Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Palm Springs Christmas Parade!
This past Saturday, December 5th, I was reunited with my sister titleholders. I had not seen them since we were all crowned together and it was a blessing that we were all able to make it and spend time together. I knew when I was crowned back in September that I would be sharing a great year with these ladies. Little did I know how wonderful and extraordinary each and everyone of them was. As we got to spend more and more time together this past weekend I was thankful to have been crowned with such aspiring and wonderful women. It felt warm and comforting to share my time and exchange presents with them. The parade itself was wonderful. It is so beautiful how much time the community puts forth. We were so lucky to have been invited, although it was freezing cold I bundled up with my fellow sisters and waved to the community of Palm Springs. Later that evening we all had a pretty healthy dinner (getting ready for Nationals) and exchanged presents. We talked, drank hot chocolate and enjoyed each others presence. I cannot emphasize enough each and every time I have an event how grateful I am to have been chosen to represent the state of California. Each and every time I am reminded what a blessed person I have been. I love my job as Miss California.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Desert Willow Treatment Center Event
This Thanksgiving I was blessed enough to be able to take a break from school and spend time with my family. While I was there visiting I thought I would make my time useful and take advantage of the holiday and give back a little of my time to the community. I have had one great year so far and cannot begin to name all of the things I am thankful for. Myself and my siblings volunteered some of our Thanksgiving morning to the Desert Willow Treatment Center, where children with behavioral problems live. My presence was a complete surprise to the kids and it was so heartwarming to see the smile on their faces as we walked in. I spoke with them and their families and told them a little bit about myself and although I will be competing against their own Miss Nevada International in the summer they appreciated a little bit of California love in their wonderful state. This Thanksgiving was great in many ways. I am thankful for all that I have.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Spirit of the Season Gala
On Friday, November 13th I went to San Francisco and volunteered my evening at the Spirit of the Season Gala. This is a huge fundraising event for the Special Olympic organization. I was happy to help at the registration table and worked really hard to sell as many raffles tickets as possible to help enhance the funds towards my cause. I spent time with some participants in the Special Olympics program and even got the chance to play a game of wee with them. They were so lovely all dressed up and had a great time at their event. Everyone there was in such good spirit and gave so much to this organization. It made me happy to see people in society coming together to help continue this organization run for those who need it. I made the right choice in choosing Special Olympics as my platform, I love the participants.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Desert Aids Event
On October 8th I was invited to attend the Desert Aids Charity event. I was touched by the passion and drive the community had towards making the community as healthy as possible. They help save lives through counseling and testing for those who have or potentialyl have aids. Even though funding has been cut they do all that is possible to continue their help and services. At this event I met so many great people and even got to have my hair done at the Bungalow Salon where the event was held! I was so lucky :) I want to go back soon to say hi to all of my new friends there in Rancho Mirage.
My Trip to Bubbling Wells Elementary School
Last Friday I went to Bubbling Wells Elementary School in Palm Springs and had a fun filled morning with the kids. I met so many happy faces and handed out autographs, took many pictures and most importantly spoke with the children. I spoke with them about myself and about some things I like to do outside of pageantry and focused on why it is important to stay in school and become or enhance their bilingualism. I advocated on behalf of my Special Olympic platform and told the kids why it was important to volunteer some of their time with the Special Olympic program. It is never to early to begin giving back to the community. My visit to the school was incredible and will carry the memory of the children being in awe as I walked into the auditorium with me forever. This is why I love doing what I do.
Hugs,
Gretheel Olvera
Hugs,
Gretheel Olvera
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Miss California Intl Pageant 2010
WOW! On Saturday, September 12 I was crowned Miss California International 2010. Since, it has taken me a minute to fully digest what happened that night. I remember holding my breath after they called the first runner up and then heard my name called for the next award which was the title. I don't remember everything that happened that second, it is kind of a blur to me I was so nervous/excited/happy. All I remember doing is calling out, "MOOOOOM!" and shaking uncontrollably. It was a moment my life which I will carry with me forever and am such a blessed woman to have this opportunity. Now I my goal is to bring awareness to my platform Special Olympics and Adaptive Recreation programs and help fundraise some money for these special children and adults. Believe it when they say, "That which is for you shall not go by you..." if you are meant to do something in this life it will happen and I believe with all my heart that I was destined to be crowned to help make a difference.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)