Kate A. Mack

Where to begin?

2011-09-01T20:10:00.004-04:00

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

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

2011-07-19T13:02:00.007-04:00

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

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

2011-07-06T11:11:00.005-04:00

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.

Again already?!?

2011-07-01T14:27:00.009-04:00

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

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

2011-06-27T13:14:00.013-04:00

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

So much to update, PART DEUX

2011-05-21T20:25:00.007-04:00

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

SO MUCH TO UPDATE!

2011-05-16T19:11:00.007-04:00

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

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

2011-04-28T21:36:00.008-04:00

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.

Two more weeks under my belt...

2011-04-25T21:24:00.005-04:00

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

Week Three

2011-04-11T22:15:00.004-04:00

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

Jazz & Art

2011-04-04T20:02:00.005-04:00

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!

A Busy First Two Weeks!

2011-04-03T14:16:00.010-04:00

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

Another Official Crown/Banner Shot

2011-03-23T17:17:00.004-04:00

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2011-03-22T23:04:00.003-04:00

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.

###

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

2011-02-22T20:19:00.006-05:00

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

Hustle & Bustle

2010-12-15T20:46:00.003-05:00

I've been like a mad poster on Facebook lately. Here is a summary of all the initiatives in which I believe and where your support is needed!

NO COST INITIATIVES:
1. The Macy's Believe Challenge Game on Facebook allows you to play a cute little QUICK game that, upon completion, funds Make-A-Wish with $1 per play.
2. The Pepsi Refresh Project allows you to vote for recipients of substantial grants that fund worthy causes. My cause of choice is No Kill Lehigh Valley.

LOW COST INITIATIVES:
1. For the cost of a stamp, you can fund Make-A-Wish $1 per letter by writing and delivering a letter to Santa via your local Macy's location's mailbox as a part of the Macy's Believe Campaign.
2. For only $5, you get a CD featuring the music of local musicians as a part of Wildflower Benefit Project to benefit Women in Art in PA, an organization fighting against domestic abuse.

NAME YOUR PRICE INITIATIVES:
1. Contribute to my personal fundraising campaign to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Be sure to select Greater PA and Southern WV when you make your donation so kids right here in the area benefit from your generosity.
2. Help defray costs for the Wish Upon a Par Golf Tournament by sponsoring or co-sponsoring a hole so that ALL proceeds from the event can benefit the Greater PA and Southern WV chapter of The Make-A-Wish Foundation!

Please find it in your heart this holiday season to support one of these very worthy endeavors!

Dream big,
KAM

I must get better at this...

2010-12-13T22:50:00.007-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter or you're friends with me on Facebook, you are very seriously more updated than if you follow my blog. But that's okay! Good things are happening all around, and I've kept using the excuse that taking the time to sit and blog in detail about the experiences takes too long and I haven't had the time. Well PHOOEY on that and allow me to practice brevity by beginning to use this space for updates that will offer more details than 140 characters will allow yet won't take you twenty minutes to sit and read. Here's a start:

1. I competed in Mrs. Pennsylvania America in November. See my FB page for the photo album...it was a fabulous showing thanks of course to my husband and also to Ms. Sheila Strassburg, but as you can tell, I'm still not Mrs. PA. Therefore...
2. I'm in the process of determining my next competition move NOW. No details yet but there are a few possibilities in the works!
3. The WISH UPON A PAR charity golf tournament to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater PA and Southern WV will now be held at last year's venue, the Center Valley Club, at a reduced rate of $85. Date is still April 30th; time is now 2:00 PM. Contact me NOW to register or sponsor.
4. Click on the Make-A-Wish logo on the right NOW to donate $5 to my local chapter of the Foundation. My goal is to fund a child's wish by the new year!
5. I have fabulous new friends and supporters in the Women in Art in PA and Lehigh Valley Music Awards non-profit organizations. Gloria Domina, the director of both organizations, warmly welcomed me to present awards at the LVMA 12 this year. What a GREAT experience for my entire family!
6. Alfonso Todd of Alfonso Todd & Associates graciously invited me to visit his Internet radio station Prolifick Radio and interviewed me on his show, Urban Exclusives. What a fun time!

