November 21, 2007

 

 

A Child is Missing is an official Miss Florida USA Charity  

 

 

 

 

» A Child Is Missing Aloha Hawaii Shindig

This year, to celebrate opening their 50th State, the A Child Is Missing Program welcomed and celebrated Hawaii. And, since it was the 50th state to enter the Union… what better way to celebrate this occasion? The Riverside Hotel was the host for the elegant Tour d’Vine event presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital benefiting A Child Is Missing.

For an unusual evening, our Miss Florida USA Jessica Rafalowski experienced a Mediterranean and Hawaiian inspired event will featured exclusive cuisine, exquisite wines and spectacular desserts. The exceptional selection of foods and wines featured the “Hawaiian Guava Wine” flown in from the Volcano Winery, in Hawaii.

As guests arrived, they will be serenaded by Charles Kealoha, Hawaiian Entertainer and greeted with flower and shell Leis flown in from Hawaii. Our Ms Rafalowski hosted the evening and welcome the Hawaiian Dignitaries and Kimo Kahoano (Hawaii’s American Idol Host) during this exciting celebration. The event ended with a wine stomping demonstration featuring our good natured titleholder. The event was a smashing success and raised over $400,000 for this group that assists missing children and adults nation wide. Visit  www.AchildIsMissing.Org for more information.  

 

 

Presenting the Sponsor awards (left) & Stomping Grapes!

 

The Evening's Greeting Committee

 

With a very proud mom!

 

  

 

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» Simon Mall Evening of Giving

 

 

For the forth year our Miss Florida USA titleholder participated in Simon Malls Evening of Giving^®, an annual private shopping and entertainment event that raises funds for national, regional and local charities. This past Sunday  Dadeland Mall was opened exclusively for the use of shoppers as the event featured exclusive store discounts throughout the mall, family entertainment, delicious food sampling and more.  The evening benefited the Simon Youth Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that fosters educational and career development for at-risk youth.  The Simon Youth Foundation was established in 1998 by Simon Property Group, owners of Dadeland Mall. 

 

Ms. Jimenez, Ms. Rafalowski and Ms. Sax early backstage

 

 

 

 

 

Miss Miami USA and Miss Blue Hair!

 

 

Ms. Quesada (left) Ready for the runway! (center) & Ms. Jimenz during rehearsals

 

The highlight of the evening was the celebrity fashion show that featured our Miss Florida USA Jessica Rafalowski; Miss South Miami USA Kelly Sax, Miss Kendall USA Stephanie Jimenez and Miss Miami USA Cristie Anne Quesada. Hosted by WSVN Fox News Anchor Craig Stevens the runway featured several of South Florida’s media personalities modeling the latest styles from the boutique shops like BCBG: Ann Taylor and Donna Karin. 

 

 

Metallic on the runway

 

 

Last year’s Simon Evening of Giving, held at 72 Simon Malls across the country, and raised over $1,100,000 for over 2,400 national, regional and local charities.  Dadeland Mall’s 2007 Evening of Giving event raised $250,000 and benefited 38 charities in South Florida.

 

 

 

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» APPERANCE PICTURES AT OUR VIRB SITE:

We have found a great host for all of our pictures before they are formally posted here on our home page starting on Monday. Visit http://virb.com/missfloridausa for pictures from Jessica’s appearances this past weekend at Fridays Grape Stomping and Sundays Fashion Show from Dadeland! Always trying to stay ahead of the communications cure here at Miss Florida USA. 

   

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» Kudos & Did You Knows 

- Kudos to Miss Tallahassee Teen USA 2008 Kelly Haffner as she volunteered here modeling talents in support of The Apalachee Bend, Inc. and Florida Commerce Credit Union 2007 Women of Distinction Awards Gala. The day showcased the achievements of women in the community in the areas of arts, business, education, environment, healthcare, technology and governmental affairs. Way to meet the movers and shakers in Leon County Kelly!

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Kudos to Miss Gold Coast Teen USA 2008 Sarah Callahan on her third annual book drive as she collected over 3000 books and donated them to Children's Home Society. Each year the books are donated to a different charity and this year over 500 families co-operated in the state-wide project called "READ!" which encourages family reading as a way to help families bond and become more literate. Way to do outstanding public service Sarah!

 

 

 

 

 

- Kudos to Brianna Lupo, Miss Sarasota Teen USA who was a recent guest at the Manatee Expo Center as the Sarasota-Venice-Bradenton Chamber of Commerce held it's tri-county Chamber event. During the event Miss Lupo was interviewed and photographed for an upcoming copy of Spanish language magazine Laguia, she is seen here with her Director Suzi Hosfeld with the owner of the magazine. Way to power network Brianna!

 

 

 

 

 

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» PAGEANTRY IN PICTURES

Miss USA Rachel Smith arrives at the grand opening 

of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 16, 2007.

 

 

Miss Universe Riyo Mori arrives at the grand opening 

of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

 

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» New State Pictures Up at our www.Virb.com Miss Florida USA Channel!

We have found a great host for all of our pictures before they are formally posted here on our home page. Visit http://virb.com/missfloridausa as we have posted over 150 photos from this past pre-tape weekend. We will also post all timely pictures there after preliminary pageants and special appearances. Always trying to stay ahead of the communications cure here at Miss Florida USA!

 

 

 

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» PICTURES & STORIES WANTED!

If you enjoy reading the stories of our Miss Florida USA Family and want us to know what great things are happening either during or after you reign please email us at telair@aol.com. We love touting our sorority of outstanding Florida women. Please send us a paragraph (or two) on your appearances, awards or community service and include pictures. We want you to have all of the support of this great lifestyle we call Miss Florida USA!

 

   

 

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» Alumni News Wanted!  

 

If you know of any Miss Florida USA alumni in the news please drop us an email to feature them in future articles. Email all info to info@missfloridausa.com! Until next week here to good pageantry!

 

 

 

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PICTURE OF THE WEEK!   

 

  

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