You know you've heard it -- "It
is better to give than to receive." Y'ALL, THAT IS JUST SO TRUE.
When I started competing in the Miss Arkansas system, I developed my personal platform - Giving Is a Gift - because of many of my past experiences. Now that I have advocated for this idea, I can't help but think it really is the main thing that we all need to be reminded of.
When I started competing in the Miss Arkansas system, I developed my personal platform - Giving Is a Gift - because of many of my past experiences. Now that I have advocated for this idea, I can't help but think it really is the main thing that we all need to be reminded of.
I mainly created "Giving Is a Gift" because of my
work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the lasting impression that being a
philanthropist has had on me. My work with Make-A-Wish began in the fifth grade
when my friend, Ellie Stafford, and I were able to raise $1,000 for
the organization at our elementary school. That was when I was exposed to
the goodness of this organization and realized that I LOVE giving people a big
moment -- I love granting a WISH! It's power is so big!
Since then, I have had many more hands-on encounters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. My tenth grade year, I went with a group to Orlando, FL, to the Give Kids the World Resort. If you don't know about it, look it up! It's amazing what they do!! This resort is one option for any child who has a wish granted. They can take their family and enjoy a week in this little dream land. I was able to volunteer and meet some incredible families. Pictured below, Sebastian, is one of the kids who made a special imprint on my heart! I'll never ever forget him.
In college, I joined a sorority - Chi Omega - that has Make-A-Wish as a philanthropy. My Sophomore year, I became the Philanthropy Chair and wanted to do some awesome things for the Foundation because we had so much "man-power." I knew we could do big things!! I totally underestimated the power of a wish and the power of this force of women in raising money for an amazing cause. I set our goal at $40,000, and by the end of the year we had raised $73,500!!! I could tell those stories for days. The collaboration of community, family, friends, etc. It seriously moved me to tears on many occasions. That was a year to remember!!
Since then, I have had many more hands-on encounters with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. My tenth grade year, I went with a group to Orlando, FL, to the Give Kids the World Resort. If you don't know about it, look it up! It's amazing what they do!! This resort is one option for any child who has a wish granted. They can take their family and enjoy a week in this little dream land. I was able to volunteer and meet some incredible families. Pictured below, Sebastian, is one of the kids who made a special imprint on my heart! I'll never ever forget him.
In college, I joined a sorority - Chi Omega - that has Make-A-Wish as a philanthropy. My Sophomore year, I became the Philanthropy Chair and wanted to do some awesome things for the Foundation because we had so much "man-power." I knew we could do big things!! I totally underestimated the power of a wish and the power of this force of women in raising money for an amazing cause. I set our goal at $40,000, and by the end of the year we had raised $73,500!!! I could tell those stories for days. The collaboration of community, family, friends, etc. It seriously moved me to tears on many occasions. That was a year to remember!!
You see, giving can be
expressed in many ways by all age groups.
From the very young to the senior adult, all can perform acts of
kindness and generosity to those in their surroundings. When I have the pleasure of speaking to
various age groups, I try to focus my message in an appropriate manner that
each audience can easily understand and undertake. For example:
·
Younger audiences. I encourage students to perform random acts
of kindness toward their fellow students, teachers, and adults;
·
Older
students. In addition to random acts of
kindness, I express the importance of volunteering for service projects at
school or in the community as being an excellent way to determine activities
they may become interested in pursuing in the future;
·
Adults/civic
organizations. I encourage everyone to
perform random acts of kindness, take an active role in volunteering in
community activities, and promote philanthropy in areas they are passionate
about.
If you would like to book Miss Arkansas to come speak to your school, organization, event, etc, about the things you see here, email bookmissar@gmail.com
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