Miss Illinois Blog
Goodbye Summer
September 1, 2009 | BLOG ENTRY #3 | by Miss Illinois 2009 Erin O'Connor
I kicked off Septemeber in Kankakee at the Kankakee Powerboat Nationals. A special thanks to Miss Pat Polk and Scott Billado for making the arrangements that weekend. The races were thrilling, and the people of Kankakee incredibly welcoming.
On the 6th, we drove to Hoopeston to cheer on Miss Capitol City Corina Hardwood in the National Sweetheart Pageant. I was so proud of Corina, she represented us well! Also in attendance were some state titleholders competing in Miss America, including Miss Michigan, Miss Indiana and Miss Iowa. It was great to cheer on our friends together!
On Labor Day I had the honor of singing the National Anthem at US Cellular Field before the White Sox Game. What a dream come true for a South Side Girl!
The second weekend of September was busy, and bittersweet. On September 11th I had the privilege to volunteer at Eric and Kathy's Children's Memorial Hospital Radio-a-thon. After answering phones and taking pledges, I went on a tour of the hospital to sign autographs. In the community room, I added my picture to a wall that sported autographs from our own Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, Miss Illinois Katie Lorenz and Ashley Hatfield. Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment occurred when I met a little girl in the oncology ward. Her Father sat patiently by her side as she slept, like an angel keeping guard. I quietly asked if I could leave an autograph for the sleeping girl. While signing, her father produced a small silver and pink tiara from her nightstand and said "See? Shes a princess too." My thoughts and prayers are constantly with the patients at Children's Memorial. Congratulations to Eric and Kathy and their team for raising $1,636,228.10 for Children's Memorial Hospital!
After leaving Children's Memorial Hospital, I met Joe Cantafio for a memorial dedication. The friends of fallen soldier Kraig Foytek saved and pooled their money to create a memorial in honor of their fallen friend. Kraig joined the military after the Sept. 11 attacks, so it was a fitting day to honor his memory and his service.
The next day I participated in an event for Triple Threat Mentoring at the Jericho Housing Authority. Our own JENIECE FLEMING, Miss Kankakee River Valley 2009 also volunteered that day. She brought a large group of students from Northwestern University. With all the volunteers and kids present, there was plenty to do, and it was a fantastic day! Thank you Jeniece and Triple Threat!
I had the opportunity to speak about my personal platform Skin Cancer prevention at the Woodridge Chamber of Commerce Health Expo. On the 24 and 25th I attended a seminar at Dale Carnegie. The training seminar was not only extremely helpful with public speaking, but a lot of fun. I would recommend the seminar for any aspiring title holder.
One of the most exciting events I have done as Miss Illinois happened at the end of the month. I participated in the China Day Parade. Thank you to Gene Lee for my spot on the 2016 Chicago Olympic float.
I continue to be grateful to my trainers Karen Bloom and Stacey Boyer, who are helping me get into shape for Miss America! A special thanks to Jewels by Park Lane, the official jewelry sponsor for Miss Illinois. Next month I'll begin teaching a theatre class for Triple Threat mentoring. I cant wait to meet my students!
We are also preparing for the Children's Miracle Network Fundraiser on October 30. More information is available on the Miss Illinois homepage. Hope to see many of you at the Miss Illinois's Association "Refine your Image" Seminar in Springfield on October 3rd!