Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser

The Ronald McDonald House has held a special place in my heart ever since I joined Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. One of the positive aspects of being a sister to any sorority is the impact you enforce when you give back to your national philanthropy. In 1979, Alpha Delta Pi adopted the Ronald McDonald House as its national philanthropy. Since then, the sorority has contributed over $2 million nationally. For thirty-five years, the Ronald McDonald House has been improving the lives of families who has been faced with adversity. Known as "the house that love built", the Ronald McDonald House works to help the health and well being of children. It provides comfort, care, and acts as a home away from home for the families of seriously ill and injured children receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. More than 10 million families have utilized the Ronald McDonald houses, saving over $120 million in housing and meal expenses. There are a total of 240 houses in 25 countries.

My sorority sister, Martha Price, is the current Philanthropy Chairperson who invited me to emcee the sorority's second annual talent show supporting the Ronald McDonald House. Now here's an interesting fact about Martha...she is the reigning MISS BRISTOL! She will be competing in the Miss Connecticut Pageant in June. Actually, it is the SAME EXACT DAY as the Miss New York Pageant! She has chosen the Ronald McDonald House as her platform mainly for her active involvement with the organization. The talent show hosted a variety of performers including singers, musicians, and break dancing. I was ebullient to have this opportunity to give back to my sorority and the Ronald McDonald House. I remember when I was Philanthropy Chairperson how rewarding it was to have the opportunity to spearhead the fundraising efforts of my chapter to improve the lives of the children affiliated with the Ronald McDonald House. I am so proud of my sorority for the continued passion and dedication they have for this worthy charity.

Emceeing the Talent Show

Martha, Miss Bristol

The winners of the talent show

First.Finest.Forever

Gamma Pi Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi

Last year as Miss Staten Island, I visited the Ronald McDonald House in Manhattan. I was accompanied by some of my sorority sisters, who enjoyed playing video games, creating arts and craft projects, and dressing up with these inspirational kids. Here are some pictures from that appearance:

Alzheimer's Foundation Endless Pastabilities

The Cromwell Center hosted the annual Endless Pastablilities event presented by the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island. And let me tell you...the pasta was ENDLESS! Restaurants from all over Staten Island donated their best dishes to celebrate the organization's international food and wine festival.

Gladys Schweiger, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island

My Dad and I even made the local paper! Here is the picture from the Staten Island Advance:

"Anna Lattanzio, left, gives a pasta dish from LiGreci Staaten to Lawrence Cantoni and Miss Richmond County 2010 Kimberly Cantoni. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores)"

Also happening today was the last local pageant in the Miss New York organization. Congratulations to Katie Martin, the new Miss Greater Rochester, and Chelsea Prophet, the new Miss Genesse Valley!

Congratulations!

This weekend was full of pageantry, crowns, and some of the most talented and intelligent young women from all over the state. I had the chance to support my friends at the sweeper pageants and the Miss Brooklyn Pageant. Congratulations to all my Miss New York Class of 2010 sisters!

Miss Manhattan: Jackie Holmes

Miss Metropolitan: Hannah Wright
Miss Greater Gotham: Amanda Mason
Miss Greater NYC: Keelie Sheridan
Miss Liberty: Cassie Franklin
Miss Southeast NY: Claire Buffie
Miss Brooklyn: Mallory Hagan

Manhattan Sweeper Court

State Sweeper Court

My homegirl Keelie, Miss Greater NYC 2010!!!

Mallory Hagan, Miss Brooklyn 2010

Christina Moore, my friend from Wagner College's Dance Team, who tied for Overall Talent at Miss Brooklyn!

Kick Butts Day

In its fifteenth year, Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that empowers the youth to speak up and take action against Big Tobacco. The way Kick Butts Day works is that anyone can organize an event or activity that calls attention to the problems caused by smoking. By taking advantage of this day, we can raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. And that is exactly what I did. T.E.A.C.H., Tobacco Education Awareness for Children's Health, has been my platform for nine years and continues to be an adequate tool in educating the youth on the dangers of smoking. T.E.A.C.H provides advocacy and activism in tobacco prevention, giving children the confidence to say "NO" to the peer pressures of smoking. Since this is an event dedicated to children, I thought it would be a great idea to present my platform to two separate groups of children.

Part one of my day began at Moore Catholic High School. I was invited to speak to the whole student body about my platform. I felt that it was vital for me to reach out to high school teens because this is where the peer pressure starts. Cigarettes act as the "gateway drug" in high school and even junior high school. This means that cigarettes are the first substance teens and preteens experiment with. Shockingly, ninety percent of smokers begin between the ages of 12-17. I distributed my brochures to the students so they could refer back to the facts about smoking. I was satisfied at how receptive they were to my program. They even had the chance to ask me some questions about the dangerous consequences, the program, and even my own experience with peer pressure (I was fourteen when I was first approached by a peer but confidently said "NO" to smoking and was never asked again) .

Moore Catholic High School Students

After the assembly, I headed across the street to a Girl Scout meeting to present my platform in a different format. I spoke to Girl Scout Brownie Troop #5287, whose members range in ages 6-8. The focus of the high school students was to educate the non-smokers to continue to live a smoke free live, and the smokers to help them see why smoking is dangerous to their health and ultimately convince them to quit. With the Brownies, I focused on teaching them about the harmful effects of smoking and why it is important to never start. They were a bright bunch of girls who already knew that smoking was dangerous, however, were not aware of the reasons why cigarettes are so harmful to our bodies. They participated in a coloring activity that shows the transformation from a healthy, non-smoker's lung into a defective, smoker's lung. That activity was an eye opener for the girls because they were able to understand exactly how the lungs deteriorate after years of smoking.

