Ruff Ryders Football

When James "Rambo" Smith (aka The Singing Fireman) invited me to make a guest appearance at a charity football game in North Carolina between the Wilson Ruff Ryders and the Carolina Rams semi-pro football teams and shared with me the money raised at this particular game would benefit both the UNC Burn Center and the Ronald McDonald House Chapel Hill, I did not hesitate to accept. The appearance turned out to be a weekend filled with wonderful opportunities to meet some truly gracious people.

We started on Saturday morning with a tour of the Contentnea Fire Department in Wilson, North Carolina. This is the station where James serves as a firefighter, and it was a pleasure to meet the men who help to protect this charming community.

With members of the Contentnea Fire Department

As soon as we arrived I was brought out to center field during warm-ups to address both teams. For those of you who do not know my background, I have coached power skating for men's hockey teams from Mites through College and beyond for years, therefore, addressing these athletes felt like a being on home turf. I shared with the players the correlation between their commitment to charity and the commitment of the International Pageant participants. Though I intentionally wore the colors of the team that invited me to the game, I made certain all the players knew that there is nothing more fun than watching a good football game, and as a former football cheer captain I was sincerely looking forward to the afternoon!

Following the National Anthem sung by The Singing Fireman, I again found myself in center field as I was asked to toss the coin for kick-off position. My final responsibility for the afternoon was the presentation of the trophy. Thankfully many of the guys took a knee, but once I handed off the hardware, it was hilarious as I was swallowed up in a sea of shoulder pads and grass stained uniforms. If you look really close, you might be able to find the crown!

Addressing the Ruff Ryders and Carolina Rams. 

Meeting the game Officials. 

Coin toss...tails and the Rams receive! 

Presentation of the game trophy.

The Celebration!

During the game I was kept busy with fans including; two burn survivors who shared their personal stories with me, the Wilson County EMS stopped by, the Jaycees were represented, I addressed the crowd during half-time, also posed for photos and signed autograph cards.

Burn Survivors. 

Wilson County EMS. 

Who doesn't love a megaphone...

Future cheerleaders and football stars!

Carolina Rams Coach. 

Ruff Ryders Owner. 

Ruff Ryder, his brother and mother who delivered the pre-game prayer.

From Wilson we traveled to Chapel Hill, where we were able to score a table at the extremely popular Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery, which happens to be in part owned by James January, another burn survivor...it helps to call ahead and ask one of the owners to dine with you. Once we arrived, January and his friend Peter waved us over and we enjoyed some really good food on the covered and heated roof top patio that overlooks the heart of Chapel Hill.

Peter, James, me, and James

The next day we started in Raleigh with a visit to Fire Station #1 and I witnessed my first live firefighter sliding down the fire pole in action. The Chief was gracious enough to share some time with me and several of the firefighters joined James and me as we walked across the street to visit the Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

I wasn't quick enough to capture the blue flash coming down the fire pole for a call, but captured the pole! 

Chief John McGrath.

Firemen with me at the NC Fallen Firefighters Memorial. 

It was time to return to Chapel Hill to tour the Jaycee Burn Center at UNC and Ronald McDonald House. First, we met with the coaches and players in the lobby; presented a donation to the burn center, and then we were guided through our tour by Ernest Grant. It was also nice to be joined by Anthony, who happens to be the son of the Carolina Rams coach, and he is a burn survivor who was cared for at UNC.

We had a chance to see the entire facility, which will soon have a total of 40 beds available. As we met burn care staff and patients, the players were able to ask questions and they even shared an autographed jersey with one special young lady. She was excited about the jersey, but went bananas for my crown!

 Ernest Grant with UNC Burn Center. 

A burn survivor who could not get enough of my bling! 

The team members, coaches, owners, and staff who presented the donation and participated in our tour.

Our final stop was at the Ronald McDonald House. We were given a tour by the weekend house manager, Stacey. This particular house was one that provided a home for Coach, while Anthony was in the burn center. Stacey was presented with gifts for the families and a donation by both teams. While we toured the house one special little girl asked to have her picture taken with me. I signed a head shot for her and gladly smiled with her. What a beautiful way to wrap up my time in North Carolina.

