Walk for the Animals

Lara Thompson-Kravik of Blue Dog Bakery was handing out tasty dog treats. As you can see, they got Cordi's attention.

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Today my husband Mitch and I joined more than 1000 walkers for the Walk for the Animals event to raise money for the Seattle Humane Society. This event raised more than $100,000 for the care of abandoned pets. The event was followed by FidoFest - a celebration of everything dog.

Bellingham Bulldogs Game

The Bellinghham Bulldog Cheerleaders.

Visiting Bellingham for a Bulldogs game. The Bellingham Bulldogs are a semi-pro football team and local non-profit community driven organization. Here I am joined by Laura Hunter (Mrs. Whatcom County), director of the Bellingham Bulldogs Cheerleaders, Isabelle Banks (Little Miss Washington), and the Bellingham Bulldogs Cheerleaders.

The Bellingham Bulldog Cheerleaders at work.

Seattle Coffee Fest

Jessica and I with Talia Alcantar, one of the owners of Alcantar Coffee.

Enjoying some of the many samples provided at the show.

Hanging out with Josh (between Jessica and me) of Espresso Parts NW at the Aroma Challenge booth. Convention attendees could stop by to identify the distilled scents that are sometimes found in coffee.

A big thanks to Jessica's husband Mark, our photographer for the event.

Wendy Fisher and Marilyn Dryke with the Cafe Femenino Foundation. The Cafe Femenino Coffee Project is a social program for women coffee producers in rural communities around the world.

News Article About My Roommate Autumn - Mrs Virginia

My roommate Autumn - Mrs. Virginia, was interviewed for an article for the Roanoke Times. I had to share this article since she mentioned me and anyone who has ever roomed with me or who knows me can sympathize.

Mrs. America Contestant Feels Like A Winner

Melissa Curnel's Baby Shower

Mrs. Washington contestants enjoying the party. Jessica Riggs, Elizabeth Larsen, Laura Hunter, Lisa Quast and Tamara DePorter.

Melissa Curnel (center), Lisa Q. (L) and Jessica (R).

Diaper changing competition. (Jessica, Elizabeth, Tamara and Laura)

Derozette and Jessica.

Lisa Q, Laura and Tamara.

Shauna Roylance, Mrs. Washington America 1994, entertains the group with a song.

Beth Kovacevich - Mrs. Washington 1996, Kristal Grimstead - Mrs. Washington 2003, Kathy Kannada - Mrs. Washington 2002, Pam Curnel - Mrs. Washington 1994 and Mrs. Washington Pageant director, Melissa Curnel.

Green Your Theme Seattle

Backstage after the fashion show.

Rita Gruzman takes the microphone after her fashion show.

Laura Hunter (center), Mrs. Whatcom County, modeled for the fashion show.

"Green Your Theme Seattle" was a fabulous event held at the eco-friendly Sodo Park in Seattle.
We sampled delicious food created by local chefs, caterers and farms and tasted local wines, sustainable beer, teas and coffee. A panel discussion included the following individuals: Jill Hashimoto (Mariners Director of Event Sales and Marketing) discussed greening sporting events, Gabriel Scheer (Seattle Green Drinks) discussed greening networking events and meetings, Heather Smith Teegarden (Woodland Park Zoo) discussed greening fundraiser and association events, Nancy Skipton (Simply Celebrations and Events) discussed greening weddings and receptions, Rachel Hall (Hollywood Lighting) discussed greening large-scale events and Ms. Mike Thomas (Margo Wendorf and Associates) discussed greening corporate meetings and events.
After the panel discussion, guests were treated to an entertaining fashion show featuring designs by Rita Gruzman (Marge Design). Rita is a green fashion designer who creates upcycled reconstructed designer outfits.

We finished off the evening dancing to music by Bamboo beats.

Puyallup Fair 2009

Laura Hunter - Mrs. Whatcom County, Jessica Riggs - Mrs Snohomish County, Elizabeth Larsen - Mrs. Washington, Lisa Bluhm - Mrs. Pacific Northwest, Lisa Quast - Mrs. Issaquah and Isabelle Banks - Little Miss Washington.

Jessica Riggs - Mrs. Snohomish County

Isabelle Banks - Little Miss Washington

Lisa Bluhm - Mrs. Pacific Northwest

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Mrs. Washington Class of 2010 started off the new year by volunteering to hand out program books at the Puyallup Fair. Afterwards we had the opportunity to walk around and enjoy the food and rides.

18th annual PAWSwalk 2009

Yay.. the finish line.

Cordelia was lagging a bit behind towards the end of the walk.

The event provided water stations for the dogs and bottled water for the people.

My friend Carmen joined me on the walk and was my unoffical photographer for the event. She and Rocky became good friends during the 3-mile trip. Thanks Carmen.

..and we are off.

Volunteers for the Missing Pet Partnership (MPP). MPP is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families. Many "stray" dogs and cats that end up in animal shelters are actually lost pets that families failed to find. Their innovative programs help shelters reduce euthanasia rates and help desperate people locate their lost pets. Please check out their website and consider volunteering for this great cause.

These are a few of the 150 volunteers that are needed to make PAWSwalk a success every year.

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I spent this morning at the 18th annual PAWSwalk at Seattle's Magnuson Park. The weather was beautiful and the three mile walk was a great way to start the day. The walk raised over $152,000 which will be used to advocate for animals through education, legislation and direct care. For more information click on this link. My friend Carmen joined me and two of my three dogs, Cordelia and Rocky.