...and that's all I have for now. I'll get better at posting updates as they occur rather than lumping them all into one entry every few months, I promise. Maybe I'll make it my New Year's resolution...

Dream big!
KAM

MTAA

2010-08-16T20:30:00.011-04:00

Remember when I posted about starting a local pageant for the title of Greater Lehigh County? Well, I was struggling with the fact that I want to continue competing in the MRS division of pageant competition for as long as I am able, and that this might create a conflict of interest as a director. I know some directors who have done this successfully; but I, personally, do not want to experience any type of restrictions on where, when, or how I might compete. Therefore, I am instead considering a directorship with the Miss Teen All American pageant system, whose most famous titleholder was Halle Berry in 1985. As I evaluate my options within this system, please let me know if you are aware of any 12-15 or 16-19 year old girls who might be interesting in competing as a junior teen or teen contestant. This informal interest survey will help determine if directing for this system is a realistic option for me. No experience is necessary, as both novice and seasoned competitors are accepted. Segments of competition include interview, swimsuit, evening wear, and city costume. If I embark on directorship and host the competition, I will crown both a Miss Greater Lehigh County Jr. Teen All American AND a Miss Greater Lehigh County Teen All American, and both girls will advance to the NATIONAL Teen All-American competition with transportation and national wardrobe expenses PAID.

If you know any young women who are interested, please e-mail me at katemack7508@gmail.com. I would love to talk further with you about the system! :)

Shifting focus...

2010-08-12T16:44:00.013-04:00

Wow! So much has happened since I posted last and many of you are friends with me on Facebook so I know you are aware of most of it. Therefore, I will streamline this entry with the most important item on my current agenda.

Several factors have played a role in this decision and subsequent announcement, and I will explain those shortly. Most importantly, be assured that this choice was not made easily. Despite that, I am looking forward to what's ahead with eager anticipation and vigor.

I decided to shift my primary community service focus to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

First things first, Operation Smile is not going away for me. I am set to chair a junior committee of student leaders who I will guide on mobilization efforts in high schools and on college campuses. Since I attended the trainings of chairpersons in similar roles while advocating for Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood in college, I feel both well-qualified and of course excited about this opportunity.

HOWEVER, my event planning/fund-raising, advocacy, and otherwise grassroots organizing efforts will be re-focused on the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

To come to this decision, I had to consider my priorities in community service. A few thoughts came to mind:

1. Of utmost importance is my commitment to bettering the lives of children. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions. These are progressive, degenerative, or malignant conditions that place a child's life in jeopardy. Granting a wish gives a child the strength, hope, and joy needed to enrich his or her life experience.

2. Coming in a close second is my desire to directly benefit children who live in the area which I represent. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia is the largest and most active chapter in the world, granting over 11,200 wishes since 1983. Of those 11,200 wishes, 1,025 have been granted by the Pottsville Regional Office of the Greater PA & Southern WV chapter. Last year alone, the Pottsville Regional Office granted the wishes of 107 children, of which 45 were from the Lehigh Valley.

3. Paired with strong grassroots organization is an astounding network that spans not just nationally, but internationally. The work I'll do with Make-A-Wish can span as far and wide as I desire. Should I be blessed with the opportunity to serve as Mrs. Pennsylvania this year, I can work across the state. Should I be blessed with the opportunity to be a national titleholder, I can work across the nation, etc. etc.

4. Finally, inherent in such a strong local presence are many varied, "hands-on" opportunities for involvement, including serving as a wish-granting volunteer, volunteering at other sponsors' events, wish ambassadorships, AND the opportunity to plan and host my own fund-raising events (like my golf tournament, which is already in the works for 2011!).

I hope you will support me in this new and exciting endeavor. One more thing--Make-A-Wish Foundation isn't exactly new to me (so this isn't coming entirely out of left field!). My beloved sorority, Chi Omega, is a Cause Champion for the Foundation, raising over $500,000+ annually through the work of their collegiate chapters. The Phi Mu chapter at Lehigh University participated in these efforts during our existence by creating craft items for wish kids during recruitment week's philanthropy day and also by adopting a wish kid and raising funds to grant her wish--so the organization not only meets my current priorities for community service, but also carries a special place in my heart as well. :)

Dream big!
KAM

Who will be next?

