DIFFA 2010 Silent Auction Soirée

I had the opportunity at attend the DIFFA Dallas Silent Auction Soirée event on Feb. 3, 2010. It was fun to see all of the incredible items up for bid. There was everything there from pillows to restaurant packages to intricately designed capes to designer dog houses! There were so many people who came out for the event and I was honored that I got to be a part of it.

Ashley Melnick, Miss Fort Worth, and I were interviewed by a local news station which was a cool experience. The broadcaster asked me about being Miss Irving and how I got into doing pageants. I replied that I entered my first pageant on a whim and incidentally broke my foot during my talent rehearsal the day of the pageant, but nonetheless I was hooked and I have been competing ever since. She also asked me what I do as Miss Irving and I told her that I get to travel to schools and organizations speaking on my platform which is AIDS awareness and providing support for HIV/AIDS impacted families as well as appearing at events. I also have the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Texas this summer. It was funny because she kept thinking my name was "Julie Jordan" for some reason. I think she finally got it right on the broadcast though!

DIFFA Silent Auction Soirée was a great event and I had a blast. Thanks to Bobbie Crowder for allowing me to be a part of this event!

Miss America 2010

I was so lucky to be able to attend two nights of preliminary competition and the finals of Miss American 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kristen Blair did an amazing job representing Texas. Kristen and I were in the same group this year at Miss Texas so I got to spend some time getting to know her. She truly is an inspiration to me. Kristen has the ability to make you feel so special because she really does care. She has a heart the size of Texas and is just an incredibly warm and outgoing person.

After seeing Kristen at her wardrobe show I really thought she was going to be Miss America. Her wardrobe was phenomenal! It was so obvious to me that Kristen had worked so incredibly hard and that both her head and her heart were in the right place. Although I was bummed when she didn't win, she did make the top 10 which is an absolutely incredible accomplishment. i don't think I have ever cheered so loud in my entire life! Kristen looking absolutely stunning in all phases of competition and I hope she is as proud of herself as we all are. Although I am biased and I think she should have won, I am still excited that Kristen gets to stay our Miss Texas because I know she has such a powerful message and she will be able to touch the hearts of so many children.

Getting to watch the contestants compete in prelims motivated me and made me realize that my goals to be Miss Texas and Miss America are attainable. It will take a lot of hard work and dedication but I am ready to put in that work and hopefully it will all pay off! I had an incredible time in Las Vegas and I am so excited to see what the future holds! Congratulations to Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010!