Children's Guild Annual Report

When you think Annual Report you think numbers, auditors, blah blah blah. But not at the Children's Guild! This year's theme-- the circus. Less the grand buffet style dinner you'd think you'd stepped into an Off Broadway theatre house or Barnum and Bailey stage... complete with tight rope walkers, a bearded lady, a man on stilts, you just had to be there! The auditorium had been completely transformed.

The self-proclaimed "Greatest Show on Earth," was just that-- fun-filled, inspiring and a chance to spot light the successes of today's youth as well as those who are courageously shaping their minds. I first met Dr. Ross, President, Director and Monday night's Master of Ceremonies when I attended the premier of my first Public Service Announcement the evening after I won my title. Little did we know that it would be the start of a great friendship and year long collaboration.

It is no wonder the students who enter the doors of the Guild are changed by the education and attention they receive-- I know I was just having spent a few hours there. I broke into a tiny tear fest when one of the students Chardonnay Cary sang her version of "At Last," accompanied by one of the Guild's music teachers, former accompaniest to the famed Billie Holiday. Chardonnay will be back to attending regular public school for her senior year next year. Congratulations! For more information on the Guild, please visit their website-- http://www.childrensguild.org/. And please let me know if you are interested in attending another benefit in September to support them.

Thank you to both Susannah Dowell and Tya Anthony who took photographs of the event-- their photos to come.

As for my own snaps-- here are a few... one of the first song numbers, Dr. Ross and Chardonnay.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, Continued

While I wasn't technically making an 'appearance' and was attending the last night's event at the Children's Guild to support the premiere of the public service announcement I was in, I couldn't help but be inspired by the work these organizations have done to promote awareness of children's mental health--something that impacts 20% of our youth. Thank you to Dr. Ross, President and CEO of the Guild and Chris DeVore of the Maryland Coalition (aka my biggest Miss Maryland U.S. supporter!)-- I look forward to collaborating with you both throughout the year.

And Mrs. Phelps! My knowledge of who she was was limited to what I saw on NBC during the Beijing games-- proud mother of an Olympic superstar. To see her in another light, as an educator (she is a principal at a Maryland school) and advocate is testament to the many hats all mothers wear. It is in fact the hardest job out there. I'm sure Michael is getting her an awesome Mother's Day present! [PLUG: You can also meet Mrs. Phelps on Saturday at her book signing at Barnes&Noble in Ellicott City. The address is 4300 Montgomery Road and runs from 2-3:30 that afternoon.] Mrs. O'Malley is scheduled to appear at a separate event but she sent me a citation from the Governor in her place-- going up in my office!

Photos below are of me and Mrs. Phelps, the directors at Producers Video, one of my adorable co-stars Kyle, and Chris...