2010-06-10T22:05:00.003-04:00

In case you are unaware, part of the reason I am competing to obtain a state title in MRS pageant systems is in order to eventually begin a local MRS competition and crown a successor to my local title. In turn, there are a few reasons I want to start a local; first, as part of the competition, contestants would take part in a signature fundraising event to benefit Operation Smile (yes, that is always at the forefront of my mind!). Second, I want to bring pageantry back to the Lehigh Valley. As a competitor in state competitions, I think to myself how many wonderful, beautiful married women live in the Lehigh area and would so enjoy the opportunity to do what I am doing now. Consider that Bethlehem was the home to the Miss Pennsylvania pageant in the mid-90s and what this did for Historic Bethlehem. The boutiques on Main Street opened for exclusive shopping events with the contestants, who stayed at the Hotel Bethlehem along with their family and friends who came to cheer them on, and this generated tons of positive publicity for our area in addition to stimulating the economy. I want that for our area again, and I want to spotlight married women this time around!

With summer rapidly approaching and my schedule at school thereby lightening (I'm still teaching summer school so I'm not COMPLETELY free!), I'm drawing up some proverbial blueprints to make a local competition happen. Starting small, I just posted on my Facebook about the actual name of the title. Thanks to ALL who offered feedback! What I've determined is that in order to reach the greatest number of folks possible, Mrs. Greater Lehigh COUNTY will be a more appropriate title. A short geography lesson: "Greater" in the title means that any resident in any county touching Lehigh on the map could participate; that includes Northampton, Carbon, Schuylkill, Berks, Montgomery, and Bucks. Since I am a stickler for specified boundaries and can more easily put a number on potential contestants using that specification, MRS. GREATER LEHIGH COUNTY it is! HURRAH! Step one (of fourteen million) is complete!

So now what? I'm meeting with a few leaders in the area who organize similar events to get a sense of how to go about doing this. In the interim time, I am researching venues, potential sponsors, associated costs, etc. Throughout the process, I'll be asking all of you: Who are the beautiful, well-rounded, married women you know? Is one of them you? Will YOU be the next Mrs. Greater Lehigh County? PLEASE FEEL FREE to contact me if you see what I'm doing and think to yourself, "Hey! That could be me!"

Dream big,
KAM

New changes!

2010-05-30T11:56:00.028-04:00

I feel like J.Hud in Dreamgirls when she sings "I Am Changing" since everything in pageant world moves so quickly! After a lovely show last night, I placed first runner-up (Again--thank you, judges!) and relinquished my title of Mrs. Greater Lehigh County AMERICA 2010. By default, I retain my title of Mrs. Greater Lehigh County UNITED STATES 2010 until the end of the year. My best personal achievement in this round of competition was the opportunity to speak on-stage about Operation Smile, as I was asked about my work with the organization for my first question. A few thank you notes: Kate, who was AMAZING to work with for production, Rosemarie, who very patiently answered ALL of my many questions in the month prior to competition, and of course Fred, who undoubtedly deserved his Director of the Year honor from Mrs. America 2009. Last but certainly not least, CONGRATULATIONS to Summer Wise, the new Mrs. Pennsylvania America 2010! Please enjoy these amateur photos until I receive the professional photos from the show.

Dream big!
KAM

Sometimes it's the little things...

2010-05-15T11:20:00.009-04:00

In the midst of very quickly transitioning from one pageant system to another, time proximity can make it difficult to maintain focus on my platform. Since I can't at this time make a concerted effort on any larger projects, I've looked for little ways to show my support. For example, it is the first birthday of Liam, my inspiration to support Operation Smile, and instead of a traditional present, I donated special feeding bottles to three babies, found in the Operation Smile Gift Catalog, in Liam's name.

I am also making special mention in this post to the effort of hotelscombined, which donates to your specified cause by simply becoming a Facebook fan ($5), tweeting ($10), and spreading the word via a blog post (like this one, $20). Cumulatively, hotelscombined will donate $35 to my OneSmile Page simply for following these three simple steps.

For more information about the hotelscombined initiative and for the specific requirements to obtain their support for YOUR cause, click here or on the badge below.

I recommend HotelsCombined.com and sent $35 to Operation Smile!

