Happy Thanksgiving

Taking time today to count our blessings in the York Household! Best wishes to all and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Girls on the Run

Today I had the honor of participating in Johnson County's Girls on the Run 5K. What an AMAZING experience!! Girls on the Run is a non-profit national organization that is geared toward girls in grades 3-6. This program and it's volunteers promote and educate these young ladies to live a healthy lifestyle. Topics such as physical exercise, proper nutrition, social and emotional health are touched on while they are training for a 5k cross-country event.

Their banquet was held today after the 5k to mark the closing of the 2009 season. I had a great time talking to the participants about the importance of being healthy both inside and outside. I'm so proud of each of them for having the confidence to participate in today's event ... YOU GO GIRLS!!!





Pictured with Mrs. Johnson County Iowa America 2010. She ran today today with some great young ladies!

The girls got in the running spirit with fun hair spray in many colors! Pictured is the finished product for some of lovely young ladies!

Light The Night 2009

This year's Light the Night walk was held in Iowa City at Kinnick Stadium on October 17th. I volunteered as team captain for "Team York Walks for Rhonda." For those of you who don't know, Rhonda is my wonderful mother, mentor and friend. She was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in June 2008. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society funds Brian Dunker, MD who lead the research for the medication that is helping my mom live with leukemia. What a GREAT honor to be a part of a fundraiser that raised over $129,300 for research to find cures for blood cancers!

Hoopla Commercial

This year, I had an AWESOME opportunity to represent Mrs. Iowa International by appearing in a commercial for Hoopla. Can you find me in the commercial ... look quick about mid-way through the commercial and see if you can pick me out. :) Hoopla is a weekly entertainment and networking magazine featuring the latest information in Iowa's Corridor. This was a GREAT experience and don't forget to check out your copy today!

Miss Iowa and Miss Teen Iowa USA

In October, I had a GREAT time with Sarah Moses from The Pageant Shop! I was honored to work with Sarah (pictured left) as she showcased her FABULOUS wardrobe expertise to the contestants for Miss Iowa and Miss Teen Iowa USA in Ames. I know first hand, Sarah's true gift for making all of her clients feel beautiful on the inside and out. Thanks so much for the opportunity Sarah!! I also had the added excitement of connecting with another great friend that day ... Laura Diers, Mrs. Iowa America 2008 (pictured below). What a great surprise Laura ... it's always great to see you!!

Naional Council on Youth Leadership (NCYL)

In September, Ted Kepros, PT (Physiotherapy Associates) and I were guest speakers for Eastern Iowa's NCYL Conference at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. NCYL's focus is to empower the youth of America by recognizing and fostering high ideals of leadership and integrity. Ted and I challenged Iowa's young leaders to "Dare to Make a Difference." While highlighting the importance of mental, physical and emotional health, I highlighted how becoming an advocate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma had changed my life and led me toward my quest toward Mrs. Iowa International. These individuals were truly inspirational. It was a great experience and I truly feel we are in good hands ... these children are our future!

My Journey Begins

One area I love volunteering is for The Jefferson High School Swim Team. My husband Ryan is the head coach for the J-Hawks! One of the swimmers and I sell t-shirts in stands as a fund raiser for the J-Hawks at the state swim meet in Marshalltown (pictured on the left). My sister-in-law, Anne and I work a fund-raising booth for the J-Hawks during J-Hawk Relays in Cedar Rapids.