Hello-
Congratulations to Angela Burns, Mrs. Delaware 2007 & Kimberly Takla, Mrs. Oregon America 2007! The class of 2007 is underway. How exciting and what beautiful new title holders!
I wanted to also to say thank you for all the kind words and well wishes in support of my journey to become Mrs. Florida America 2007! During our first rehearsal I met many of my fellow contestants in person. I was truly amazed at the beauty in the room. I know we all try to guess or pick our favorites based on pictures but in all honesty...EVERY SINGLE CONTESTANT LOOKS BETTER THAN THEIR PICTURES. There are so many beautiful, intelligent women competing this year and I am honored to be among them. I am not just saying it as it is a true statement. Linnea Maloney is also doing a great job of putting together what I think will be a fabulous pageant and a great production. She is an Amazing lady!
I also wanted to introduce you to the Mrs. Florida America Charities. Both are very near and dear to my heart for different reasons. The first is the Charity Baskets.
I lost both of my parents due to heart disease. My Father died in 2001 from a Heart Attack at the age of 56. My Mother passed away from a complication of a renal bypass that was a result of congestive heart failure that she had in 1997. 19 pills a day, heart valve replacement and a triple heart bypass, she lost her battle in 2004 at the young age of 59. 80% of all funds will be donated to the American Heart Association/Train to End A Stroke.
The second is the National Anthem Project. As many of you are aware, my husband is an officer in the United States Army. He just returned from his second deployment to Iraq and 5th deployment in 9 years. I work with America Supports You (www.americasupportsyou.mil) which encourages the support of our military men, women and families. The National Anthem is a vital part of that support and a part of our United States Heritage. Did you know that 2 out of three American adults do not know all the words the the National Anthem?
Charity Delegates Baskets. http://www.americanheart.org/
In lue of a contestants gift exchange this year each contestant will be providing a "Charity Basket". These baskets will be part of our silent auction held at the pageant and will reflex the contestant title and hometown.
80% of all funds will be donated to American Heart Association, Time to End Stroke. The link is www. ttes.disney2007.kintera.org/winston.
The remaining 20% will be donated to Dance Therapy at Central Florida Ballet.
Movement Mentor is a unique class that pairs experienced Central Florida Ballet student dancers with students of various special needs; the program is one of a kind in Florida. In the fall of 2000 Heather Fryxell (formerly Heather Sanders) combined her extensive dance experience and credentials in the field of educational psychology to develop this unique program. Movement Mentor has received national recognition, as well as funding from United Arts and the Arts Council of Central Florida.
Carrie Panzella, Ballet Academy of Central Florida School Director, now directs the program at CFB. Students receive one-on-one instruction as their specific physical and developmental challenges are addressed. Teaching the basics of ballet and jazz dance, among other dance forms, Movement Mentor gives these students a chance to dance and fellowship with other young dancers. Performing in the Academy’s year-end recital provides an exciting culmination of the class and a chance for the students to demonstrate the great strides they have made.
Mentors, students of BACF, also benefit greatly from the program as they develop teaching skills as well as compassion and creativity while working with their students. In addition, Mentors may receive community service hours for participation in the program.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in this program or making a tax-deductible contribution, please call Central Florida Ballet at 407-849-9948, or email Ms. Panzella at cpanzella@hotmail.com.
National Anthem Project (http://www.nationalanthemproject.org/)Welcome to The National Anthem Project, the campaign to restore America’s voice through music education.
A recent Harris poll found that two out of three American adults don’t know all of the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" – and many don’t even know which song is our National Anthem or why it was written. But where did the people who do know the words say they learned "The Star-Spangled Banner" and other patriotic music? At school.
Sadly, budget cuts to school music programs in recent years have led to dwindling opportunities for students to learn an important part of their cultural heritage – patriotic music. The members of The National Association for Music Education (MENC) – our nation’s music teachers – want all Americans to know our National Anthem and to take pride in singing it together ... and for all children to have access to music in school. We’ve launched the National Anthem Project to raise awareness about the importance of supporting and funding school music programs. We believe every child deserves a complete education that includes music and all the benefits it brings to their lives.
This exciting campaign is supported by some of the country’s leading organizations and individuals. Mrs. Laura Bush serves as Honorary Chairperson, music legends the Oak Ridge Boys are Official Musical Ambassadors, and the Jeep® brand is our national presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include NAMM – the International Music Products Association (our national music industry sponsor), The History Channel, Bank of America, Gibson Musical Instruments, ASCAP, and Conn-Selmer, Inc. The official student travel and concert provider is the American Musical Salute. Our supporters include Girl Scouts USA, the Walt Disney Company, the National Football League (NFL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the American Legion.
Our nation’s music teachers want to get America singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" again. Please join our effort to restore America’s voice and ensure a quality music education for all of our children.
Support the campaign with a donation!
Learn more about the importance of music education!
Happy Holidays!!!!!!!
Deanna Linz
Mrs. Hillsborough County Florida America 2007
www.mrsfloridaamerica.com