You can shout and help too.

Dream big!
KAM

Notice anything different?

2010-04-27T19:34:00.002-04:00

You should! My title has very quickly and recently changed from Mrs. Greater Lehigh County United States to Mrs. Greater Lehigh County America. This is because I had the honor of being selected as first runner-up to the new Mrs. Pennsylvania United States, Susan Huntley! And so it goes, I am trying again in other competition, this time for Mrs. Pennsylvania America, this coming Memorial Day weekend! I figure that if Thomas Edison could consider his 1,000 failed attempts at inventing the light bulb to be an invention 1,000 steps in the making, then I can certainly make another attempt to obtain a state title, even if it's so soon after my last attempt. Competing again is also most important because it allows me to continue to be a more public ambassador for Operation Smile, married women, and women contemplating marriage.

If you are still confused, feel free to e-mail me (katemack7508@gmail.com) for a crash course in the MRS. pageant industry. I'll explain everything you need to know in order to understand my transition from one system to another.

In the meantime, I would be remiss if I did not thank Siouxzan Moore, Executive Director of the Mrs. Pennsylvania United States pageant, for an unforgettable pageant experience that far exceeded my expectations, as well as the judges for not only my placement but also the COMMUNITY SERVICE and FITNESS awards. Thanks also to my family and friends for supporting my participation in the competition, and most importantly to my husband, Jimmy, for his unwavering encouragement throughout all of my endeavors.

As I move into preparation for the Mrs. Pennsylvania America pageant, I must thank you all in advance for continuing to inspire me with your kind words and well wishes. Everyone who has partnered with me in any capacity will never know how much fuel you've added to my fire--I truly would not have the will to continue my work without your love and motivation...

Dream big,
KAM

Try GLOGGING!

2010-04-09T21:17:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone!

Today I ventured into Glogging--a type of blogging with some extra bells and whistles that makes it super creative and gives the process of reporting information a bit more flair.

My Glog--also known as a digital poster--is a focused summary of the evolution of the golf tournament I've organized to benefit Operation Smile. Check it out here, then visit this link to take a more thorough look.

Dream big,
KAM

FINALLY updating...I am the worst blogger ever!

2010-02-15T11:19:00.002-05:00

So I thought last time I took too long to update--who knew the next update wouldn't occur for another five months! Oy vey. Anyway, so much has developed/changed since September that I'll just write a list of the most exciting new features of the tournament here:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes--$400, $300, & $200 Shula's Steakhouse Gift Cards
Post-play entertainment during the BBQ as foursomes are returning to the clubhouse
Sponsorship and door prizes from Bud Light courtesy of Allentown Beverage
Closest to the Pin and Longest/Straightest Drive prizes--$50 Dick's Sporting Goods Certificates
Additional prizes compliments of the USGA/U.S. Open and Center Valley Club Pro Shop
ONLINE REGISTRATION available for a $5 convenience fee...

...which brings me to the MOST IMPORTANT part of this post, dear readers--you MUST tell EVERYONE you know about this tournament. My goal is to have 25 foursomes and if I go based on people's word alone, I have about 13 right now, which means I need 12 more by the middle of March, when I am due to give a headcount to Center Valley Club. If you do not wish to pay the extra $5 to register online, simply drop me an e-mail at katemack7508@gmail.com or call me at 610-597-5284 to register and make payment arrangements. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

It's been too long!

2009-09-27T19:09:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone,

I can't believe it's been nearly ten days since my last post! Things have been very busy this week beginning with a quick stop in NYC on Monday for Pamela Ptak's (of Ptak Couture) fashion show, meetings and more meetings for school on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Back to School night on Thursday. Friday, we had my mother-in-law and her boyfriend over for dinner (which was just lovely--what a nice time!) and Saturday was complete with my friend Sarah's bridal shower, a quick stop at the Celtic Classic, and a viewing of the Penn State game at Mark and Sarah's house. Today Jimmy watched the Eagles while I rested and did some schoolwork.

Life isn't slowing down over this next month, either! This Friday, I am helping Susie launch her Pampered Chef business with a Pampered Chef fundraising show to benefit Operation Smile at my home at 5 PM. I know I've been harassing a lot of you to join us Friday night, but even if you can't, you can still buy your favorite products and support Operation Smile by just visiting the Pampered Chef link and entering my name as the host when you checkout.

