Halloween 5K for Miracles

I finally have internet, again!! I have spent the last week moving into my new apartment, and made the mistake of disconnecting my internet service a week early. So sorry that this blog post is well overdue!

...And their off!

The costumes were the cherry to top off the day!

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Halloween than dressing up in flashy costumes and running a 5K to benefit Children's Miracle Network (CMN).  So that's what the Miss Gateway board and girls did! Thanks to sponsors like the Paul Mitchell Salon St Louis, Ghisallo Running, Miss Gateway St. Louis Organization, and Road ID, we were able to share October 31st's crisp morning with 26 runners as well as raise over $1,000 for CMN. While we didn't run, the Gateway girls and I had a great time cheering on the participants and handing out awards.Thanks so much to Phil and Maria from CMN for letting us join such a fun event!

Thank you to our CMN representatives!

Gateway board and Gals!

Cheering on "Thing1 and Thing2"

Children's Miracle Network saves the lives of children by raising funds and awareness for children's hospitals and foundations throughout North America. Almost 5 years ago, the Miss America program and CMN partnered in an effort to support local pediatric centers. All donations to CMN are used to provide charitable care, purchase life-saving equipment, and fund research and education programs for children's hospitals.  Also, all donations from a region or city are given to that area's pediatric hospital, so our 5K run benefited local St. Louis kids! If you would like to find out more information about Miss America and CMN's partnership click here.  If you would like to donate to CMN, please click here!

Awarding our "Medusa" for best time for under 20 years of age!

I have loved being a representative for this organization for the past 4 years.  While I have enjoyed raising money and awareness for CMN, the greatest blessing I have received from my involvement is the friendships and relationships built with the kiddos that CMN helps. As Miss Gateway to the West, I become a princess to these children and get to watch their eyes sparkle as I let them try on my sash and crown. It is truly a humbling and magical experience meeting and playing with these kids. I can't wait to share my CMN stories with you all throughout this year!