May Madness!

This month has been so crazy busy that I haven’t had time to write as much  as I would have liked, but I promise to start getting better at it! I don’t want to miss a minute of this year and I would love to write it all down so there is no chance I forget. Hope you are all enjoying the journey as much as I am!

Relay for Life

On Saturday April 28th, I was excited to be apart of the Santa Clara Relay for Life, I participate in the Cupertino Relay every year with my team Crown’s For a Cure, but being able to do it in my home town makes it a little more special. The Relay For Life is a 24 hour event that takes place all over the county raising money towards the American Cancer Society, and helps to make it possible to give scientist the funding to help find a cure.  Last September I even had the opportunity to go to the Relay Summit in LA and take place in all of the planning that goes on for the following years Relay. So, needless to say Relay is something I am very familiar with and is very dear to my heart.

In the morning Jessa and Ashley joined me in anouncing the Survivor’s and Caretaker’s laps and cheering them on. We then walked a few of the laps ourselves and bought some of the yummy treats from the different teams and participated in some of the other on site fundraiser’s. Later in the day we got to announce all of the theme laps which was realy fun, due to the fact that some people get so into a little competition and rise to the occasion. Which is also one of my favorite parts of Relay, among many others. The laps consisted of things like treasure hunts, or taking pictures of the luminaria bags.

Jessa and Ashley had Wilcox’s Senior Prom to go to that night, so I returned later to join in some of the other events and be apart of the luminaria ceremony. I felt very touched to be asked to share my story about my Mom and why I participate in Relay every year. I am one of the lucky few that gets to have a Survivor in my life and not a day goes by that I don’t cherish and think of what could have been. I also feel so blessed to think that maybe, just maybe my fundraising efforts might put us one step closer to finding a Cure for this terrible disease. Thank you so much Santa Clara Relay for letting me be apart of such a special day!

Visiting Eddie’s class

On  Friday May 4th, I was asked to visit Michael’s brother Eddie’s class. Where I met some of the most special and talented young people I have ever come across. Especially because of how inquisitive and happy they were.  Upon entering the room I received a bouquet of flowers and at the end of the day when I got home I was happy to receive a card from each of the kids in the class thanking me for my visit.  I love meeting new people especially when I get the chance to learn a little bit from them and they defiantly made me value how much I have and made me smile. I’m not sure who enjoyed the visit more me or them, especially since they kept referring to me as “Miss Santa Clara” instead of Caitlin.

Sonoma Tanning

On May 12th I went and supported our sponsor Sonoma tanning at one of their special events, Mom’s Day out. Sonoma tanning does all of our airbrush tanning, both at the local level and for Miss California and if you haven’t heard of them you should really check them out. They do a beautiful airbrush tan that leaves you beautiful and never fake or orange looking. I certainly have appreciated their support over all the years I have competed!

Bowlathon

Later that day I went to my Avon walk team “Big C’s” fundraiser and Bowlathon “Bowling to End it” where we had an amazing turnout of 90 bowlers some of which were my amazing friends, supportive family, and all of my teammate’s friends and family, together we made $3600 towards the Fight against Breast Cancer. I am always so proud to be apart of such an amazing team full of courageous women with so much drive and enthusiasm about raising money to find a cure. Some of my teammate’s are even Survivor’s like My Mom, so it makes it that much more special to get to share all of this with. We have had several fundraisers this year, but this was by far our most successful! It was a day filled with smiles, strikes, raffles, silent auctions, and baked goods. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported the cause! We could not have done it without you or your generous donations!

My Amazingly Supportive Friends!

Courageous Kids

The next day I attended the Courageous Kids event, held by the American Cancer Society at Great America.  There were many children there who were either recovering from Cancer or who have been touched at some point and they all ranged in ages from very young to young adults. I was nervous before hand that it might be hard to see or that seeing them may make me upset, but just like any other group of children they were happy no matter there pain or difference from the people around them. I continue to be amazed by how strong children are no matter what may be going on in their lives. It was truly special to be able to make them smile by just talking to them, taking pictures with them and giving them autographs. They made me feel like a celebrity! Speaking of celebrities, one of the other special guest they had there was Randy Lot who used to play for the San Francisco 49er’s! The girls and I were star struck and very excited to get to take a picture with him.

