Blog Slacker

I have been a total blog slacker lately, and for that, I apologize. I promise it's only because I've been doing a bunch of super awesome Miss Delaware things! Let's see, since I last blogged I have been to some pretty cool events, like the Blue Jean Ball for Autism Delaware, A Meals on Wheels Benefit, the Miles 4 Melanoma 5K, a Health Fair at La Red Health Center, A Light the Night Walk, A CMN fundraiser, Johnstown Bridal Suite, and I've turned a year older. 

Miles 4 Melanoma was an incredible experience for me. There were over 1500 people there to support the cause and I had the opportunity to share my message with all of them. I made friends with a beautiful princess named Grace, and received a flower and a kiss on the cheek from a 4-year old whom I'm fairly certain is the cutest little boy on the whole planet. I am thrilled to say that I will be partnering with Miles 4 Melanoma throughout the year, educating people about skin cancer and raising funds for the cause. 

Princess Grace, who had a crown just like me!

My time at La Red Health Center was so special. I am a Spanish minor at UD and after spending time abroad in Spain, I'm near fluent in Spanish. La Red is a health clinic in Georgetown, DE and it is a great resource for those in our area who are without medical insurance coverage. They are a bilingual, inviting, and welcoming facility. I had a blast hanging out and I even received a balloon animal from my friend, Galilea!

After the Health Fair, I surprised my Miss DE "little sister" Audrey at her 6th birthday party! Audrey is a very special little girl and she will always have a place in my heart.

At the Blue Jean Ball I had a blast raising money for Autism Delaware and sampling all of the incredible foods they had to offer, (including some incredible cookies that I couldn't resist, sorry Paul.) Since my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta has Autism Speaks as their philanthropy, this is a cause I have a great interest in. I was fortunate enough to be a live model for a beautiful diamond and pearl necklace from Bellinger's Jewelers in Rehoboth Beach, DE. I was having a great time working the room when out of nowhere, the drop pearl fell off of the necklace! I was absolutely mortified until the lovely and understanding owners told me that it was easy to fix. File that under things that would only ever happen to me...yikes.

With Royal Classic Queen of Queens and Mrs. Blades at the Blue Jean Ball

   

Casual Tebow with MDOT

My friends Renee Bull, who is my amazing, gracious, and insanely supportive first runner-up, and Janey Covel, who is just about as sweet as sugar and is competing in Delaware again this year (YAY!) held a CMN fundraiser recently, and I was so happy to be in attendence. It was a talent show with acts from around the state, including Renee and Janey, and my incredibly talented little sister, Morgan Burris, Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen!


Originally I signed up to be a part of Ashley's Crew at the Light the Night Walk to honor my friend, Ashley, who was diagnosed with leukemia on October 10th of last year. Ashley is now in remission,  has finished a half marathon, gone on a white water rafting trip, and was a featured survivor. When Miss Delaware was asked to be in attendance I had to laugh, because I knew my crown did not match my Ashley's Crew t shirt! My Grandmother is also a survivor of Leukemia, so blood cancer is a cause that I hold very close to my heart.

Last but certainly not least, I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend with the World's most fabulous Executive Director, Debi Wilson, in Johnstown, PA. Miss Delaware is fortunate enough to have her Miss America wardrobe provided by the Bridal Suite in Johnstown, and let me tell you, my wardrobe is FABULOUS. Deborah and Ronnie, the owners of the store are absolutely 2 of the most warm-hearted, welcoming, and helpful women I have ever met, and I am so thankful for all they do for our organization. They made me feel like a princess all day, and helped me pick out a Miss America wardrobe that is to DIE FOR. I guess y'all will have to come to my send-off on December 9th at Dover Downs to see it (shameless plug.)

With Emily after picking out my Miss America wardrobe!


So, clearly I've been super busy lately but that's no excuse for being so M.I.A.! New post coming soon, I promise, about the lovely local titleholders who will be competing for my title in June!

Until next time (Which will not be a month from now, I swear)
Alyssa