Recognizing Six Caregivers at the Visionary Women Luncheon with the Alzheimer's Association!

On Friday, May 9th, I was honored to be a part of the Alzheimer's Association Visionary Women Caregivers luncheon at breathtaking Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado Canyon, CA.  The first part of the day was spent being a model in the strolling fashion show modeling clothes for one of the many vendors, Rock N'Rags, based out of Orange County.  Its specialty is comfortable, yet upscale, casual clothing. So of course, I was in heaven showing off the clothes to all the attendees of the luncheon!

Lisa from Rock N'Rags and me wearing one of her comfortable (and cute!) dresses.

Me and Jodi Taylor, a dear friend and Alzheimer's Association team member, before the luncheon started.

Another model, the gorgeous Suzanne, who is vying for the Ms. Senior California title in August!  So needless to say, we both had a lot to talk about!  She's going to ROCK the Ms. Senior California stage and I will be there to cheer her on! 

Me and my sweet friend, Lynn Mullowney, of the Alzheimer's Association.  She was one of my very first friends at the Association!  We even traveled to Atlanta together for my first Alzheimer's Association leadership summit!  She truly touches every person that she meets!

The bazaar - lots of clothing, jewelry and handbags!  Ooh la la!

I took so many pictures, as the setting was just gorgeous and the atmosphere was very festive!  These are only 1/4 of the pictures and if I could post them all, I would!!!

Early in the event, I modeled a few different outfits, but once the bazaar and strolling fashion show were over, it was on to being Mrs. California International 2014 and representing the passion and the heart of the Mrs. International organization.  I loved speaking to so many of the attendees about my involvement in the International Pageant system and how excited I am to meet 70 other women in July who are equally as involved and engaged in our communities.  Can July just get here already?!?

A quick picture with Suzanne before the luncheon started!

Me and Kristina, who is part of the PR/marketing team that represents the Alzheimer's Association.  We had so much to talk about!

To kick off the luncheon, we had the privilege of listening to celebrity keynote speaker, Marion Ross, best known as Richie Cunningham's mom on "Happy Days," as well as the littler-known fact of being the voice of "Sponge Bob Square Pants' grandmother."  She spoke about the compassion that a caregiver must have, as well as the respect that she gives to those who tirelessly care for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.  Marion was hilarious, but also down to earth and extremely empathetic to those affected by the illness.  She was truly a joy to meet and listen to!

Then, we honored six local caregivers in the categories of: Youth Caregiver (and not a dry eye in the house when his story was shared), Family Caregiver (who shared a touching poem that she would recite to her husband when times got tough during his battle with Alzheimer's), Professional Caregiver, Administrative Professional and Medical Professional.  To see the passion that each of these folks had for the Alzheimer's Association and commitment to finding a cure for this illness was incredible!  I will forever be touched by their stories.

With lots of love,
Christy
Mrs. California International 2014

Spa Soiree benefiting the Alzheimer's Association

Just two days ago, I was lucky enough to be a part of the Spa Soiree at the Spa at Westin Mission Hills, which benefited the Alzheimer's Association, Coachella Valley chapter.  For two hours, ladies (and a few gentlemen, too!) enjoyed spa services courtesy of the Spa at Westin Mission Hills (including neck massages, foot soaking, hairstyling, hand massages, chakra cleansing, aromatherapy and more), tasty appetizers and delicious beverages.

Here are a few "action" shots of relaxation!

A few of my very favorite people were the main organizers of this event.  Anne Gimbel, regional director of the Alzheimer's Association - Coachella Valley, Teresa Segovia, Latino Outreach Coordinator, and Pam Bieri, who does public relations and marketing for the chapter.  Through my involvement with the Alzheimer's Association, these ladies have become some of my dearest friends.

Anne, me and Teresa at the check-in table

Sara (from The Spa at Westin Mission Hills), me and Anne

Me and the ever-amazing Pam Bieri!

I'm still on pins and needles for how much we raised for the Alzheimer's Association, but since we had a great turnout, I'm sure it will be equally as great!

Thank you to the entire Spa at Westin Mission Hills team, especially spa manager, Monica Donato!  You have made me a life-long spa fan!  See you all soon!!

It Takes a Village!

I want to take this opportunity to thank two of my Mrs. California International sponsors (or as I like to call them, the VIPs!!!).

First off, the folks at Custom Care Solutions in Palm Desert, CA (specifically Mandy, Misty and Dom) have become dear friends of mine throughout the past two years of living in the Coachella Valley.  We are all active in ACT I (Aging Community Team) and are on the ACT I board of directors (Mandy is the president, Misty is the treasurer, Dom is the secretary of membership and I'm the board secretary).  In addition, we all volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association (Dom is the chair of our Walk to End Alzhiemer's - Coachella Valley as well!).  So needless to say, we're all engaged in making a difference in the lives of seniors!

Also, they are graciously sponsoring me in my quest to become Mrs. International 2014!

Please click on Custom Care Solutions to be taken to their website!  Custom Care Solutions is an in-home care provider for seniors, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s patients and more with nurse aides and live in help available.  Click HERE to "like" their Facebook page!

Here's Misty, Mandy and Dom of Custom Care Solutions!

Another generous sponsor is The Skin Loft in La Quinta, CA!  They are making me look like a true California girl by providing spray tans throughout my reign.  Jamie and Tracey truly make me feel like part of their family every time that I come in!

Here's a photo of the amazing tan I received just last week.  Please visit www.skinloft.net and "like" their Facebook page.  They are located in the beautiful city of La Quinta, so contact them today at (760) 628-8776 to book your appointment for spray tans and much more!!