Overall, I had such an amazing day meeting all of the children and getting to see each of their different bubbley personalities. I think that I took more smiles and laughter from this day, and had more fun then any of those children. If they had even half as much fun as I did I would feel great inside. I don’t think I have ever smiled hard or ever had as many giggles as I did that day with those children. They certainly know how to focus on the positive!

Thanks or reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

A day I will never forget!

On April 19th 2012, I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the 49er’s stadium that will be located in the beautiful city of Santa Clara. This day will go down in history not only because the 49er’s will be moving from San Francisco to Santa Clara, but it is the first stadium to be built in California in 50 years! And you have no idea how unbelievably excited I was to be apart it! I feel so privileged that during my year as Miss Santa Clara I got to be apart of this special day and I am also excited for Miss Santa Clara 2014 because maybe she will get to be there for another very special day for the stadium, the day it opens.

Not only did I get to be apart of this special day, but I also got to  share it with Jessa Carmack, Miss California’s Outstanding teen. If you don’t already know Jessa she is also from Santa Clara and was Miss Santa Clara’s Outstanding Teen 2010, Miss Mission City 2011, and is now Miss California’s Outstanding Teen 2011 so this day was very special for her as well. Not only that,  but she just gained a spot on the 2012 49er’s Goldrush girls.  She is so multi talented and I always look forward to events that I get to share with her because she is not a newbie by any means and I love being able to follow her lead. (I am a very proud fan if you haven’t noticed.) I feel so blessed to get to call her a friend.

Upon my arrival I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into. I had no idea what exactly the day would have in store for me and what they would have me do. During my time there I met a lot of amazing people including Jed York, Vernon Davis, and all of the Goldrush girls. The best part was that I got to go onstage and be part of the actual ceremony! I had cue cards with all of my lines on them and stood beside the host Kennedy and helped to introduce Jessa, the Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Wilcox cheerleaders. After getting to be onstage I watched as they mayor and many important people spoke about the special day and finally got to see the gold shovels make their mark in the ground. After all of the festivities ended and we walked back to our cars, we were pleasantly surprised to see that they had brought a little of San Francisco with them to the new stadium. They had cable cars waiting in the parking lot to drive everyone back to their cars. It was the perfect end to an amazing day.

It’s a day I won’t forget for many reasons, but I am most excited to say that I got to be apart of history and will be able to drive by in 50 years and say I was apart of the day that it all started.

In case you missed the live Broadcast of the event here is a sneak peek:

http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_20434376/49ers-break-ground-this-evening-stadium-at-center

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

Miss California Orientation!

Hello again! I just made it home from an amazing whirlwind weekend in Fresno for the Miss California orientation!  I had such an amazing time meeting all of the 57 other girls. I don’t think I will ever cease to be amazed by how many truly talented girls this program crowns each year! Each with their own individual talents and special traits, but most of all how smart they all are!

Day One

Saturday morning started with an early rise to be sure to make breakfast at 7 am. throughout the day we went to all kinds of different workshops.  Such as one for walking, makeup, interview,  talent, and of course to learn all of our dances for the opening number and different phases of competition.  Also, during the day we had the opportunity to go and talk to Bob the director of the Miss California Organization and talk politics. I always find it so interesting to hear other people’s views on the world around us and I love best of all when people make me think. Sometimes in this world it is super easy to accept the things around you and never question them, but I think when you do question your surroundings or the people around you make you question how you feel about one thing or another, that’s when you learn from things. These instances challenge you to step back and really look at the conflicting views of other people and question why you feel a certain way and really think.

After all of our workshops concluded we had a wonderful dinner together and the Miss Santa Clara girls won way way way too many raffle prizes. At the beginning of the raffle Jessa and I were bummed that we weren’t going to win anything, but by the end of the night we had won about 10 prizes from baskets to dresses, so of course we were ecstatic.  After dinner we went to our first production rehearsal, where we learned our opening number. I was super excited to find out that our theme this year is swing, so all of our dances are swing inspired. I think it will be super up beat and fun! A lot of  the dance was challenging, but I’m hoping by June I will be able to keep up. Rehearsals ended late and it was a very long day, but I defiantly had a day that I will never forget. I loved meeting so many new people and challenging my brain in the interviews and my feet in the dances.

