Blog

Grilling for Charity!
It was hotter than hot in Ann Arbor on August 10th at the Mongolian BBQ Fundraising event for the National Association of Music Education. MENC is the National Platform of Mrs. America and truly a great cause with its continued efforts to bring…and keep music education in our schools.

I have a new found appreciation for the cooks working that giant grill. It’s really a workout in disguise!! They are constantly in motion and the heat is intense. I think I lost five pounds that night…. LOL not a bad thing when you have a swimsuit competition at Mrs. America coming up!.

I'd like to thank everyone who came out to support us in our efforts to raise funds for MENC and a special thank you to Annette Kelly, Mrs. Oakland County for joining me.

The Link we share...

Speaking at the RTS Conference in Covington, Kentucky in July was an enlightening and inspirational event. Even though I know from first hand experience that there are other families out there that share the same experience as we do with Donnie, it was wonderful to meet and talk with parents from all over – even some from other countries – as over 100 families participated. I remember what it was like the first time I made real contact with other parents of an RTS child; the sense of relief, of recognition…that there was someone else who knew what was going on inside me; inside the four walls we called home and had experienced the same hurdles and highpoints that we had experienced. Sharing my own story and getting to know them …especially the Moms… was very moving for me. It gave me that feeling deep inside that tells me that what we are all attempting to do in raising awareness and fighting for research opportunities and commitments is the right thing to do. Donnie had a great time meeting new brothers and sisters.  He especially enjoyed dining at the revolving restaurant atop the hotel.

Everyone was so kind to us. The room almost vibrated with emotion and as I stood at the podium during my address I could feel the warm waves of love and support flowing my way. I hope that I was able to convey that I will never give up trying…for every family and child that needs me to keep spreading the word. There were plenty of tears, some of frustration and heartfelt pain but more so, tears of joy, laughter and the enjoyment and wonder of new found connections.

I really enjoyed the insight shared by Pediatric Geneticist Dr. Raoul C. M. Hennekam and I plan to attend the upcoming World Conference in the Netherlands.

The Mom Mixer was a great (aren’t they always) as we got to talk and laugh and just enjoy one another.  Of course that entailed little stories and anecdotes about our children…which is…the strongest link that we share.

RUNNING FOR RESEARCH

We've received some great news!! The Detroit Marathon will be taking place in October and Donnie's teacher, Amelia Polkowski Barrons, and her sister Anna will be running to raise money for The National Organization for Rare Disorders, specifically for Rubenstein Taybi research in honor of Donnie! Here's the link to help these very generous women! NORD, Donnie, Jordan, Mom, Donald and myself thank them...and you for getting involved and helping with a very worthy cause. Here’s the link but you can also sign up on my PLATFORM page.

July 2010

Hi Everyone! The temperature is soaring and things are heating up as we move closer to the National Event in September. I’m busy putting the final touches on my State Costume, with fittings for a very special gown, Mrs. Michigan America appearances…and summer holidays with my family. They keep me busy all on their own!!

Independence Day was Spectacular. My Husband surprised us with tickets to the 18th Annual SALUTE TO AMERICA in Greenfield Village. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra put on a fabulous show and in combination with the fireworks it was truly heart stopping!! Donnie really enjoyed it too. He was on complete overload! Even mom tapped her toes to the music and Jordan took photos & made a video on his phone to send to all his friends.

Thanks Honey! What a wonderful way to celebrate the greatest Country on Earth!

July 9th was the Homecoming for Rima Fakih! Michigan's very own Miss USA. I had a wonderful time! Rima’s platform is the Pink Fund supporting Breast Cancer so this was an extra special evening for her. As always, she looked amazing.

Rima is such a sweetheart and her Family was very kind and gracious to everyone. Her mom reminds me of my own mother; a very proud but gentle woman.

These events are always interesting – for the people you meet for the first time but also for those you cross paths with again. One of the first people I ran into that evening was Carol Gist Miss USA 1990, our first Miss USA from Michigan & the very first African American woman to win the title. Carol & I had competed together years ago, and it was so wonderful to see her and actually catch up. I told her about something I'm doing to honor her accomplishment. I know...it's a secret! Sorry you'll have to wait till Mrs. America!

Next up on July 24th is the Miss Teen USA Pageant where our very own Catherine McGhee will grace the stage at the Atlantis in The Bahamas. Go Catherine!! I believe in my heart that she is next!

June 2010
June was full of fun! I think it’s true – everyone does love a parade!! I had the opportunity to participate in two in June and it’s wonderful to see the excitement on everyone's faces, young and old alike. Waves and smiles and laughter from everyone and to that gentleman who did that figure 8 type pageant wave – right back at you!! He was so funny…and so sincere and so cute – thank you!! Mark Agnew's Boat is amazing – if you think it looks big in the pictures – wow – it is a BIG BOAT.

