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