Day Two

The next day was another early day with Rehearsals starting at 730am.  I’m hoping that with all the early rising this year with work and Miss California I may finally become a morning person. : ) One can dream right. At rehearsals we learned our walking patterns for Evening gown and swimsuit, and the production dances to go with them. They really did a great job selecting all of the music this year, it is all fabulous and fun.  We then heard a fabulous speech from our current Miss California Noelle Freeman.   Every time she speaks I am so impressed with all of the astonishing things she has done throughout her year. She has really done her best to be as involved in this program and her platform as she can and it has been such a blessing to watch.  She takes everything she does seriously and her role as Miss Santa Clara is a job that she takes very seriously. I love hearing her speak because it inspires me to work harder and go for my goal. Noelle has really paved the way for the next Miss California to have just as special of a year as she did and I’m sure they will feel blessed as well.  Our day ended pretty early, (around 2) so we could all make our way home.  Some had further journeys then others, but it was so nice for us all to come from so far and be together.

I am ecstatic to announce that my roommate for my stay in Fresno will be the gorgeous Miss Delta Valley, Prisca. I met Prisca several years ago when competing at the Miss Gavilian Hills pageant and I am excited to get to spend time with her again and share this great experience with her. Also, each of the 58 girls was split into 4 groups in which we will be competing the different phases of competition with and I am a Delta! Woohoo go Deltas!

I enjoyed myself so much at orientation and love how many truly talented  friends I had the opportunity to make all over the beautiful state of California. Ashley and I were sad to come home, but are very excited for our journey to continue in June. This weekend was the first time that it really set in that I will be up on that huge stage competing with so many other talented women for the title of Miss California. I got to meet her this weekend! Can’t wait to find out who she is! ; )

Hope you enjoyed reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

Update on Team Big C!

Team Big C is a team of 3 survivors, (my Mom and her friends: Barbara and Jackie) and 2 of their caregivers (me and one other women, Karen) that will be walking in the 2-day Avon walk in July. We are all beyond excited to get the opportunity to walk for such an amazing cause, but before we get to do that we each must raise $1800 towards the cure.

A few weeks ago we all took Bart up to the city for our first team Boot Camp. It was a day filled with telling us how to prepare for the event, and how to eat and drink right so we can train properly.  My most favorite part of the day, was getting to make our team posters, I was feeling very creative as always (I teach Pre-K, I do art everyday) and got right into my work. My team had a great day, and it made us even more anxious for our big day!

Last weekend we had a HUGE garage sale at my Mom’s house, in which over 15 families donated all of their “treasures” and I am happy to announce that we raised $1200! We have never had such a successful garage sale, so as you can guess we were beyond excited! Thank you all so much for your continued support!

GO TEAM BIG C! We are in it to end it!

To check out our donations page go to :

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/SanFrancisco?px=6353329&pg=personal&fr_id=2173

If you would like to take part in our big Bowlathon fundraiser on May 12th click the link:

https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/?ui=2&ik=cc28035d6f&view=att&th=1369e62376693c01&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P9ZZlYif4E0ekRvmIN4W25n&sadet=1334097169943&sads=xytzxLYjlz2x3UJ1poKoVacewOs

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

HAPPY EASTER!

Hello everyone! I hope you all had an amazing Easter!

I spent my Easter at Central Park with hundreds of children from Santa Clara and the lovely and talented, Miss Jessa Carmack and my beautiful little, Ashley Wong. We signed hundreds of autographs on beautiful Easter cards (above), took tons of pictures and watched a very intense Easter egg hunt. We were all very pleased to see that they separated the children by age groups because there were so many of them and all of them defiantly had their eye on the prize.  It was complete chaos with so many children running around with Eater egg baskets, and the 5,000 eggs that the city of Santa Clara purchased, but it was fun and very organized chaos.  I was extra excited, because a few of the students from my class came to the egg hunt to see me, and it was really nice to see them outside of school, especially since we have Spring Break this week and I won’t get to see them. I have been amazingly blessed with all of the support I have received this year, from not only my family and friends, but also from all of the parents and students in my class.  Any opportunity my students have gotten to see my crown and show their support they have taken and I couldn’t be more appreciative. I had such a great time at the Easter egg hunt seeing all of the smiles on everyone’s faces and the pure joy of finding so many candy filled eggs. With every event that I do, I feel more and more privileged to represent this amazing city.  I can’t wait for the next  big event!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

Miss Santa Clara 2012

March Madness!

