, I did sponsor a hole to support my post-secondary alma mater. It was reported that many coaches and alums were impressed that a hometown Lehigh girl became Mrs. Pennsylvania, so that made me feel quite good! :)

Although I have a few more events to report, I'm going to stop here for now and update again after the week is through. Not only am I unable to post more than five photos at a time, but my couch, hubby, and the latest delivery from Netflix are calling my name for some much needed down time! Stay tuned for updates on the SteelStacks Farmers' Market Grand Opening, the Lehigh County Democrats' "Rhapsody in Blue" dinner, VIN etching with the Lehigh County Auto Theft Task Force, and Birth: A Play by Karen Brody presented by EmPoWeReD Birth.

Dream big,
KAM

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thank you to all who've contributed to this Saturday's Wish Upon a Par Golf Tournament!

Supporters and sponsors--I so appreciate your generosity, be it time, talent, in-kind donation, or financial assistance. I am so blessed to have such lovely people in my life.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Two more weeks under my belt...

I can't get over how quickly my reign is flying by! I am very fortunate to have had a few moments this past holiday weekend to spend with family and friends in order to recharge my batteries and count my blessings.

Onto the update:

The morning of Friday, April 15th, Mr. Pennsylvania (that would be Jimmy, my hubs) departed for a golf trip to Wildwood with a couple of his buddies. Therefore, I spent Friday evening at the Allentown Brew Works with my wonderful co-worker Chris (affectionately referred to as the "sub hub"), my mom, and my aunt as we supported epilepsy education and advocacy at the HOPE IS OUT THERE Epilepsy Awareness benefit in honor of Emily Cherry. The accompanying photos show my mom, aunt, and I at our table and me presenting Emily and her family with a beautiful poem written for her by Quakertown High School student and published poet, Arlynn Mackie.

Saturday was reserved for the Lehigh Valley Zoo's Party for the Planet; however, most of their activities were moved indoors due to rain and so I was asked to appear instead at World Penguin Day on Monday, April 25th to adopt a penguin! Now, given my love for penguins all I can say is--what an AMAZING day it was! Thulani and I are now best friends. Pictured here are my adoption materials and a photo of me with Thulani, his handlers including Sherri, and Rick Molchany, the president and CEO of Lehigh Valley Zoo. I cannot thank them enough for my experience today and encourage anyone interested in adopting an animal to visit the zoo's website for more information. In the meantime, I simply cannot wait to continue working with them on promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts, including the upcoming Seafood Watch fundraising event at Starfish Brasserie in downtown Bethlehem. This will be a very important event to educate consumers about the importance of sustainable seafood purchases that avoid harming neighboring marine life and the environment. Stay tuned for more details about the Seafood Watch event in the near future.

One more quick calendar update: Sadly, the Seis de Mayo event at Looper's Grille & Bar to benefit Green Hope Charities had to be canceled due to some circumstances beyond our control. If you would like to lend your support to Green Hope regardless, please feel free to visit their website to find out how.

I'll be back with an update after my appearance at the Hope for Allentown V concert on Thursday and my Wish Upon a Par Golf Tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Saturday!

Dream big,
KAM

Monday, April 11, 2011

Week Three

Another productive week under my belt that was actually a bit of a break compared to my schedule last weekend, activities during my third week as Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011 included the Raub Area Community Watch meeting at the Lehigh County Senior Citizen Center, where my mother, aunt, and I attended to hear the remarks of Captain Keith Morris, Detective Sergeant Sal Aprile, and Detective Chad Wasserman regarding the recent auto theft issues surrounding the 200- and 300-blocks of South Fulton Street, where my mother and aunt happen to live. Our purpose in attending was three-fold in that we wanted to learn from the information Captain Morris, Detective Sergeant Aprile, and Detective Wasserman had to share, to enlist support for a neighborhood block party to educate the community on auto theft prevention and provide prevention measures such as VIN etching and Citizens on Patrol sign-ups, AND to hear the declarations of local primary election candidates, one of whom includes my aunt, Joanne Jackson, for Allentown School Board. That's her to the upper left (isn't she purdy?) speaking so very eloquently on the importance of electing an active educator to the Board of School Directors for Allentown School District. Stay tuned for more information about our block party plans and about her candidacy!