For the following weekend, we have Penn State v. Eastern Illinois tickets; the weekend after that, my five-year reunion at Lehigh University. I am very excited for this event because the Class of 2004 is dedicating the new garden area at the University Center as our class gift, and many of us will get a chance to see our engraved bricks that indicate our contribution to the garden. We have one free weekend after that followed by Halloween, then Mark and Sarah's wedding on November 7th! Before we know it, we'll be into the holidays and welcoming 2010! Yikes!

Through it all, my new mantra: How will you give something beautiful to the world? As silly as this sounds, I saw this sentiment on a notepad for sale at Starbucks (of course I bought it) and am now reflecting and attempting to act on it daily. My very sincere hope: That you will, too!

Dream big,
KAM

Visit my OneSmile page to donate to Operation Smile now!

Flyers, Letters, & Forms

2009-09-18T17:45:00.004-04:00

Sounds so bureaucratic, eh?

Actually, it's not that bad. I just want everyone to know I've completed a sponsorship/donation request letter and sponsorship/donation procurement form in case anyone knows of any generous businesses willing to sponsor a hole or donate a raffle prize. Additionally, I also have two flyers that people can post in random places where they know prospective golfers may frequent.

If you think you can help in any way, please e-mail me at katemack7508@gmail.com so I can send you these materials! :)

Dream big,
KAM

Updates

2009-09-17T20:35:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone!

I haven't posted in a while and that is because I am working feverishly (literally--the temp is 100.6 right now) to lay more groundwork for the tournament. I've also gotten back into the full swing of things with school, which makes juggling the schedule a little tougher.

Nonetheless, I am making progress and felt I'd keep everyone updated by posting my "done" list, as well what I've yet to-do.

DONE--yay!

Submitted proposal to Dick's Sporting Goods for raffle grand prize of a Diablo Driver, as well as six gift cards for special contest winners--awaiting response
Submitted proposal to Golf Galaxy for raffle prize of three lessons, as well as six gift cards for special contest winners (see how I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket!)--awaiting response
Submitted inquiry to Aardvark Sports Shop, Schuylkill Valley Sports, and Sports Authority regarding proposal process for donations/sponsorships--awaiting response
Secured raffle prizes from GolfTEC, Sunsations Tanning Salon & Boutique, SaraLiz Photography, Kuhnsville Car Wash, Body Elite Personal Training, and Center Valley Club
Submitted volunteer event agreement to Operation Smile headquarters, allowing permission to use logo on promotional materials--approved!

TO DO

Make up in-kind donation receipts for donors
Create flyers and post in Golf Galaxy, GolfTEC, Dick's, Center Valley Club, Aardvark, Sports Authority, Schuykill Valley, Sunsations, Kuhnsville Car Wash, & Body Elite.
Make up a sponsorship request letter and submit to Emeril's Chophouse & Shula's Steakhouse.
Create a registration form.
Obtain promotional materials for sponsor bags, once donations are secured
Gather Operation Smile info for sponsor bags, including before/after patient stories, fact sheet, and interest form for prospective volunteers for an Operation Smile Lehigh Valley chapter.

So as you can see, things are moving forward pretty steadily. I've also been blessed with some wonderful volunteers who will help me with registration and collection for pot of gold, mulligans, and raffles the day of the tournament. Nonetheless, if you don't necessarily want to golf but still would enjoy a nice day out, feel free to contact me--I will find something for you to do! :)

Click here to visit my OneSmile page and donate now!

Dream big,
KAM

Charging forth...

2009-09-11T20:50:00.005-04:00

How fitting to post on Patriot Day, the day set aside to remember the lives lost amidst the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the compassionate souls who elicited what was left of their strength to help those in need, and the brave serviceman who continue to fight for our freedom today.

While I am deeply saddened by the lives changed forever as a result of the events of this day eight years ago, I can't help but look to the present day and embrace how we've grown together as a nation and recalled the importance of helping one another through humanitarian efforts around the world. With that in mind, we charge forth...and so despite my melancholy, I couldn't have asked for a better day to meet with Lauri Catena, National Chapters Director of Operation Smile.

