UIE Ms. Illinois Legend 2025/2026

09/02/2026

Yesterday I was honored to be the "guest speaker" at the Zion Women's Club. This club is an affiliate of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, the largest group of women volunteers in the world! The Zion Club was established in 1907! They are dedicated to community involvement through volunteer service. To be invited to share my story of service was nothing short of wonderful!

I spoke about Reigning Purls of Hope, You Gotta Have Faith and Miracle Mommas! Thank you to Jeanine Engel for this lovely invitation!

08/24/2026

Spending time this past weekend at one of my favorite charities, Fill A Heart 4 Kids! They partner with 86 schools and social service agencies to help the most vulnerable children.

This weekend was all about "Project Backpack". Filling backpacks with all the necessities school-age children need. Each volunteer also created a handwritten card, wishing the recipient a wonderful year in school.

06/19/2026

Uganda faces a paradoxical food situation: while the country has high agricultural potential, it struggles with stubbornly high chronic malnutrition, severe regional inequalities, and an acute crisis in refugee settlements. Prolonged dry spells exacerbate the vulnerability of farmers across the country. To counteract these challenges, Feed My Starving Children works tirelessly thru their all volunteer program to send nutritious food to these countries. I'm always happy to volunteer my time packing meals for those in need.

06/13/2026

I've never found myself drawn to audiobooks. I have always favored collecting and reading hardcover books, which is why I'm passionate about supporting Bernie's Book Bank, a charity that provides physical books to children through donations. So happy to contribute new books to their cause.

06/07/2026

Donating essential items such as diapers and baby wipes to Cadles to Crayons, a respected charity, in support of their Spring/Summer baby initiative aimed at assisting those who require aid.

06/07/2026

Creating rainbow blankets for our NICU partners, courtesy of Reigning Purls of Hope. Many hospitals are seeing a request for "rainbow" themed donations. A "rainbow baby" is a child born to parents after they have experienced a previous miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. The term draws its meaning from the meteorological phenomenon of a rainbow appearing after a heavy storm, symbolizing hope, healing and beauty following a period of darkness and grief.

05/10/2026

It is always a pleasure to model for Bella Donna Boutique for the ANNUAL Mother's Day Fashion Show benefitting the Caring Women's Connection. Thank you to Mira Fiumefreddo for the inviting me to feature your beautiful clothes for this event.

05/09/2026

AID FOR WOMEN ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON AND FUNDRAISER

This exceptional organization is dedicated to supporting mothers during and after pregnancy. Remarkable individuals shared their personal stories on how Aid For Women made a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of their children. This "sold out" event was my second year in attendance.

It was an honor representing Miracle Mommas and attending alongside my friend and founder of Miracle Mommas, Ashley Randi Sebaaly.

05/03/2026

I was grateful to reciprocate the support of Cradles to Crayons Chicago, a loyal supporter of Reigning Purls of Hope, by volunteering at the Giving Factory. Working together with two friends, we created mini wardrobes for those in need. Last year, the organization made a substantial impact on the lives of over 300,000 children in Chicago.

05/01/2026