Busy weekend for Mrs. New Castle County

What a busy weekend I had…I am on my second cup of coffee today! I had some great volunteer opportunities this weekend for some wonderful organizations, while having a great time with some awesome ladies!

On Saturday, I volunteered at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s 9^th Annual Southern Lights of Life Gala at Dover Downs. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s mission is to empower our community by raising awareness of breast health issues and they offer outreach, education and support services. All of the funds raised from the gala benefit DBCC’s Kent and Sussex county programs. Joining me were Shannon Hamlin-Mrs. Townsend United States 2012, Melissa Schulte-Mrs. Delmarva 2012, and Carrie Bledsoe-Miss Delaware Galaxy 2012. We were the “Duck Girls” and helped with the Best Buy Raffle. Holding a tray of rubber ducks, we walked around the gala and encouraged people to buy their ducks for the grand prize of over $3,000 worth of electronics. I had a great time selling my ducks for a great cause, while meeting new people and telling them about my experience as Mrs. New Castle County.

Ducks ready for the raffle!

Ducks in a row! :)

With Melissa Schulte, Mrs. Delmarva 2012

With Melissa and Carrie Bledsoe, Miss Delaware Galaxy 2012

Sunday I spent my day at the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington, Delaware. The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” to families of seriously or chronically ill or injured children who are being treated at nearby hospitals. My morning started by volunteering at the American Girl Fashion Show rehearsals. The fashion show is coming up in two weeks and there is a lot of preparation for it. I was part of the video crew, helping each girl with preparing for their video bio, which will be played on the day of the show. It was cool to see the video production take place and I had a great time getting the girls prepared for their time in front of the camera. Some girls were very shy and others were bold, and it was great to see the uniqueness of each girl. I am looking forward to the American Girl Fashion Show on March 10^th & 11^th. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House, so please pass this along to any girls who might be interested in attending.

The afternoon I spent with some great ladies for our Prince and Princess Party at the Ronald McDonald House. Joining me were Melissa Schulte-Mrs. Delmarva 2012, Marlee Alsberg-Miss Delmarva 2012 and Carrie Bledsoe-Miss Delaware Galaxy 2012. I have to say that this, by far, has been one of my favorite volunteer activities to date!! We were greeted by a group of little ladies and gentlemen who were so excited to meet all of us. We helped our Princesses and Princes make their own crowns. It was so rewarding to bring a little bit of fun and a diversion for the families that were staying there. What is great about the Ronald McDonald House is that it really is a “home away from home”; it is operated primarily by volunteers who really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Thank you for all that you do! I look forward to going back for another visit!

With our biggest fan

Melissa and I with the princess

Decorating King crowns for the boys

Group Royalty Shot

Little Princess fixing my crown!

Hanging out with Ronald

Our Honorary Prince!

I am looking forward to a super busy week ahead; I have a volunteer activity or appearance pretty much every day this week! Better get the coffee ready! :)

Until next time,

Melissa Kirk

Your Mrs. New Castle County United States 2012

Photo Courtesy of John Schulte