Saturday I chaperoned a charity dance at Southern Lehigh High School (where I teach) to benefit the Bo Tkach Memorial--Under Every Helmet & Hat is a Child Who Needs Us--which is a foundation established to raise awareness about mental health issues in children and teens. The cause means a lot to me in particular because Bo attended Lehigh University for a year and while there, I was his resident assistant. We interacted sporadically not only in this capacity but also at football celebrations, as he was a scholar-athlete and I was an avid Lehigh football fan. The photos include Troy Ruch, our student council advisor who enabled the students to make such an event happen.

Sunday I had hoped to attend a basket bingo to benefit Geno, a Solehi Class of '00 classmate's cousin who is battling cancer for the second time. Unfortunately an appointment earlier in the day ran much longer than I'd expected and I drove home from Palmerton with a throbbing head, so I was left to appear in spirit via my donation of the PartyLite Sunflower Pillar Holders and Home in the Country Pillar Candles (pictured here) that I wrapped up into a basket for the Pick-a-Prize raffle held in conjunction with the bingo. I hope to catch up with the organizers of the event to hear about its success!

This weekend promises to be very busy and I shall be without Mr. Pennsylvania, who will be on a golf trip in Wildwood. Wish me luck without my better half as I appear at the Epilepsy Benefit in honor of Emily Cherry on Friday, organized by WIAIPA and LVMA; the Lehigh Valley Zoo's Party for the Planet on Saturday; and, if I can squeeze it in, the Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks event on Saturday morning. In the meantime, I am busy finalizing details and registering golfers for the Wish Upon a Par Golf Tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater PA and Southern WV and continuing to plan the runway fashion event to benefit Valley Youth House Residential Living Programs in July.

I'll be back soon!

Dream big,
KAM

Monday, April 4, 2011

Jazz & Art

Hi all! I know I just posted yesterday but I have a new photo from the WIAIPA Jazz & Art event. Hubs looks so darn cute in this photo and when that happens in pictures the photo usually ends up EVERYWHERE! ;)

Thanks to Diane Richter Photography for a beautiful memory of a lovely event that helped an important cause!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

A Busy First Two Weeks!

Today marks two weeks since being crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011. What a productive time it's been!

My first week marked hosting Lehigh University's Student-Alumni Dinner Club, a program run by the Association of Student Alumni. I founded this organization and served as the VP Membership and VP ASA during my senior year at Lehigh. For Dinner Club, three lovely students joined Jimmy and I in our home to compare my experience versus current-day life at Lehigh. We all enjoyed ourselves so much and given my love for Lehigh-logo'd items, I was thrilled to receive an apron commemorating the experience!

The day after, I spent the morning in Pottsville at wish-granter training for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. It was so touching to hear the stories of past wishes granted and I can't wait to get out there and help wish families enjoy the experience of a lifetime through the Foundation's good work.

This past weekend was even busier. On Friday I attended the opening of the second location of Lehigh Valley Polish Water Ice. I tried the chocolate flavor and it was SOOOO creamy and yummy, yet there is no dairy or fat in the recipe! After, we stopped by to hear our friend and my Transformers tutor's band, Angel Down. What a talented group!

Saturday morning was spent at the Lehigh Valley's Zoo's grand opening of the Mexican Gray Wolf exhibit. I was so pleased to learn of the conservation efforts of the Zoo's team and will be back for the Party for the Planet on April 16th. In the meantime, the Zoo is graciously presenting me with a penguin adoption and artwork in honor of our new partnership.

Last but certainly not least, we spent the afternoon with Women in Art in Pennsylvania for their Jazz & Art event, presented by Ameriprise Financial. WIAIPA benefits recovery efforts of abused women and children so it was important to me to support this event by appearing and also purchasing some lovely new jewelry compliments of Terry Espinosa. She is crafting me a natural, silver wire-wrapped amethyst pendant with a crown effect atop the stone. Since purple is the color of royalty, I thought it was a fitting selection! ;)

While I'm running about doing my thing here in PA, I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge all of the fabulous women competing for the title of Mrs. America beginning this past Thursday through April 14th in West Virginia. Although these girls are cross-system (remember, I am Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011, with the Mrs. United States pageant system), I consider us all a part of the sisterhood of pageantry. Special shout-outs to Mrs. Delaware America, Shana Hinton-Williams; Mrs. New York America, Karen O'Hara; and of course Mrs. Pennsylvania America, Erin Joy Landis. Know that you all have your own little fan base here in Allentown in the Mack Family!

