You've Got Mail

I have a confession to make.  I LOVE getting mail. I always have.  I remember feeling so important as a child when there was something in our mailbox addressed to me.  It meant that somebody took time out of their busy day to think of ME!!

When I moved out of my dad's house years ago, I was so excited because ALL the mail in the mailbox was going to be MINE!!  I know, pretty cheesy, right?  I quickly learned that not all mail was fun.  The bills and junk mail quickly became my least favorite, but none the less I still loved mail.

I tell you this because the last couple of weeks have been really GREAT in the mail department for me.  I have received THREE awesome things (two weeks ago alone) pertaining to Ms Wheelchair Tennessee.

The first item was a large package from State Representative Gerald McCormick's office.  I thought it was strange because I had already received my resolution in the mail a few weeks ago.  I was thinking it might be a framed picture from my visit to the State House Floor.  I was wrong!!  Gerald had my resolution matted and framed!!!  It looks SOOO  good!!  I was planning on have one of my copies framed to hang in my home office.  And now I don't have to because Gerald took care of it for me!

The second piece of mail was a check from the Wolftever Creek Elementary School PTA.  Christy Penny, PTA President, told me after my school visit the PTA wanted to help with my entry fee/travel expenses to the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant.  I was flattered!!

The third piece of mail was also a check, this time from Esther Hwang.  Esther may be one of the sweetest individuals I have the pleasure of knowing.  She works at the Jain Foundation and is the Director of Patient Relations and Diagnostics.  It's an amazing feeling to know that people completely across the country are willing to help support my journey.

I am beyond blessed and thankful for the support I am receiving.  I can't say THANK YOU enough!!

I've got MAIL and I LOVE it!!  

Donations, Fund Raising, and Sponsors

I have always been a very independant person.  Some would say that as a teenager I was independant to a fault.  I have often wondered if my LGMD2B was God's way for me to see that it's okay for me to allow others to help me. 

Due to my phyiscal weakness, I except all kinds of help all the time.  Even though I KNOW I need help and most people are always willing to help, I still dislike having to ask for help. 

So, this will probably be my least favorite, but most necessary blog post. 

The Ms Wheelchair Tennessee is a nonprofit organization.  As the current title holder, I am responsible for fund raising.  Everything I am able to do this year will either have to come from my own pocket, from donations, or business/corporate sponsors. 

I have already received donations from two local businesses. The first business, Bloom Photography, provided their services for headshot photographs that I was required to have for the Ms Wheelchair America pageant.  The second business, Diversified Companies, created and printed my business cards. 

I still have a long way to go.  The entry fee for the Ms Wheelchair America pageant is $1,850.00  The first $925.00 is due by May 15.  The second $925.00 is due by June 15.  My goal is to raise the entry fee one dollar at a time.  I would like to receive $1 from 1,850 different individuals.  I would also like to reach all 50 states by having someone from each state donate.  I feel this is a great way to help raise awareness to the Ms Wheelchair America organization.  I didn't even know it exsisted until January 2013. 

I have already collected over $100, but I still have a long way to go.  In the beginning, I didn't want to do Paypal or other website based donations because these company's get their cut of the donations as well.  Unfortunately, most people don't carry cash anymore, not even a $1.  As a result of this, I have signed up with Go Fund Me.  This company takes 5% of all donations and then about 3% when you withdraw the funds. 

The pageant entry fee does not include travel expenses.  I am hoping that any business/corporate sponsors I recruit will cover these costs.  Any left over funds will go towards my travel expenses for my year of regein.  It is my dream to reach all corners of the state of Tennessee.

If you think the company you work for would be interested in being a sponsor for the Ms Wheelchair Tennessee organization and my year of reign, please send me an email mwtn2013blisswelch@gmail.com.

If you would like to make a donation towards my entry fee, please follow the link below.



And of course, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Business Cards

If there is any truth to you're official when you have business cards, then.....I am officially official!!

My lovely sister Michelle reached out to another one of her amazing contacts at Diversified Companies about printing me some business cards a couple of weeks ago.  In the email, Michelle informed them that I would be paying for the cards personally and wondered if they would be willing to offer some sort of discount.  Co-owner, Hal Chatfield said he would do the business cards at no charge!! 
Thank you!!  Thank you!! Thank you!!!

These business cards are truly AMAZING!!!  I did not take part in designing them (once you see them you will find that hard to believe).  They are perfect!!  And they scream, ME!!  For those of you that don't know me personally, I often say that pink is my signature color. 

Tell me what you think!?!?!

Pretty awesome, right?

It is because of people like Hal Chatfield at Diversified Companies and the girls at Bloom Photography that will allow me to be more successful this year.  I can focus more on reaching people instead of raising funds. 

If you have any printing needs in the future please reach out to Diversified Companies.  I promise you will be more than pleased with their work.  Don't forget to tell them Ms Wheelchair Tennessee sent you!!

Thanks again, Hal, for the outstanding business cards!!

Photo Shoot

I have to say; today has been an all around fun day!! 

     State Coordinator Sam Moreno told me last week that I would need professional pictures for the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant.  My first thought was to call the girls with Bloom Photography.  Skye and Dee were excited and more than willing to offer their services, and at no charge.  Bloom Photography will now be located on the Sponsor's Page of the http://mswheelchairtn.org/  Thanks girls!!  I can't wait to see the pictures!!

     I already had a hair appointment scheduled for this morning with my fabulous friend Tabitha Colston at Tanglz 2 Toez. If you know me, you know how much I LOVE fresh hair! So, fresh hair and a photo shoot all in the same day was perfect!!  Tabitha did not disappoint and I headed home with pretty, fresh hair.  (If you are in the Chattanooga area and looking for a great hair stylist, you should give her a call.)  It dawned on me on my way home that I should have taken some pictures of Tabitha in action.  (Me with a head full of foil is probably not what you want to see though.)

     Back at the house, I had some help getting in my pageant dress from my dear friend Faye Moore.  By the time Skye, Dee, and baby Clair (a total bonus!!  this girl is too cute!!) arrived, I was crowned, sashed, and ready to smile.   

     We started in my office.  I thought it might be nice for everyone to see where most of the social media magic happens.  Maggie Long was our behind the scenes photographer and took some great shots.  (Thanks, Maggie!!) 

     After we wrapped up in the office, we headed outside.  We took some photos next to the front door.  I really wish we could have waited a few weeks for everything to be in BLOOM (pun intended) and for some warmer weather!!  There were several pretty trees in bloom down the street, so off we went. 

     As we went up the driveway, I told Skye and Dee about how overwhelming these first few days have been.  I didn't realize what all happened after you won the Ms Wheelchair Tennessee pageant.  I am excited about all the opportunities that lie ahead.  I truly hope I am able to make a positive impact on the lives of all those I will come in contact with this year. 

     Once we made it to the pretty trees, the cameras were busy snapping away.  I know I have already said it, but I CAN'T wait to see the pictures!! I was really glad when Skye and Dee said they thought they got some really good shots and it was time to head back in.  My feet were ice cubes by this point. 

     It was back inside for a wardrobe change.  I thought we might need some pictures in something a little more casual.  I won't be running around all year in my fancy pink dress.   ;-)

     We took a few more shots at my desk and went back to the cold outdoors.  I hope you can't see my chattering teeth in the final pictures.  :-)

What a fun day!!  I think I could do that everyday. 

     Thanks again to Bloom Photography for donating their services so I could have some wonderful pictures to use this year!  Check out their website http://bloomphotography.org/ and get a Spring session booked.  Don't forget to tell them that Ms Wheelchair Tennessee sent you.