Lauri is just a sparkling woman who has inspired me further (and I didn't think it was possible) in my efforts to support Operation Smile. In short, I just e-mailed my principal about starting a student club at the school where I teach, then made my first contact for a motorcycle benefit ride. I completed four proposals for prize donations for the golf tournament today, and learned what it will take to accompany a student team member on a mission trip--my ultimate goal. Finally, we discussed the prospect of a benefit trunk show for a fashion designer with which Lauri is acquainted (details might be announced VERY soon regarding this!) and brainstormed for a Pennsylvania Ambassador Board and Lehigh Valley chapter of Operation Smile.

The take-home message is this--among the abundant blessings I count daily, today I especially treasure the doors which have opened before me through just a small sincere effort. The resulting challenge--to poise myself for the great journeys which lay ahead.

Dream big,
KAM

Visit my OneSmile page to donate now!

World Journey of Smiles

2009-09-09T19:27:00.003-04:00

Hi folks! I found a great video on the Operation Smile website about what I believe is their largest mission trip to date, the World Journey of Smiles. It is just under nine minutes long and will give you a small glimpse into what the organization is all about.

If you're feeling inspired to get involved, please visit my OneSmile page and sign my guestbook or make a donation. You can also contact me at katemack7508@gmail.com if you want more information on how you can assist in my efforts, including the capstone Charity Golf Tournament, to be held April 17, 2010 at Center Valley Club.

Raffle Prize Announcement AND Operation Smile LEHIGH VALLEY news!

2009-09-03T20:54:00.006-04:00

Hey folks!

Today has been VERY exciting, as I received my first prize donation from the Allentown location of GolfTEC. As a part of the raffle contest at the Operation Smile Golf Tournamen t, GolfTEC has donated a gift certificate for a swing evaluation session, a $165 value. I'm thinking raffle tickets will probably go for one for $3 and two for $5. Given that I obtain other prizes similar in value, this is really quite a deal when you think about it!

Additionally, I completed a donation proposal to Golf Galaxy for gift certificates which would be used as special contest prizes, and I am awaiting the verdict there. I'd like to use these certificates to offer men's and women's prizes for longest drive, straightest drive, and closest to the pin.

Finally, the SUPER folks at GolfTournamentsIn.com have posted my event and gave me the great idea to offer registered foursomes the opportunity to tee off closer to the pin at a long par 5 for a mere $20 per group. What a great way to automatically improve your group's score AND benefit a great cause!

NOW--drumroll please--the MOST exciting news of the day is definitely that the wonderful Lauri, National Chapters Director for Operation Smile, caught wind of my efforts with the charity golf tournament and we've set a date to discuss establishing a Lehigh Valley chapter of the organization AND to discuss the possibility of joining the Ambassador Board for Operation Smile! HOW COOL IS THAT?! I am really quite thrilled at this opportunity and couldn't feel more blessed at the doors which have opened through a very simple, sincere effort to honor a friend (see 8/21 posts).

I would, nonetheless, be remiss if I did not honor the aforementioned original goal to raise $500 through my OneSmile page, ...for the Love of Liam. Therefore, I am making a call to anyone who reads this to please consider even just a $5 donation to help me reach this goal, which would provide two cleft lip/palate surgeries AND the specially designed bottles necessary to help newborns and infants feed more effectively pre-surgery. Your donation can be made anonymously, is of course tax-deductible, and would, from the bottom of my heart, mean a great deal to me. Even more importantly, your support would mean the world to the children it benefits, so please consider changing a life today...http://support.operationsmile.org/goto/katemack.

Dream big,
KAM

SAVE THE DATE! Operation Smile Golf Tourney Date & Location Announced!

2009-09-02T20:26:00.008-04:00

Today I decided to book Center Valley Club for the charity golf tournament to benefit Operation Smile. Center Valley Club is an absolutely gorgeous, upscale public course located off of Center Valley Parkway, across from the Promenade Shops. The tournament will be held Saturday, April 17th, 2010. I've tentatively set the entry fee for $90 to include bag attendants, practice balls, discounts in the pro shop, and a buffet of burgers, pulled pork BBQ, mixed veggies, macaroni and fruit salads, coleslaw, and beverages at the turn and at the buffet. My goal is to register 25 foursomes so if you know anyone who enjoys golf, please tell them they'd be supporting a great cause by entering this tournament!

