Ringing the Bells with Salvation Army

My mom and I had the chance to volunteer with Salvation Army last night and ring bells for their annual Red Kettle Campaign at our neighborhood Wal-Mart!! It was something I have always wanted to do, so I contacted our local director. We were able to see familiar faces as well as meet new people and hear their stories. It was an amazing experience and I'm hoping to brave the cold and volunteer again later this month! I highly encourage everyone to volunteer as a bell ringer at some point in their lifetime. It's always more fun with a friend, too! If you would like to donate to Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, click here.

While researching about the many different ways Salvation Army assists the American people, I learned that anti-human trafficking is one of the causes they support!! On September 27, they had an annual day of prayer for trafficking victims. They also have a page devoted to resources for learning more about the trafficking industry and how to stop it. You can visit it here.

Thanks for stopping by!!

With love,
Paige

Dressember Campaign!

Hello friends! I am very excited to share with you about the Dressember Campaign I will be participating in and how you can be a part of combating human trafficking.

About
The Dressember Foundation uses fashion to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. In 2009, founder Blythe Hill was just a college girl who wanted to create a personal style challenge by wearing a dress every day during the month of December. A huge hit, her idea spread like wildfire and the possibilities seemed endless for where Dressember could go. In 2013, Hill began to give Dressember a purpose by partnering with International Justice Mission to raise money for anti-trafficking. In the year of 2014, Dressember raised $465,000 with 2,600 participants. Their message is continuing to reach others and a global movement is underway. (Facts from Dressember Website; dressember.org)

Dressember + You
You can help support my platform and the Dressember Foundation by:

1. Participating in the Dressember Campaign by creating a page, raising money, and wearing a dress every day during the month of December.

2. Donate money to my Dressember page here.

3. Purchase the Dressember Dress of 2015 here.

4. Promote Dressember on social media! Use the hashtag #DressemberKS so we can see the difference Kansans are making!!

Thank you for your support of me, Dressember, and the fight for justice against human trafficking!

With love,
Paige

Presentation at Hesston Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday November 19th, I had the opportunity to present at the Hesston Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. I spoke to the audience of roughly 30 members about the Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen Organization as well as my platform: Broken Chains, Hope Remains: End Sex Trafficking. It was my first presentation and provided me with great opportunities to connect with members who are invested in and passionate about bettering our community, just like me. Thank you to the Hesston Chamber for having me!

You can view my presentation here :)

Red Ribbon Week

We celebrated Red Ribbon Week at our school this year during October 23-31! This year's theme was "Shading Out Drugs." The Red Ribbon campaign, which promotes a drug-free lifestyle, has been celebrated in our school district every year for as long as I can remember. I have special memories about these festivities from the time I was six to sixteen, and this is likely the case for any student who attends Hesston at any point in their lives.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership began the Red Ribbon campaign in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena. Millions of Americans were outraged by the violence caused by illegal drugs, and wore red ribbons in support of Officer Camarena and others who fight against the drug industry.

Each school in our district has a special way that they take part in the Red Ribbon activities. Every student and staff member receives a red ribbon that they are encouraged to pin on their shirts throughout the week. Elementary school students are invited to punch and cookies at the town hall with the EMS Department. In the middle school, each Reach for Success group makes a poster in the shape of a ribbon about drug-free activities. High school group Friends of Rachel group decorates the schools as well as main street with red streamers. 

On Friday at the end of the week, all three schools come together for one big pep rally. The cheerleaders re-worded a cheer to fit the theme. The words are:

"If you're drug free, and you're proud, stand up! Shade 'em out. Drug free! Drug free!

If you're drug free, and you're proud, stand up! Shade 'em out. Shade 'em out! Shade 'em out!"

To watch the pep rally, click here!

March of Dimes Golf Tournament

My FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Chapter at school hosted a golf tournament this past Sunday on October 25th for the March of Dimes! March of Dimes is a non-profit organization that helps families with premature babies and conducts research on how to prevent birth defects. FBLA and March of Dimes has been partners for almost 40 years, and has raised over $15 million since then! We had several teams and sponsors for the event, along with 100% chapter participation. We raised over $1,400 for March of Dimes!!! It was a great event I was proud to be a part of.

Welcome!

Hey there, and welcome to my blog! I am thrilled to be sharing with you about my journey this year to becoming Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen. Check back for updates about upcoming events, my platform, and anything else that may be going on. Thank you and have a blessed day :)