On Tuesday March 6th I visited Briarwood Elementary for their science fair. I’m not sure who was more excited me or the children. I had just received my autograph cards (cards with my pictures on them to sign for the children) and I was very excited to share them with anyone who asked. I really felt like a celebrity!  I also had the opportunity to share with them a little about me and my Platform.  Fortunately for me I learned quite a bit about them at the same time.  I went to the Science Fair with my friend Suzy who is the chair for the Cupertino Relay for Life in which I participate with my team Crowns For a Cure. She is also amazing in all that she does, such as her frequent support and volunteering for the Special Olympics which I have recently with her help started to get involved in myself. She is truly inspiring with how busy she is and how many amazing causes she helps with. Each of the children at the Science Fair had the chance to spin the wheel and answer a question about cancer depending on what the wheel landed on. It was a great way to share some knowledge that they may not normally hear with the children and they each won a prize for participating which is what they were mostly excited about. Suzy purchased sticky hands and bouncy balls which went much quicker than the pencils. Among the children were some of the Miss Santa Clara princesses, so I was excited to be reunited with them and see how they were doing. They have all grown so much! Thank you to Briarwood Elementary for having me!

My Birthday was on Thursday March 8th and I turned 24. I feel like I am getting so old, but I am  also so proud of all of the amazing things that I have already been able to accomplish at the young age of 24. Michael took me to dinner at  Alexander’s Steak house and we had a phenomenal dinner of steak and potatoes. It was so fancy we didn’t even know what to do with ourselves.  I am so blessed to not only have so many people who love me, but to have him as such a great support system. He is what helps motivate me to get all of the things in my busy schedule done each day. I am especially lucky because he had to take me out on my birthday dinner the day before my birthday since I had a meeting the night of my actual birthday. At work on Thursday morning I was surprised to be greeted  with lots of cards, drawings and flowers from my students. Whom were just as excited about my birthday as I was. Many of which had been going home telling their parents “It’s almost Miss Caitlin’s birthday!” for weeks now. So they were very pleased to finally give me the gifts that they had put so much thought into. and carefully selected. My class and I celebrated at the end of the day with a popsicle party : )

On Saturday March 10th I had the opportunity to throw the opening pitch at Homestead Little League with the mayor. This was by far way up on my list of my favorite appearances so far. Upon arriving many asked if I would be singing the national anthem, which I would never subject anyone to hearing me sing, so when finding out that I would be throwing the opening pitch they were skeptical. I met the mayor of Santa Clara Jamie Mathews, exchanged a few stories about my time as Miss Santa Clara so far, and him being the mayor, and threw a pitch simultaneously to his. The mayor told me I gave him a run for his money so of course I was flattered. My only goal was to make it to the catcher and not throw it at the ground or make a fool of myself. Prior to throwing it Michael warmed up with me, along with one of the older pitcher’s and I wasn’t feeling very confident about my arm, so of course when the ball made it all the way to the catcher I was jumping with joy inside.  After pitching many of the onlooker’s came to me and expressed how great I did and that I may have a career in pitching someday. Clearly they were just being generous, but I was pleased with my accomplishment either way. This day will defiantly be something that I will always remember not only for being able to throw the opening pitch, but also for meeting the Mayor of the city I love so much. I hope to educate all of the future Miss Santa Clara’s about this event because I’m sure they will enjoy it as well. A  huge Thank you to Homestead Baseball for having me!

Also, this month I visited the last of our local pageants before we all head off to Miss California in a few weeks, Miss Redwood City and Miss Gavilan Hills. As always there were many talented girls, and I was able to meet even more of the new local titleholder’s as we sat in the audience and watched. I can’t wait to head to Fresno in April for Orientation and be able to meet everyone all in one place and finally feel like this journey is starting. I have had many memorable stops so far, but I can’t wait to meet the Sisterhood of girls that makes up the Miss California class of 2012. We have so many amazing memories that are waiting to take place! This year there will be 57 girls, that just proves how many talented girls the state of California has. These judges will really have their work cut out for them.