Look forward to more updates regarding prizes, special contests, and other news as it becomes available! In the meantime, please e-mail me at katemack7508@gmail.com if you are interested in registering.

http://support.operationsmile.org/goto/katemack

Mobilization Efforts!

2009-08-30T16:58:00.005-04:00

I've spent the past week considering my main platform issue and have chosen that raising awareness and funds for Operation Smile would be the most fulfilling for me given how cleft lip and palate touches my life personally (see 8/21 posts).

So far, I've initiated some planning for a charity golf tournament in April 2010, linked Operation Smile to my Facebook profile (subsequently inviting 300 friends to join the cause and establishing an additional $500 pledge in addition to my original OneSmile page 's honorary fund), and have spoken with my school's FBLA advisor about pitching Operation Smile to her members as the beneficiary for our staff's annual Casual for a Cause fund. I've also very thankfully been put in touch with Dena Liston, an executive at Operation Smile headquarters, and she is having the donor relations team send me a grassroots organizing kit. I have many other ideas, as well, and am looking to partner with local attractions like The Promenade Shops in order to organize events like benefit shopping.

Finally, I've also purchased the feature film Smile, a story based on a student volunteer's experience on a medical mission, as well as the children's book The Smile That Went Around the World, which shares the message of a simple smile's impact in making someone's day. I hope to use these two items to help raise awareness during the events I'm planning, as well as to provide more information for potential partners in organizing these events. More details on where to purchase these items can be found here.

If anyone has any additional ideas for mobilizing my efforts or wishes to partner with me in organizing an event, please feel free to contact me...I would love to hear from you!

http://support.operationsmile.org/goto/katemack

Planned Parenthood & Women's Reproductive Health Care Reform

2009-08-24T12:35:00.003-04:00

Today I was sent an appeal via Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates to write a letter to the editor on Women's Reproductive Health Care Reform. In case it does not get published (I sent it to The Morning Call and The Express Times, so keep your eyes peeled), I am reprinting it here.

Subject: Playing the Gender Card in Health Care Reform

To the Editor:

In the debate about health care reform, I am disappointed that while (albeit legitimate) discussion has centered around costs and government-run systems, little has focused on women's reproductive health care, an ambiguous term that arouses thoughts of mandated abortion coverage in right-wing minds.

Therefore, let me make myself clear. Reproductive health care does not just include abortion, and doesn't necessarily mandate abortion. Reproductive health care means preventive care including breast and cervical exams; STD testing and prevention; and access to contraception. While beliefs about contraception vary, ACCESS does not mandate its use--it just means that if one DOES choose to use it or any of the other aforementioned PREVENTIVE health care options, she will not have to pay out-of-pocket.

It is sad that our country allows coverage of Viagra over routine, life-saving women's health care, a statement proven in part by the fact that women pay 68% more in out-of-pocket health care costs than men. It is also sad that in a nation that denounces teen pregnancy, health care reform discussions threaten to eliminate preventive coverages provided by Planned Parenthood, the only option for some teens to prevent pregnancy. I know that when I reached childbearing age and knew I needed preventive care, Planned Parenthood was my only option for obtaining it. I am confident, based on my own experience, that if women's reproductive health care is not addressed further in health care reform, consequences would be devastating for millions of women across the nation.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kate A. Mack
Allentown, PA

To get involved in this or any other issues surrounding women's reproductive health, please consider joining the Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates Action Network.

EmPoWeReD Birth

2009-08-22T12:11:00.008-04:00

Today's post centers around the newly formed organization EmPoWeReD Birth. Please visit their Facebook fan page for more information.

I know I haven't had children yet and so am considered ignorant to the ins and outs of the process, but I do think it's important to make sure women are educated about their options and thereby don't get coerced into unnecessary interventions during a hospital labor and delivery.

