Miss Alabama 2010: 30 Day Have September, April, June, and NOVEMBER!

Greetings from Sweet Home Alabama!

Words cannot describe the breathtaking beauty of the Alabama Autumn! Over the past few weeks, I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of travels and I have had the opportunity to watch the scenery change. One of my wonderful traveling companions, Donna Coates, says “It’s as if God has dipped his paint brush and painted us a brand new picture.” Traveling offers wonderful opportunities: a journey to an exciting new place full of interesting people, a meaningful conversation with a friend-void of distraction, and beautiful scenery that is felt, rather than seen.

The first half of November held a wide variety of experiences, all of which I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was honored to host a Disney Princess Tea Party at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, serve as the Grand Marshall for the UAB Homecoming Parade and the Harley-Davidson Teddy Bear Ride to Children’s Hospital, and represent the state of Alabama in a commercial for ESPN! I had a wonderful time welcoming Bass Anglers from across the country at the American Bass Anglers Bassmaster Tournament in Guntersville, singing the national anthem at the Alsheimer’s Walk to Remember in Birmingham, and emceeing the 2011 Miss Birmingham Pageant. As the daughter of Veterans, I was humbled to honor our service men and women during the Veteran’s Day Festivities here in Birmingham (by the way-Birmingham has the largest and oldest Veteran’s Day celebration in the nation). I was also very fortunate to speak with Alabama youth in Jackson, Reeltown, and Lake Martin about the importance of setting goals and leading a life of service by finding a mission. I guarantee you that no one on this Earth has a better job than me! I wake up every morning excited about what the day holds, because for 365 precious days, I get to be a servant for the State of Alabama!

And now as the month draws to a close, I get to lead by example for goal-setting and marching for a mission! On November 28^th, 2010, I will host the Miss Alabama Holiday Preview: A Benefit for Children’s Miracle Network! I invite all of you to come and enjoy the incredible talent that will be on display this evening, but I also implore you to not let this opportunity for service pass you by. By attending the event, we can show our commitment to innovative care and research in the field of child medicine, we can support the CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK. All proceeds from this show will benefit CMN. Recently, Alabama was ranked in the Top 5 states for charitable giving. In this economy, that says a great deal about the citizens of this great state! I cannot wait to spend November 28^th, 2010 with all of you, as we show support for this wonderful mission. Here are the details one more time...

What: Miss Alabama Holiday Preview

When: November 28^th, 2010 2pm-4pm (Santa will be arriving at 1:30pm and you can get your Christmas picture with him with a donation to CMN)

Where: Homewood High School Auditorium (across from Samford University)

I hope all of you can attend!

Many Thanks and Blessings,

Ashley