Last week I visited my church St.Justin’s elementary school. I visited every class from Kindergarten all the way up to eighth grade. Answered crazy amounts of questions all the way from which celebrities have you met, to talking about when my Mom was diagnosed with cancer.  It was really nice to have the chance to talk to so many different ages because there are so many different things that they bring to the table and share. In the Kindergarten classroom you would have someone raise their hand to ask a question, but instead share a comment about “this one time when they went to Disneyland and met a princess”. The fourth grader’s defiantly had the best questions all the way across the board. They really asked me questions that made me think, and it felt like an actual interview. They not only wanted to know about what the job as Miss Santa Clara entailed, but why there wasn’t a Mr. Santa Clara, if I would bring them chocolate chip cookies next time I came, why my hair was partly blonde and brown (my roots!) and many other questions that kept me on my toes and made me think. The eighth graders were by far the funniest. The questions ranged from very serious to completely off the wall funny. One of the boys even asked if he could wear my crown to which his peers replied “you have no hair!” By far the most rewarding part to me was being to share my Mom’s story and educating them about how important it is to encourage our family members and loved one’s to get checked, and to never have that “It will never happen to me attitude”, like me and so many other young people have. If I could touch just one of their lives and make a difference, that would mean everything to me to know I made a difference. I felt like I could be so much more honest with the older children and explain how I really felt a bout my Mom being diagnosed. Many of the girls were excited by the bling of the crown, and I expressed how amazing this program has been to me and my life, so I’m hoping that I encouraged them to come out and be a future Miss Santa Clara.  For my first visit to an elementary school to talk about my journey I was greatly pleased with all of the attentive students with such inquisitive little minds.

Now to answer the questions I know everyone is wondering: what’s with the ducks. My love for ducks started many years ago and I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about them, but they make me smile. Have you ever seen a sad duck? I sure haven’t and who wouldn’t want to be that happy all of the time? Not a care in the world. Anyways, even though I would love to have pet ducks some day, I am only babysitting them on the weekend for now. I’m not sure my two cats would be very pleased with ducks as a new addition. Last month we were talking about the life cycle in my classroom, and our Principal’s allowed the children to all participate in incubating the eggs and watching them grow. The ducks are now four weeks old and growing like weeds. Apple Tree (the big one) more so than Daffodil. (The children named them.) They are both the same age, but they are different species so that explains why they are different sizes. I know there have been many questions so I just wanted to make sure everyone knew a little more about my little friends. I’m hoping to find them a great home, so let me know if anyone needs a new sweet, loveable pet.

Bye for now!

As always thanks for reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

A day in the life of me

I thought I would give you all a glimpse of the busy busy life I lead. Not only do I work a full time job as a Pre-K teacher but I am now also doing all of the amazing task that come from being Miss Santa Clara. And this week proved to be the busiest thus far, well Tuesday at least. I have never had such an action packed day before.

On Tuesday Morning I went to IHOP from 7-9am to volunteer for their Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. The Children’s Miracle Network is not only an amazing cause, but one that has been adopted by the Miss America Program.  Every pageant we enter we are asked to raise funds, but it’s not hard to do considering the adorable children it will be helping. Everyone who came into IHOP received a free stack of pancakes and in return they were asked to make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network. The restaurant was much busier then the manager had planned for and I ended up doing much more then I had planned or even imagined. I took names and sat the customers coming in while also talking to them all about the Children’s Miracle Network and hoping they would all make a donation. I was very impressed by the turnout and had an amazing time. After IHOP I headed to work for another action packed day filled with children who really do say the darnedest things. I need to start writing them down because you would all surely be amused by the way their little minds work and how thoughtful they all are. This week was especially exciting at work because the duck eggs we had been incubating hatched on Monday afternoon and we now have 2 of the cutest little yellow ducks you have ever seen. If you know me well you know that me being surrounded by baby ducks is truly my heaven. The children voted and the names they decided on were Apple Tree and Daffodil, I am so excited to watch them grow and see all of the amazing things they will begin to learn. They are already chirping the sweetest little sound and swimming. I love how instinctual it all is.  After work I headed to downtown San Jose to help in hosting Cinequest. I interviewed a few directors, actors, and even some really inspirational Egyptian women who have been doing a tour of the US which started with ringing the bell at the New York Stock exchange. They have done so many amazing things along their journey and it was very interesting to hear to hear how empowered they all were. Needless to say after this very long day of wardrobe changes and smiles I was exhausted.