Presentation to the Ronald McDonald House Chapel Hill. 

Was a treat to take a picture with this lovely young lady!

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Phoenix Society Japan

In 1991, the Phoenix Society Japan for Burn Survivors and Their Families was founded because of the passion of a few good men who believed there was a need for support in the burn community. One of those individuals was Mr. Masayuki TEJIMA, who was introduced to the founder of the original Phoenix Society (Alan Breslau) through reading a book.

Once Mr. TEJIMA met with Alan and learned about the mission of the Phoenix Society, they created an organization of their own. The current President of the Phoenix Society Japan is Mr. Masaru NISHIGAKI, who himself was severely burned. It was such an honor to be able to meet both men and to learn of their history from the very beginning.

My time with the Phoenix Society Japan was spent at the gorgeous Hotel Nikko Tokyo and included 22 participants from around Japan. The afternoon commenced with an hour presentation given on both my personal burn story and the current activities of the Phoenix Society for which I represent. Mr. TEJIMA was kind enough to handle all translation both in print and as I presented. His daughter Aya also assisted as the members in attendance started to share with me their individual and very personal stories.

We engaged in an Q & A session, I was presented with a gift and flowers, followed by photos with the Tokyo skyline in the background, a very nice buffet dinner, and introductions by each attendee...which were so thoughtful and touching. Many of those in attendance had watched the Fuji TV production of "Amazing Stories" on which Joe and I were featured, and several believed it was destiny that we should meet. Tears were shed, there were moments of laughter and though I bowed with respect...a hug was shared with each individual.

We will never forget the time spent with the Phoenix Society Japan, and to say Arigato Gozaimasu does not even come close to expressing the appreciation Joe and I feel for these amazing and thoughtful people.

Please enjoy these photos!:

As I was giving my presentation with Mr. Tejima translating from the left side podium.

President Mr. Nishigaki presented me with a plaque on behalf of the Phoenix Society Japan and to the right in the photo is Mr. Tejima.

I bow in appreciation for the flowers being presented by Naomi, burned 61 years ago.

Naomi and me

Joe and me with the members of the Phoenix Society Japan

The Noro family, whose daughter was burned in a bath when she was four years old.

Emi is a beautiful young lady who was also burned as a baby and today has a fabulous smile!

Left to Right; Aya, Mizuho, me, Joe and Masayuki

Mr. International delivering a toast to the entire group, which was very nice.

Joe and I before we departed the Hotel Nikko Tokyo.

Warmest wishes,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Phoenix Society Board Retreat in Chicago

In a previous blog posted back in September, I wrote about my personal views of the importance and responsibility of serving on a board of directors. This post is going to take those views a step further and highlight the value of a board retreat.

The weekend before Thanksgiving, I flew into Chicago for a Phoenix Society Board Retreat, which we have done every year around the same time and in various parts of the country. The reason for such a meeting is to give directors the ability to focus on an organization with a deeper and more thoughtful contemplation. Sometimes it is simply difficult to accomplish the leadership responsibilities of a board within an hour or two structured meeting. This is the opportunity to brainstorm and consider strategy or changes in strategy, as well as, any other topic deemed important and timely to the organization.

Directors usually travel to a location that is neutral, central if possible, and will have minimal distractions. Agenda and document preparation is important, and the more prepared everyone is when they arrive, the better the outcome. It is also imperative, in my humble opinion, that the attendees find the time to enjoy themselves and develop as a cohesive group outside the meeting space, with a nice dinner, an activity, or some other fun event. We usually host a dinner with the directors and as many staff or management as possible, which has helped to build a very nice working relationship.

This may be quite elementary information to many of you, but unfamiliar to others…and I would challenge anyone interested in participating in a charitable or community organization to view the responsibility as an honor. If you are passionate about the cause; the time you spend, the energy you give, and the financial commitment you make to the best of your financial ability will come back to you in spades!

Best wishes to all,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012