Today has just been a great day, and being a non-blogger at heart it surprises me that I felt the urge to say something. But this is important. Having the opportunity to spend a few good hours at the piano always inspires me in a different way, and today it brought me back to Miss Washington week. I was having a conversation with a friend over the weekend about how the Miss Washington Organization is funded and how the program works. He was completely surprised and taken aback to learn that everything that happens within our organization is through the effort and dedication of volunteers. From the Executive Directors of our local and state programs, to the chaperones, to the backstage hands, every single person who is a part of our organization does it out of the goodness of their heart and truly cares about and believes in what the Miss America Organization accomplishes for young women.
Reminiscing about my experience, I remember coming to the ‘food room’ at least three times a day and being greeted by a smiling face, and a table full of goodies. Volunteers procured the donation of the food, transported the food, prepared the food, and even cleaned up after us when we ran out to our next commitment. Everywhere we went, whether it was into the city for an appearance or down the stairs to the rehearsal rooms, we were accompanied by our wonderful chaperones. These are women who literally left their lives for an entire week to stay with us 24 hours a day, keeping us safe and happy. Backstage during the nights of competition, there was always a caring set of hands to zip, button, spray, blow, double check (bizarre, I know) and overall just assist each contestant in any way that we might need.
The beautiful production of our show, the thousands of dollars that were awarded in scholarships, the facilitation of brunches, receptions, and ceremonies, all were possible for the 16 contestants and our families because there are so many caring people involved in our program and I just wanted to take a moment to say WOW, we sure are lucky here in Washington state. What an honor it is to be a part of this program, and to be a part of the legacy of scholarship and service that these volunteers have fueled and supported for so many years.
So, from the bottom of my heart – Thank you, to the Miss Washington Organization volunteers. And just for fun.. here are some pictures from Miss Washington week!
“God and angels don’t get paid, even though theirs is some of the most important work around. Ditto for volunteers.” – Cherishe Archer
Reminiscing about my experience, I remember coming to the ‘food room’ at least three times a day and being greeted by a smiling face, and a table full of goodies. Volunteers procured the donation of the food, transported the food, prepared the food, and even cleaned up after us when we ran out to our next commitment. Everywhere we went, whether it was into the city for an appearance or down the stairs to the rehearsal rooms, we were accompanied by our wonderful chaperones. These are women who literally left their lives for an entire week to stay with us 24 hours a day, keeping us safe and happy. Backstage during the nights of competition, there was always a caring set of hands to zip, button, spray, blow, double check (bizarre, I know) and overall just assist each contestant in any way that we might need.
The beautiful production of our show, the thousands of dollars that were awarded in scholarships, the facilitation of brunches, receptions, and ceremonies, all were possible for the 16 contestants and our families because there are so many caring people involved in our program and I just wanted to take a moment to say WOW, we sure are lucky here in Washington state. What an honor it is to be a part of this program, and to be a part of the legacy of scholarship and service that these volunteers have fueled and supported for so many years.
So, from the bottom of my heart – Thank you, to the Miss Washington Organization volunteers. And just for fun.. here are some pictures from Miss Washington week!
“God and angels don’t get paid, even though theirs is some of the most important work around. Ditto for volunteers.” – Cherishe Archer
All 16 contesants after our visit with the kids at Children's Hospital of Seattle
Having fun in rehearsals
Out on the boat - and yes, we were taken by volunteers!
more fun in rehearsals
I stole the capitans hat on the boat... we had so much fun!
1 comment:
Janet, Thank you for taking the words right out of my mouth Janet.
Thank you for giving credit where credit is deserved. Thank you for your elloquence. Thank you for your appreciation. Thank you for representing us, the young women who have been impacted by volunteers.
The volunteers truly are incredible.
I love you Jan!
Alex Jacobson
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