My story with this organization goes back to when I had a reflexology appointment with a lovely classmate of mine from high school named Kaitlynn. We spent time catching up on our lives and she told me about her children and how she had two all-natural homebirths. I was astonished, floored, and immediately she became my new hero. Prior to speaking with her, I knew of nothing other than the lithotomy (on the back) position type of birth in a hospital, as well as a bit about waterbirth just because another acquaintance of mine sent photos of her (very new) newborn being held inside the birthing tub. Regardless, I asked Kaitlynn a few questions and she mentioned how she had a midwife, a doula, and a birthing tub and stool. Still wide-eyed at everything but the prospect of a doula (which I've known for a while I wanted to consider using when the time came), I, as usual, felt compelled to learn more.

I spent three solid days learning about, essentially, the lack of access to an in-hospital, midwife-attended birth in the Lehigh Valley. I also learned that there are no birth centers in the area, and that in most cases, you can seek the services of a midwife through a regular OB office and he or she can provide your prenatal care and help you develop your birth plan, BUT, he or she also takes on-calls just like the docs within the practice and so might not be there to deliver your baby. Water birth, as well, is not a readily available option in a hospital unless you see a prenatal provider outside of the Lehigh Valley, of which the one I found inconveniently doesn't take my insurance. Finally, the only midwife in the area who attends homebirths is in such high demand that she isn't accepting first-time moms as new clients.

So why, you may ask, do I even care so much as long as mom-to-be ends up with a healthy baby? After questioning Kaitlynn even further in the days that followed my reflexology appointment, she recommended the documentary The Business of Being Born. I downloaded it on iTunes and watched it, had my husband sit through the most poignant parts, and discussed its contents in depth. I told him about my research and the lack of access to all of these options, and while we have an idea of the type of birth we want when the time comes, we're still not sure how we're going to make that happen.

As a result, I think the advocacy work of EmPoWeReD Birth is vital toward enabling birthing options in the Lehigh Valley. I hope you, too, will consider becoming a fan of their page on Facebook and inquiring about how you may help.

Questions?

2009-08-21T11:29:00.004-04:00

Please visit the FAQ's located at the Operation Smile page in order to learn more about the condition of cleft lip and palate.

http://support.operationsmile.org/goto/katemack

A New Journey

2009-08-21T00:12:00.007-04:00

Two days back I sent an e-mail to 100 friends and acquaint- ances regarding my new-found interest in Operation Smile, a cause which organizes volunteers who travel around the world on mission trips to repair the smiles of infants and children born with cleft lips and palates. The cause touches me personally, as my dear friend Susie's baby was born with cleft lip and palate, and it is a journey I've chosen to travel along with her as one of her closest friends, ever since she discovered at her 20-week sonogram that little Liam would be born with this condition. Long story/short, I've been on the receiving end of phone calls from Susie while her weeks-old baby was being admitted to the hospital and treated like a pin cushion, witnessed him turn bright red/bordering on blue due to accidental choking while feeding, and learned the ins and outs of caring for an infant with cleft lip and palate...something I never imagined encountering in my life.The e-mail itself announced the honorary fund I'd established in Liam's name to support the efforts of Operation Smile and explained how contributions funded the mission trips that allow volunteers to perform $240, hour-long surgeries that change children's lives forever. In case you still aren't convinced why I've been so moved by this cause, think to yourself if you looked in the mirror and your smile were deformed. For cleft lip and palate children, portions of their lips are missing. If you've had orthodontic work in the past or are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, think of how painful it is and how you might have been made fun of by classmates in school. For cleft lip and palate children, classmates make fun of them to the point that grade-school aged children refuse to leave their homes. At the very least, take your tongue and touch the roof of your mouth right now. Cleft lip and palate children don't even have a roof of their mouth (as we know it) to touch with their tongues, and no protective barrier between their nasal passages and throat. If any of these concepts affect you in the least, then you have a small understanding of why I feel Operation Smile's work is so important.

Unfortunately, the very first e-mail I received in response to the appeal was an extremely negative criticism toward me from a family member I will not name, regarding family matters I will not detail here. After a bout of tears at the callousness of the message, I regrouped and decided that this would not deter me from my efforts. In fact, merely minutes later, another angelic friend of mine messaged me right away to let me know she was the first to contribute...

I thank her sincerely, from the bottom of my heart--and very truly hope you will join her.

http://support.operationsmile.org/goto/katemack