Last Wednesday evening I had my team Crown’s For a Cure’s first fundraiser at Smoke Eaters in Cupertino. Many people came out and ate yummy wings and I have a feeling it was very successful. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported our team!

Yesterday Jessa, her mom Tricia and I went to Sonoma to watch the Miss Sonoma County Pageant. It was filled with many very adorable girls and we were fortunate enough to meet them all. The former Miss Sonoma County Jordan Libby did a beautiful performance and it was such a pleasure to watch her sing multiple times throughout the evening. The pageant even consisted of a production number which was very original and a great way to see each of their individual personalities. I also got to meet more of the amazing girls competing in the Miss California Program with me in June. I am beyond excited to be going to orientation next month and to be able to meet them all and get to know them a little better.

Next week I celebrate turning 24 an age in which my sister can no longer sing Blink 182’s “Nobody like you when you 23” and makes this my last year to compete in the amazing program that has been such a huge part of my life for so long. I feel so ridiculously old! It’s so crazy to think that you can be too old for something at the young ripe age of 24. Fortunately I was blessed with being crowned my last year, and I know this program will continues to be apart of my life. The only difference is this time I will be cheering on the girls from the sidelines instead of beside them on stage, but I still have an amazing 10 months left representing the city I love.  

Never a dull moment, but I am so happy to be enjoying the ride.

That’s all for now!

Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Caitlin

Hello Again!!

Sorry it’s been so long it has been quite a busy month! I’ve been doing my best to try to juggle all of my new duties as Miss Santa Clara and my regular busy schedule and I think I have finally got it all under control. : ) It’s a busy busy role, but I feel so blessed to represent the city of Santa Clara!

Since my last post I have joined team BIG C and we will be doing the Avon walk in June to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. I have wanted to do this walk for many years and never had the chance so I am so excited to finally be taking part in such an amazing fundraiser towards finding a cure. So far I have raised $100 towards my goal of $1800 for the Avon Walk. Look for more updates on this while we plan more events. I am currently selling See’s Candy bars if anyone needs to satisfy their sweet tooth, and we have also planned our first big fundraiser, a bowling event at Cloverleaf Bowling in Fremont on Saturday May 12th. We would love to see you there!

A few weeks ago I visited Santa Clara High School for their annual “Balling for a Cure”. A fundraiser they do every year with the girls basketball team to help raise money for Breast Cancer. I felt so lucky to be surrounded by so many young motivated women! Each of the girls was decked out head to toe in pink and everytime they scored a 3 pointer or free throw I would get to throw pink wrist bands that said “Ballin for a Cure” into the crowd. In addition each of the parents had bought white t-shirts with Ballin for a Cure written in pink across the front. It was so nice to see a school full of so many young people getting involved in a cause that is so huge. Santa Clara High does fundraisers for Breast Cancer during each sport’s seasons and I was asked to come and participate in future events so I was very excited and honored.

Last weekend my Mom, Ashley and I joined Jessa Carmack, Miss California’s Outstanding Teen and went down South to see Miss LA County/Miss Culver City.  During the day we went to the Fashion District and were very excited to find lots of rhinestones and bling.  We walked the streets up and down and surprisingly didn’t buy our weight in shiny things, but we did try our best. Shortly after we made our way to the pageant and watched 30 beautiful and very talented girls compete. This was my first experience watching a local pageant and I have never been more thrilled to not be  judged. They really had their work cut out for them as literally every single girl had very unique and special qualities that stood out. Each of the girls had something that I couldn’t help but love about them.

We also had the opportunity to meet  many of the other visiting title holders from California, which was very exciting because I didn’t think I would get to meet very many before April when we go to our orientation. The whole left side of the audience was a sea of shine and crowns. At the end f the pageant all of the visiting title holders were asked to  go up on stage and announce who we were. This was my first time going up on stage and announcing that I was Miss Santa Clara 2012 and I was very nervous but also very proud to represent such an amazing city.