Finally, CONGRATULATIONS to Dawn Smith Hicks, the newly crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania International! She and I competed together in my very first MRS pageant in 2009. We've been crossing our fingers for each other for a long time, and now (in her words), "Holy cow, girl! We DID IT!"

Until next time, much love to all and thank you for your continued support...

Dream big,
Kate

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Another Official Crown/Banner Shot

Thank you to Edwin Shaw for this additional official crown/banner shot. It is just GORGEOUS; he made me look like a brunette Barbie!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Allentown native crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011

Pittsburgh, PA – March 20, 2011 – Mrs. Greater Lehigh County 2011 Kate A. Mack from Allentown was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport on Sunday. The event, produced by Sanders & Associates, is an official state preliminary to the Mrs. United States Pageant, to be held July 31-August 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mack’s success was the culmination of competing for the past two years, placing as first runner- up in last year’s pageant. Last year’s winner, Susan Huntley, attended the 2011 pageant to crown her successor.

“I am humbled, blessed, thankful, and overjoyed,” Mack said. “Winning the crown is nothing short of a dream come true.” Nevertheless, Mack’s dreams extend far beyond her crowning moment.

Mack's mantra to "Dream Big" has been a guiding force from the time she achieved her goal to dance professionally in 2005. As a high school English teacher, such ambition extends to lighting the way for others to fulfill their dreams as Mack nurtures the lives of youth through education that is attuned to her students’ interests and skills.

Mack also supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Valley Youth House, Women in Art in PA, and additional organizations that support the needs of the underprivileged. She and her husband/teammate of three years, James, believe the purpose of life is a life of purpose and thereby work tirelessly to enrich the lives of others with hope and joy.

As for her involvement in pageantry, Mack explains, “Women who are married or are contemplating marriage need role models that highlight the fact that life doesn’t stop after their wedding day. The Mrs. United States Pageant system provides those paradigms to inspire women in their roles as wives, mothers, career women, community leaders, and public servants.”

Prior to marriage, Mack obtained both her B.A. in English and her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Lehigh University in just five years while working two jobs, interning, and volunteering. She uses her story of determination and commitment to inspire students and to emphasize her belief that with a little courage and effort, anything is possible.

“I try to build relationships with my students that facilitate finding their niche and then not just running, but sprinting with it!” Mack said. “My journey toward becoming Mrs. Pennsylvania United States is a perfect example of establishing a goal and doing everything feasible to make it happen.”

For more information about the Mrs. Pennsylvania United States pageant, please visit http://www.mrspaunitedstates.com. To book Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2011 for your event, please email mrspaus2011@gmail.com or call 610-597-5284.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Hope is Out There, Wish Upon a Par, & Seis de Mayo

Hello friends,

Three major events upcoming:

1. Hope is Out There, an Epilepsy Awareness Benefit in honor of Emily Cherry, is quickly approaching on Friday, April 15th. I will be speaking as Mrs. Greater Lehigh County about the importance of epilepsy awareness and hope you will join us for a lovely sit-down dinner, musical performances, a silent auction, and additional guest speakers for $25 per person, presented by Women in Art in PA, the Off the Couch Gang, and the Lehigh Valley Music Awards at Allentown Brew Works. Please contact me if you are interested in tickets.

2. The Wish Upon a Par Golf Tournament to Benefit Make-A-Wish will also be here before we know it on Saturday, April 30th. Please remember the venue has changed back to the Center Valley Club and the shotgun start will occur at 2 PM. Entry is $85--$5 less than last year--and benefits wish kids right here in the Lehigh Valley area. Please contact me for a registration form or information about sponsorships.

3. Enjoy a fun night out at a Seis de Mayo event presented by the Community Lehigh Valley Music Conference and the Pirates in Paradise, featuring music by Good Time Charlie at Looper's Grille and Bar in South Bethlehem from 6-11 PM. The event occurs in tandem with the Community LVMC and First Friday, so we hope to see everyone there! TBD entry includes Mexican Food Buffet, drink specials, entertainment, and benefits Green Hope Charities. Please contact me for more information.

So much has really happened in the past few months that this brief summary is truly just the tip of the iceberg with regard to events to come. Consequently, if at anytime you would like my assistance in facilitating an event involving or benefiting your organization, contact me. I am so proud and pleased to be forging positive relationships with such a variety of community groups and causes that my heart swells every time I take a moment to really assess the impact we are all making.

My best contact info:

610-597-5284
katemack7508@gmail.com

Dream big!
KAM
 

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