Volunteerism

I always get a bit of a blank stare when I tell someone that my platform is Volunteerism… and I get it.  It seems like a no-brainer, especially in the pageant world because we are all volunteers for our own causes and platforms.  So why pick something that is so obvious?

I have gone to a religiously-affiliated school from Pre-K through college, was very active in my church community growing up, and even participated in CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports leagues.  Every step of the way we were expected (not in a forceful way, but with the encouragement that it was the right thing to do) to always be giving.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter basket contributions were second nature, canned food or book drives were recurring events, and attending soup kitchens as class field trips were part of my way of life.  I didn’t realize until I my later teen years that this wasn’t common behavior across the board.

I became acutely aware that those who don’t routinely volunteer might not be doing so on purpose.  Most of the people I have come in contact with just don’t know how to find opportunities, and they don’t know how versatile volunteering can be.

I started promoting a site that I was actually using in my own time to find and squeeze volunteer events into an already packed schedule.  And so, my love for VolunteerMatch began (VolunteerMatch is the world’s largest online resource for volunteers).  Go to volunteermatch.org right now! (just kidding, read first and click later).  Create a volunteer profile, do a search based on location and cause, peruse the options like remote volunteering that allow you to offer services from home, sort by date to fit your schedule… Simply notice how convenient this tool is for people of all ages to use.   This is the new age of volunteerism – making service work for you.

This year, I want to turn the excuses why people don’t volunteer into excitement by introducing them to ways that make the entire experience personal, customized, and completely fulfilling.  When we are socially aware of the needs of our neighbors both near and far - quality of life increases, feelings of self-worth improve, and communities can be strengthened from the inside out.

My favorite image from my trip to Kenya in 2009.  I can still hear the joy in their voices as they jumped on me and tickled me from all angles.

A special moment at this year’s Special Olympics NY state championships.  These two athletes stole a kiss on each cheek from me – I love the spirit in each of our faces.  An experience I will always cherish.

Jesse Ladoue

Special Olympics Track & Field Day

I recently attended the 37th Annual Houston-Henry County Special Olympics track and field
day, which featured students and special citizens from Houston County Schools, Dothan City Schools,
Henry County Schools, and several private schools and adult centers.

The theme of this year’s Special Olympics was “The Power of Our Dreams”. During the
opening ceremonies, the Dothan Rescue Squad ran the Special Olympics torch through Downtown
Dothan onto the Special Olympics playing field. They ran over ten miles! Micheal Frichter, a student
from Henry County Schools was this year’s torch bearer. With a little help, Micheal lit the torch
signaling the beginning of the 2013 Special Olympic games.

The Special Olympians participated in the areas of track and softball throw. Every participant
received a medal and their photo on the Olympic platform. Every child was paired with a buddy from
his or her school who cheered them on throughout the games. Despite the rainy weather, we had a
great turn out and ALL of the Olympians had a great time. Their hard work and practice really paid off!

I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to all of the sponsors for this year’s games,
especially all of the students that graciously donated their time to cheer on their special peers in this
year’s games.

All my love,

Caroline

2013 Special Olympics Rhythmic Gymnastics

When the coach of the Dothan Divas Rhythmic Gymnasts approached me about being the team’s hair and make-up artist for the 2013 Special Olympics games, I could not have been more excited! I even got to help them warm up. The team of twelve girls began practicing for the games when school began.

Although they all come from different schools in different cities and have different disabilities, they all have one goal in mind….to bring home the gold! I was so impressed with their artistic ability and level of discipline. All of the participants did such a wonderful job! It was such a blessing to watch them excel at something they clearly LOVE!

The girls loved their pink, sparkly eye make-up!

Suzie always has such a shining personality!

Kendall and Suzie were anxiously awaiting their performance.

Meredith was one of my mom’s first students when she was an intern in college at Oak Mountain Elementary School. 

With the “Birmingham girls” before they performed.

Caroline Crowley

Mary and Mel in Minneapolis Minnesota!

 

I was so excited when I got called to so an appearance at our local Dairy Queen with our champion Special Olympics team AND my International directors, Mary and Mel Richardson were going to be there! I just love the Richardson’s so much. Even though we have not had long to get to know each other and there is quite a far distance between us, every time I get to spend time with them is such a pleasure. They are the warmest, most down to earth, loving, supportive people. I would quickly trade in my own parents to be a part of their family, just kidding mom!! Hehe.

 

 

The Special Olympics is a really big deal in Minnesota and we have one of the most developed programs in the country. Pictured above is me between two of our fabulous players, Auggie and Darren. To the left of me is Auggie who is a phenomenal soccer player as well as many other sports. He talked to me for a long time about his dreams of becoming a rap artist or owning a music label. We found similar interests in music and we discovered we also went to the same high school. To right of me is Darren. His Basketball team has gone to compete at the national level for the Special Olympics. So cool! He was so passionate about his sports and it means so much to me that he has an opportunity to do what he loves because of the well-organized Special Olympics here in Minnesota.

 

Here we are, celebrating the end of flag football season over ice cream treats and sundaes!

 

 

I had a little time to catch up with Mary and Mel before they were rushed away for another appointment. Those two just brighten my day and I was so thankful to be able to see their smiling face even for just a few minuets. My good friend and a former Miss Minnesota is the magic behind this lovely evening. She is very involved with the Special Olympics and the American Heart Association. She always helps me set up great appearances with wonderful people. She first got me involved with the Special Olympics when I was Miss Minnesota and I immediately fell in love.

 

All of our athletes are fun, outgoing, positive, and supportive people. One told me, “I hope you win Miss America forever,” haha... I think he meant Miss International. He then took my crown, put it on his head, and said, or maybe I will win Miss America forever.” He smirked and shook his head, “No, I can’t that thing is too heavy. It hurt my head,” and gave it back to me carefully.

 

I had another admirer; I kept seeing her peek over the back of her booth eyeballing my rhinestones. She was so cute. She finally got the courage to take a picture with me, but only after I made her a deal, if she took a picture with me she could wear the crown. She’s a smart girl and of course didn’t hesitate to step under its overpowering size. I had to hold it on her head of else it would have ended up around her neck!

 

Overall, it was a really relaxing fun night with some of my favorite people. Thank you Becky for organizing this night and thank you Mary and Mel for finding the time to see me in your busy schedule. Love you with all my heart and am forever grateful to be your Miss International 2012.

 

XOXO,

Krista Wanous

Volunteering with the Special Olympics

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Special Olympics of North Carolina.  Over 1,700 competitors from all over the state competed for the coveted gold, silver and bronze medals.  Competitors gathered to compete in the ‘Summer Games’ which included volleyball, softball, power lifting, gymnastics, athletics and aquatics.    

In 1968, the woman responsible for starting the Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, gave a memorable speech stating, "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."  She delivered those memorable words at the first Special Olympic Games held at Soldier Field in Chicago. 

Today, the Special Olympics involves almost 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world plus families, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and celebrities supporting them every day.  Every photo I snapped captured the excitement and energy of each competitor.  For me, being surrounded by hope and joy made it impossible not to smile.  It truly was a happy place for everyone – competitors, staff and especially the families.

The Special Olympics is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  To learn how you can get involved, visit www.specialolympics.org.  Below are some snapshots I hope make you smile.

Janet Bolin