Sunday, October 31, 2010

Kathy for the Cure


October 30th was the annual 'Kathy for the Cure' fundraiser hosted by Kathy Kerrigan, a local fitness expert and breast cancer survivor.  The day consisted of nine hours of a variety of fitness classes in Pilates, Zumba, Belly-dancing, Yoga, TRX and more hosted at the Oyster River High School in Durham, NH.  I had a wonderful time participating in a couple classes for the cure.  All proceeds went to the Beyond the Rainbow Foundation which provides support and financial assistance to Exeter Hospital cancer survivors.  Last year her event rose over $6,000 and Kathy hopes to surpass this as the donations continue to come in.  For more information or to make a donation visit beyondtherainbow.org


Monday, October 25, 2010

5k Carving a Trail of Hope


 Sunday, October 24th I volunteered on the 5k run/walk course in Candia, NH for the Carving a Trail of Hope 5k to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.  Over 70 runners and walkers came out on the crisp October afternoon and took to the beautiful trails of Candia for a great cause.  Here with one of the runners Meghan Loring, and Miss NH contestant, Tina Gebhard, Miss Winni director, and in front of the Candia trails.  Hope to see you there next year.


Family Halloween Party

 Saturday, October 24th Miss Weirs Beach, Chantel Mccabe, and myself made an appearance in costume at the annual spooky Family Halloween Party at Funspot in Laconia, NH.  Close to 2,000 people walked through the doors that night dressed as princesses, vampires, birds, ketchup, and more!  Chantel and I had a blast juding the annual costume contest in six different age categories who all won fabulous prizes.  Thank you to the Miss Winni directors, Tina and Gary, and to Pat Kelly for a wonderful night for all ages.



Monday, October 18, 2010

Making Strides Dover, NH

Sunday, October 17th was the Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk Dover, NH at Henry Law park.  I was so proud of my team, Pink on Ice who exceeded our personal goal of $1,000!  It was an also a honor to be asked to help open up Dover Strides with a Zumba warm-up right before the three mile loop.  Dover, NH rose over $92,000 for the American Cancer Society which goes to support all of the many programs which help thousands of women, and men, battle their way through breast cancer every year.  Last year Dover Strides rose $62,000 in 2009.  Each donation made helps make more strides towards a day where no one has to worry about losing loved ones to breast cancer. A huge thank you to the Dover Strides committee headed by Allison Alper, to all the teams decked out in pink, and to all the local supporters.  Check out the article Fosters for a great write-up and pictures of the event at fosters.com.





Hosting Macy's Shop for a Cause


October 16th was Macy's annual Shop for a Cause where Macy's stores across the nation donate 25% of proceeds from a purchased coupon to local charitable organizations such as Make a Wish, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and local food pantries.  It was an honor to be asked for the third time to be the emcee for the 2010 Macy's Shop for a Cause fashion show.  Here with the 2010 Miss NH models and with Kevin Neal, manager of Macy's Newington, NH.  Thank you for supporting such great causes.

OneBlaze Northeast Conference

October 8th-10th I was one of the leaders for the OneBlaze Northeast Conference held at Camp Brookwoods in Alton, N.H.  Over fifty teenagers from NewFrontiers churches across New England and Canada came together for a long weekend for guest speakers, times of worship with the 'Youth Band' (led by my brother Zach Silk, pictured with the guitar), and to perform different service projects down-town Dover, NH.  One of them included cleaning, and re-painting the Dover skate park!  Can you spot Miss 'Winni' in front of Lake 'Winni'?  Or her little sister Tiffany?  For more information on OneBlaze conferences go to oneblaze.net.




Friday, October 15, 2010

NH's first BJs Pink Picnic

Friday, October 8th I was asked to emcee NH's first BJ's Pink Picnic hosted at the Hooksett, N.H. BJs location.  Through the month of October BJs Pink Picnics are happening all over the U.S!  It was an honor to host the first one in the granite state.  Pictured with me is Dr. Roshani Patel and Dr. Gerald Gehr from the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center in Manchester, NH which is only 1 of 40 National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centers nationwide.  Dr. Gehr mentioned how many males he works with who are in treatment for breast cancer in N.H., and Dr. Patel blew my mind when she said the  latest research this year shows that if a person spends a minimum of two hours of aerobic exercise per week then your risk of getting breast cancer is lessened by 50%.  The Norris Cotton Cancer Center is working closely with Exercise Physiologists on developing exercise programs soon to be infiltrated into other hospitals, and health care centers.  Take time to find two hours a week, to learn your family history, and also to schedule your yearly mammogram.  It could save your life. 



Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Apple Harvest Day

 Saturday, October 2nd was Dover's annual Apple Harvest Day. For credit towards my dance major I spent the whole day working at the University of New Hampshire's Theater and Dance station promoting the 2010-2011 season at Johnson Theater.  For a complete schedule of the UNH Theater and Dance Department go to www.unh.edu/theatre-dance.  Come see Miss 'Winni' in the leading role on March 30th-April 3rd 2011 for the UNH Dance Company performance.