As my final days as Miss Illinois draw nearer, I wanted to make sure I had a way to keep in touch with you all on the web. I created my independent blog “Grilled Cheese Fridays” (You’ll have to log on to find out what on Earth that means) and you can find it here: http://grilledcheesefridays.blogspot.com/. I’ve archived most of my old blogs and hope to keep you updated on the latest and greatest happenings for me post Miss Illinois Land. Thank you for reading this past year and for taking an interest in my year of service – I’ve enjoyed it so much more knowing that I could share it with you!
Last Monday morning, I toured Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton and met with the Golf Outing Committee to discuss their upcoming event on July 13th. Gary Hasberger of Vulcan Golf generously offered to triple his donation to the Miss Illinois Golf Outing if I participated after my reign and I simply couldn’t turn him down! Marianjoy is a state-of-the-art facility and I was excited to see the ways this center helps patients of all ages rehabilitate in mind, body, and soul.
The next day, I drove over to Oak Park to participate in one of the many ceremonies for Marine Week. I was excited to meet up with Don Haines again (a retired Marine himself) and had my very own Marine escort, SGT Delgado, for the entire evening. I signed tons of autographs that day and spoke to the crowd about being thankful for the service of these brave men and women. We came across some familiar faces like the Patriot Guard Riders, USO members, and Gold Star Families and met many media outlets who were there to cover the event! My favorite part of the evening, however, was dining with the Marines in the “mess hall,” if you will, over delicious Buona Beef! A beauty queen, scores of brave men, and beef – what more could you ask for?
The weekend took me to Gurnee and Winthrop Harbor for a Pageant and a Fashion Show! Kristen Ruchti was kind enough to host me overnight at her home while I judged the Miss Winthrop Harbor Pageant on Saturday. I had a wonderful afternoon with the other judges and organizers and loved meeting the contestants of all age levels. The pageant was a first-rate show and thank you to Robin Ruchti for continuing the tradition with Miss Illinois as a judge!
The next morning I helped support the Miss Northern Suburbs Pageant as a model in their Fashion Show! Sherrie Gearheart, Miss Northern Suburbs, gave two wonderful performances and many local titleholders modeled the latest fashions from Kohl’s! (During my fitting earlier in the week I loved my outfit so much that I bought it right there!) The event was a huge success and thank you to the Ruchti’s, again, for having me.
I reached a nice touchstone this week when I was able to speak at the Chicago Financial District’s Rotary Club. This club has been with me throughout my entire journey as Miss Illinois from my very first appearance as Miss Chicago, to making me an honorary member as Miss Illinois, to having me back again to reflect on my year. I can’t thank them enough for their support and would like to encourage you all to participate, volunteer, or donate to their Race To The Finish to eradicate polio on Sunday, June 14th in Chicago – you can find out more information here: http://www.racetothefinish.org.
Last but not least, we had our Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen and Preteen Competitions as well as our Illinois Talent Competition! All the shows were a huge success and a big “thank you” and “congratulations” are in order for Scott Billadeau, Tiffanie Rafdahl, Rebecca Cutler, and our many volunteers for their hard work making these events possible! Congratulations to our new MIOT Andrea Novak, our very first MIOPT Peyton Tucker, and our talent winner Cole Bossong! One of the highlights for me was being able to perform with my Princess – Jessica Durante (J. Dur). After two months of practices at the Durante’s home, we did a duet to “Popular” from Wicked. We had so much fun with this musical theatre number and we’re still receiving compliments! Thank you to Laura Durante for letting us dance around your basement, eat your food, and, of course, for your costuming, ideas, and inspiration.
Less than a month until we have our next Miss Illinois – ah! Good luck girls!
KT :)
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