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