Today was just one of many successful appearances I have made promoting my platform and spreading the awareness of anti-smoking. Protecting our bodies from damaging substances needs to be a priority especially with the youth. I am proud to say that children ranging in all ages are taking my message to heart. They are taking that promise to never start smoking, not just to protect themselves, but to protect and respect the well-being of others.

Speaking to the Girls Scouts

Brownie Troop #5287

Girl Scout Leader Chris Chuklas

Go Green Expo

It was such a BEAUTIFUL day in New York City today! Finally a day New Yorkers can enjoy especially after the horrendous last few days of winter with the snow and rain storms (Staten Island was hit the hardest of the five boroughs). I thought it would be a great idea to celebrate this gorgeous day by attending the Go Green Expo at Pier 92 in New York City. The Go Green Expo, sponsored by CBS Television Stations, is the largest eco-friendly event in New York City hosting over 200 booths and eco-exhibits. The weekend long event is a great way people can learn about environmentally friendly goods and services for use in everyday living. I took this opportunity to find out more information about the "going green" movement. This event made it clear that by following the "going green" movement we can positively change the way we impact the environment.

Premium Aquascape- A New Jersey based aquascape contractor specializing in ponds, streams, pondless waterfalls, rainwater harvesting systems, and creative landscapes.

Motivators- A company who produces eco-friendly promotional items as a way other businesses can showcase their branding and dedication to living an eco-friendly life

Not only were there over numerous exhibits but the event had presentations through the weekend from eco-celebrity speakers, authors, eco-entrepreneurs and thought leaders including Ed Begley, Jr., Mariel Hemingway, and Bobby Williams. All the exhibits and booths were divided into six categories: Energy & Conservation (including Con Edison), Home & Building (including Home Depot), Travel & Transportation (including Volkswagon of America and Premium Aquascape), Business & Electronics (including The New York Times, Verizon Fios, Motivators, and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce,), Health & Beauty (including Green Apple Cleansers), Kids Zone, and Food & Beverages. This was an excellent opportunity for these companies to promote the "going green" movement by showcasing their products, services, and green initiatives. These companies are changing the way they do business for a greener tomorrow. I was so impressed with some of the products that I actually purchased some cleaning products from Wow Green. I feel that this event increased the awareness of how important it is to protect our planet. It is emanate that "going green" is definitely a trend here to stay.

Verizon Fios-Leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government, and wholesale customers.

Green Apple Cleaners-Dry cleaning company uses natural, liquid CO2 instead of harsh chemicals like perchloroethylene, hydrocarbons, and silicone that are hazardous wastes and water contaminants

Shake Rattle and Roll...Over Dead!

That's me in the red wig and boots =)

Kill-Her Entertainment kicks off its 2010 season!!! I figured this was the perfect opportunity to plug my next show. If you have nothing to do next Friday, come to Staten Island to see Shake, Rattle and Roll Over Dead. Here is all the information:

The Trailer Park Music Academy is about to have its annual award show and the competition is dying to win. So get out your boots and come kick up your heels with Kill-Her Entertainment's "SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL...OVER DEAD!"(photo by Jodi Garda)

KILL-HER ENTERTAINMENT & CITY LIGHTS ENTERPRISES

PRESENT

"SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL OVER DEAD"

a u-solve-it MUSICAL Murder Mystery

Featuring: Nikki Lauren, Vinnie Mazella,

Erin Flanagan-Lind, Kimberly Cantoni, Christopher Reinhart, Charlie McLaughlin, Christine Reinhart, Fred Mursch, Natalie Wilder

FRIDAY MARCH 19th

SHOWTIME 7:30pm

HILLSIDE TERRACE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

22 HILLSIDE TERRACE, GREAT KILLS STATEN ISLAND NY

with music by ELVIS, DOLLY PARTON, JOHNNY CASH,PATSY CLINE and many more

COUNTRY LINE DANCING

BUFFET DINNER/DESSERT & SHOW

$47.00 per person

group discounts for 10 or more

CATERING BY CERTOS

Special Lenten Menu choices available

BOX OFFICE # 347 308-5044

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED*No tickets at the door.

Become of fan of Kill-Her Entertainment on FACEBOOK

American Cancer Society's 2010 T-shirt Slogan Contest

This past Wednesday I went to St. John's University for the American Cancer Society's Kickoff Celebration for Relay for Life (which is June 11th at Wagner College so mark your calendars). As I was collecting materials I saw this flyer for a T-shirt slogan contest for students in grades K-12. Every year the American Cancer Society holds a anti-smoking campaign contest to bring awareness to the dancers of firsthand and secondhand smoke. Last year the contest was a radio or television commerical. Two years ago, students were ask to create a drawing of why it is important to live a tobacco free life. Twelve students won the contest and had their drawings composed into a calendar. I was asked to judge the contest due to my active involvement with my platform, T.E.A.C.H., and the Tobacco Free Coalition. It was so difficult choosing only twelve pictures because all of them had great messages to promote. I was extremely impressed with the knowledge these kids had about the dangers of smoking.

If you know someone who is in grades K-12 who would be interested in this contest then please take the time to read the flyer above and contact the American Cancer Society for addition information.