I also had a chance to see yet another sister queen crowned – Mrs. Ohio America 2010 Kimberly Miller. She’s a ventriloquist and I found that my childhood fascination with this art remains today – what a talent. Congratulations Kimberly!!

The best part of June was the Kilwin's Fundraiser for NORD®. My college roommate and Kilwin’s outlet owner Jacqueline Jackson was so generous to host the event. I was joined by Anji Meidel Mrs. Illinois America 2009. We had the best time together scooping ice cream on Father's Day and raising money and awareness for Rare Disease. It was hard work but very rewarding and I’d like to say Thank You to everyone that came out to support the cause and send a big hug to Jackie and Anji for taking the time to participate in such a gracious manner.

I also received some wonderful news this month. The young lady that I judged in the Miss University Nigeria Pageant won the associated National Pageant. Powede Lawrence was crowned Miss University Africa 2010. She was an obvious standout at the Nigerian Pageant and I had a feeling she’d bring it all home. What an accomplishment and I congratulate her. I am so very proud of her – I knew she could do it.

May 28
Michigan Does It Again!!
Attending the Miss USA 2010 Pageant in Vegas was as exciting an experience as you can imagine!! The State of Michigan reigned supreme once again when Dearborn’s Rima Fakih was crowned Miss USA 2010. The last time I visited a National Pageant at Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas I had the honor of witnessing Kirsten Haglund’s successful bid for Miss America 2008…what a night that was!! If these two women were not as wonderfully talented and beautiful as they are…I might start thinking that I’m a State Good Luck Charm. Wishful thinking on my part (LOL)!

Getting together with old friends I get to reconnect with at events just like this was only half the fun; forging new connections with the industry’s up and coming is a blast…and inspiring! Carl Dunn, CEO of Pageantry Magazine was very interesting, and it was an honor to meet The Donald himself, the CEO of the Miss Universe Organization. I would love to do Celebrity Apprentice? Mr. Trump, I’m putting that out there.

Does the girl make the gown or does the gown make the girl?! If it’s a Johnathan Kayne original…The Gown is it!!! A very very special thanks goes out to Designer Johnathan Kayne for making me look amazing for Preliminary & Finals night. Wow!!

May 5, 2010

Wow! I can't believe it has been a just over a month since I was crowned Mrs. Michigan America 2010. And what an honor it was to share the stage with some of the most amazing women in Michigan!

Well as they say ...I hit the ground running. The week after my crowning I visited the Mrs. Indiana America Pageant and helped welcome a new sister queen, Jeanene Christy. I had a wonderful time! It was great to sit in the audience without the pressure of competing.

I had my first Official Photo Shoot with Tim Priest. I had a Blast -- Especially with the location shots. I felt like a Fashion Model.

Throwing the first pitch and a radio interview with the West Michigan White Caps game was exciting. It went straight down the middle …I only wish the Ball had reached the plate...LOL!

Last week-end I had the time of my life with designer Jonathan Kayne. He was one of the top finalists from Bravo's hit TV show Project Runway Season 3 and was also featured on TLC's Gown Crazy.
He is such a talent and it was quite a feeling to walk the runway with him at the end of the fashion show and present this artist to the audience. Judging by the applause his new Prom and Evening Gown Collection for 2010 was a hit with everyone there!

Next stop Planet Hollywood for the Miss USA Pageant!

Stephanie Hunt is Mrs. Michigan America 2010 and the winner of 7 major titles including Mrs. United States 2007. Rubicon Management’s Lowell Johannsen is coach to both Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih and Stephanie. Heidi Scheer has been creating winning wardrobes for local, state, and national winners for over 16 years. For additional information regarding Mrs. Michigan America 2010, or A Pageant Ready Day please contact Stephanie@stephanie-hunt.com. Contact 734-945-4470 for vendor or exhibitor availability.

MICHIGAN PAGEANTS INC PRESENTS THE THIRD ANNUAL
PAGEANT READY DAY
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN?

Just curious or already in it to win it—you’ll find the answers to all your questions right here! This informative event is open to contestants of all levels and systems. Fitness, beauty, makeup, wardrobe, and interview skills are just a few of the areas supported by this year’s exhibitors. Join Mrs. Michigan America 2010 Stephanie Hunt and special guests Heidi Scheer and Lowell Johannsen, as they share their secrets to winning in the world of pageantry.
2-6
January 8, 2011
Pittsfield Township Building
6201 West Michigan Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Titleholders 25$
Non Titleholders 30$