Being Miss Santa Clara is finally all settling in (up until recently I was waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up from this crazy dream because I was in such shock)  but now I cannot wait to find out what else may be in store for me this year. I have so many amazing things planned and I can’t wait to get started.

 Stay tuned because this month has a lot in store for me : )

XOXO

Caitlin

Miss Santa Clara 2012

If you would like to make a donation to my Avon team and an amazing cause please click the link:

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/SanFrancisco?px=6353329&pg=personal&fr_id=2173

We are in it to end it!

Boxes Galore

Friday January 27th Ashley and I went to visit Santa Clara High School for their annual lip sync. We were both really excited to go and be apart of it, me because I am Alumni and Ashley because she saw so many people she knew.  We had the honor of being presented prior to the show and waved in the middle of the gym, after being presented we got to sit back and watch all of the amazingly talented acts perform. I felt so nostalgic being at my high school and watching something I was once performing in, only 6 short years ago. Wow 6 years since I graduated high school! Time flies!

I was very impressed by the Sophomore/Junior classes rendition of Willa Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.  They had really amazing props and it was choreographed really well. Each of them was right in step with the music and they were all dancing the same step.  The performance was also very cute because “Wonka” handed candy cars out to each of the judges. (I would have scored them high just for that!) I also enjoyed the teachers rendition of High School musical it was very cute and it was nice of them to get up there and support their school too. They were all really into it and it helped make the audience enjoy it that much more.

Saturday morning Ashley and I joined the Asian American Cancer Society at Santa Clara Kaiser to make care packages for newly diagnosed Cancer patients.  Both of us had a really amazing time feeling productive and like we were doing something, even something so small to help people who are going through cancer.  We made over 300 packages for both men, women and children all of which had knitted caps, books, teddy bears, t-shirts, mugs and tea, and candles in them.

Ashley proved herself very helpful by being the speediest sticker labeler for the boxes, know one could keep up with her.  There were over 50 volunteers there all working together to try to make newly diagnosed cancer patients have just a little bit of comfort in their time of need. All of the people we met were really helpful, and were all excited about the same cause.  At the end of the day Ashley and I were invited to do the Hatwalk that takes place in October. The Hatwalk is a  fundraiser that the Asian American Cancer society puts on every 2 years to help raise money for things like the Cancer care packages.

Monday, we joined my good friend Suzy Andrade and her Polar Plunge team KISS at St. John’s to raise money for the Special Olympics.  The Polar Plunge is an annual fundraiser that the Special Olympics does, where they set their own personal goals many of which are fully submerging themselves in the San Francisco Bay while being sponsored and raising money. We were greeted by a lot of smiling faces both big and small and had the opportunity to make a few new friends.

Thanks for reading!

Bye for now!

Caitlin

My First Weekend of Appearances!

This weekend was my first chance to wear my crown and be Miss Santa Clara!

On Saturday January 21st I joined the Lyons Club of Santa Clara at St. Justin’s Church to have their annual Ciappino dinner. Everyone welcomed me with such warm open arms and I had an amazing time! The city of Santa Clara really does have some very amazing people in it, and I am so happy to represent them!

Throughout the evening I sold raffle tickets for all of their beautiful raffle baskets, called the winning numbers, and got to help with the live auction. Most importantly, they let me help in the kitchen with stirring the giant pots of the Ciappino with a giant wooden spoon. The pots were so tall on top of the stove that everyone had to stand on stools just to real the tops of the spoons. Thankfully my height came in handy, and they said they may need to put me to work next year too.

Stirring the Ciappino!

I also met a lot of wonderful future contacts and picked a few people’s brains about fundraising.

On Sunday Ashley and I had our first appearance together at the Santa Clara Home Show. We visited each of the booths, but most importantly our gracious host Clear Oak Designs, my uncle and Step Dads booth. They had us do some interviews with the customers and we got to talk a little about our Platforms and why they are so near to both of our hearts.

Overall, I had an amazing weekend making new friends and getting to know more about the city of Santa Clara. If this weekend is any reflection of my year, I know it will be an amazing one! Can’t wait for whats in store next!

Bye for Now!

Caitlin

Miss Santa Clara 2012