TransCanada Holiday Party

During the summer I attended the Children of the City Benefit, where amid the evenings auction event I jumped in to offer a free evening with the highest bidding organization. The ensuing bid-off resulted in an additional $700 for the charity, as well as a second bidder asking if they too could have the prize package if they matched the winning bid. So, $1,400 went to Children of the City and tonight, to cash in on their prize, TransCanada Ravenswood invited me to their holiday party

Had a wonderful time meeting everyone. This division of the Canadian based energy company happens to be Long Island City based, which means we are all literal neighbors. This organization has a passion for community development. They've provided funding to renovate and resurrect parks in Queens, support dozens of community charities, and even included one of their favorite organizations as part of tonight's entertainment. Young artists from Creative Outlet gave a knock-out performance that has left me with John Mayer's "Gravity" on repeat since I got home.

Thank you to TransCanada Ravenswood not only for tonight's invitation, but for continuously seeking ways to engage within your community. You are such wonderful proof of how a corporation can use it's strengths to make an impact.

If You're Not Part Of the Solution...

Check out this school in Sanborn, NY. I completely love this video.

Bystanders have a responsibility. Making a negative choice makes you a bully, making no choice still makes you part of the problem. Making a positive choice is being a leader...help out and be part of the solution.

Touche, Edward Town Middle School. So proud of fellow New Yorker's taking the lead.

I signed the pledge...now it's your turn!

USO Gold Medal Dinner

A special shout out to all of tonight's honorees at the USO 50th Annual Gold Medal Dinner. I joined the Liberty Bells for a performance as part of tonight's gala where outstanding individuals from each member of our armed forces were honored. Also honored was my number one USO volunteer, Joan!! Joan volunteers full-time at the USO office in Port Authority and gives more than anyone could ever ask of an individual. She is like an aunt to us, and to every military member and family that walks in that door. Congratulations to Joan and the incredible honorees from our national service branches!

Of course, today is the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. My brother Peter has memorized FDR's Pearl Harbor Address down to every vocal intonation, and it has become tradition that I hear it recited each year. Since Pete isn't here to give me the live version, I believe youtube will have to suffice. Let us all spend this day remembering the individuals who gave their lives in defense of our freedom. Let us also honor the families who sacrificed for the sake of their neighbors and nation. God bless our military, and God bless America.

Board of Directors Good Luck Dinner

After a long day of wardrobe selection (yes, I finally have everything picked out,) my lovely board took me out for dinner for our official good-bye before Miss America. Over Italian goodness, we got to relax and take a look back at the year thus far.

Let me tell you...I cannot thank them enough. Last year's Miss New York said this year is like driving a car and that makes sense now. When I won the title this organization handed me the keys and told me to enjoy the ride. I was not placed in the back seat for a predetermined route. This was all about where I wanted to take this title. Of course it was scary; it's not like I've ever driven a car like this before. But, when I was petrified by fear they pushed me through. When I was overly ambitious they gave me nothing but thumbs up. They even stepped in at those moments when I was teetering on the brink of exhaustion and helped pull me back onto my feet (sometimes literally!). This entire year has been a beautiful whirlwind invented by my own desires. What makes them so amazing is that they are volunteers. I cannot thank them enough for the time, resources, skills and emotions they have offered to make my journey so strong.

When I look back at the last five months I am overjoyed: I've launching a petition that garnered over 3,000 signatures internationally. I'm on the forefront of anti-bullying legislation. I've launched state-wide cyberbullying initiatives with legislators. I formed my own legislative outreach team. I've partnered with anti-bullying organizations, Dignity For All Students Act, Monroe County Youth Department, professional sports teams and youth programs across the state. I've given keynote addresses at top Universities. I've spoken to students across the state. I've visited nearly every Children's Miracle Network hospital in NY and raised over $4,000 to support their work. I've walked on red carpets across Manhattan. I helped an Anti-Bullying Album get a Grammy nomination. I've supported charity causes throughout the state. I've become pen pals with dozens of students dealing with bullying. I even launched and became a leader for a global non-profit education model that is growing faster each day. The next six months are going to be even bigger and will happen regardless of whether I become Miss America. And it all began as a broke 22 year old girl looking for a chance to show my stuff. Hey...everyone's a no one until they become someone. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to the Miss New York Organization!! I am in love with you all, you do incredible things for women in this state!!!!!

"Day In the Life" on NY1

One brave reporter from NY1 chose to follow me through my daily life as Miss New York leading up to Miss America.

She braved workouts, board meetings, interview prep sessions, press conferences, voice lessons, school visits, and a true NYC dinner...at a street cart.

Thanks to Angela for coming along to playing for a few days!

The Boy Who Shook my World

WE MUST FIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD.

THIS EPIDEMIC MUST STOP RIGHT NOW.

I am at a loss for words. This is the bravest thing I have ever seen.

We love you, Jonah.

Watch his response video three months later.

Toys for Tots Annual Party

What started as a small gathering in the basement of churches has grown into one of New York's hottest parties of the year. This year, the 2,000 tickets sold out in under 13 minutes! Tonight I rocked the holiday spirit at Toys Party NYC, an annual event for Toys for Tots!

The thousands of guests attending tonight's event at Chelsea Pier were each required to donate one toy upon arrival. This simple concept has grown into one of the most impactful holiday efforts in the state, with a literal mountain of said toys greeted us at the door. Hosts Robby Brown, David Tufts and Chris Kann welcomed me for what I knew would be a fantastic night. Holiday cheer - and fashion - was thick in the air as I mixed and mingled with some of New York's finest.

Tonight will benefit SAGE and the toys will be distributed to over a half dozen organizations throughout New York City. At one point I had the privilege of stepping up to the mic to greet the guests and share my mission of ending bullying in America. Tonight, every participant helped in this effort. Acts of kindness can change someone's day, or even year. The children who receive these gifts will know that someone out there was thinking of them. It's this kind of holiday spirit that I hope to inspire all year round, but tonight was a stunning example of communities coming together for one another!

Thank you to all my new friends for a great night, and to everyone who made Toys Party such a success! Special thanks to Robbie, Chris and David for having me, and for all you do each year for the children and senior LGBT residents of New York City!

And good luck to poor Santa...he's got his work cut out for him delivering all 2,000 of these presents after tonight!