Pageant poem

It's not the title, nor the crown that counts.

It's not the weight that's lost that really amounts.

It's not the makeup design, or the gown that you wear,

Or the shape of your build or the length of your hair.

You see, the growth of a Queen is all done inside,

It's nothing support hose or makeup can hide.

The real preparation is done in the mind,

It's leaving your fears and your faults all behind.

It's lifting your soul to a place that's far seen,

It's molding a woman to the height of a Queen.

It's hard and it's work, it's not easily done,

But when it is over, you'll know who has won.

When the pageant is through and the lights are turned down,

You will know you're a winner and you will have your crown.

You see, all crowns are made different, it's really an art,

Yours can be rhinestones or the growth of the heart.

Upcoming Events

Thank you to all of my friends who congratulated me about my new Mrs. Tulsa title! I am honestly thrilled and can't wait for the state pageant to be here! In the meantime, I feel great about being able to give back and prepare for the roles of Mrs. Oklahoma and Mrs. America as the current Mrs. Tulsa. Here are some upcoming events:

On September 9, I will be coleading the first workshop of six in the Forever. For Real. workshop series at Family & Children's Services. This particular workshop will be using the PREP curriculum, which is designed for married or engaged couples who want to protect their relationship from negatives and nurture their relationship's positive aspects. The class teaches immediately applicable techniques that will strengthen your marriage and benefit all of your interpersonal relationships. Bobby and I use these techniques in our marriage, and I have to say, the tools really work (if you use them!). Hopefully, we'll give our couples not only information but the enthusiasm and dedication to use what we teach at home. The classes takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6 PM to 8 PM. Click here to register. When it comes to the most important people in our lives, there is always more to learn.

I'm also going to be helping out at OMI booth at the Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show on September 21 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Catoosa. Stop by and say hello! Engaged couples can save $45 on their marriage license by attending a Forever. For Real. workshop. Our service delivery coordinator Amanda Carter once said, "Think about how much time you spend planning your wedding. Wouldn't it be worth the investment of 12 hours of your time to invest in your marriage?" Amen, sister. Learn how to keep the spark alive and protect your relationship from negative patterns by attending a workshop in your neighborhood.

Speaking of neighborhoods, Kendall Whittier, Inc.'s annual benefit, "A Beautiful Night For the Neighborhood", is approaching fast! There is still time to purchase your ticket or make a donation for our auction. The benefit will feature a special performance of Forever Plaid! I've never seen it myself but I have heard that this show is hilarious. Come out, laugh, and help out your neighbors by purchasing a ticket to support families from one of Tulsa's largest and most impoverished neighborhoods. Click here for more information about the event, and click here to read more about Kendall Whittier, Inc. or visit us on facebook. Check out the recent Tulsa World article!

This November, I will be judging the All American Idol contest in a benefit for the Bethel Foundation. I cannot tell you enough how wonderful this organization is! While I have chosen to focus on the needs of children after divorce (because I understand what they are going through), Lynda K. Powell, a former single mother herself and founder of the Bethel Foundation, has chosen to focus on meeting the needs of single mothers. I wish my mother would have had this kind of support. Raising three girls, alone, while holding a full-time job, trying to go back to school, while rebuilding yourself and your life emotionally, financially and spiritually is a difficult task for any woman. I can only imagine the strength required. Bethel shows these women that they are not alone, that someone understands their situation and is here to help. I look forward to doing more with Lynda and this wonderful foundation in the future.

My calendar is now filling up fast as I continue to support causes and organizations that mean a lot to me while promoting the Mrs. Oklahoma America organization. Please contact me to book a speaking engagement or other appearance, or to inform me of service opportunity related to helping children and families. Please send the details of the event, location, date and time and I will be sure to get back to you within 24 hours. I especially love speaking to children and youth! I look forward to doing more in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma this year! I'd love to hear from you!

In the News...

Tulsa Today posted an article about my new title! Here's the link:

Tulsa Today: Tulsa Community College Instructor is Selected as Mrs. Tulsa America 2010

In the News...

Photo by Daryl Wilson / Tulsa World

Check out the Tulsa World article featuring Kendall Whittier, Inc.!
Thank you Danna Sue and Daryl for highlighting our event!

Tulsa World: Plaid to Highlight Kendall Whittier annual benefit

Mrs. Tulsa 2010!

I recently took my first steps on the journey to become Mrs. America! I will be representing Tulsa in the Mrs. Oklahoma America pageant April 16-17, 2010 at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple. I'm very excited about it and will prepare to compete with no regrets while serving my community as Mrs. Tulsa.

In the time since I have given up my Mrs. Oklahoma International title, I've learned that it's not the crown but the woman wearing it that makes the difference. Confidence must radiate from the inside out. When we believe in ourselves, forgive ourselves for mistakes, learn from them, and go boldly forward, we give others permission to do the same. But if you can believe it, you can gain confidence, grow, and become a stronger person tomorrow than you are today. My friend, Heather Rouba, Mrs. Oklahoma America and future Mrs. America(!!!), as well as my friends Kara Shull and Cassondra Smith, have helped God reveal these truths to me this year. I'm so grateful that God has placed these amazing women in my life! I still have much to learn and I embrace the opportunity. Thanks for joining me on my journey! Stay tuned for updates!

Thank you Ihloff and Tulsa Drillers!

Thank you to Ihloff Salon and The Tulsa Drillers for agreeing to donate for Kendall Whittier families. I'm constantly impressed and moved by the generosity and compassion of people from Tulsa.

Thank you Queenie's!

On behalf of Kendall Whittier, Inc., I'd like to thank Queenie's at Utica Square for supporting a great cause and helping Tulsa children and families in the Kendall Whittier neighborhood! Please patronize Queenie's, Starbucks, Miss Jackson's penthouse salon, and Coach, and thank them for their gracious generosity in helping their neighbors.

Thank you Cassondra, Starbucks, Coach, and Miss Jackson's for supporting KWI!

I met my friend Cassondra for coffee at Starbucks today, at the Utica Square location, to discuss our shared trepidation and plans for seeking auction item donations for KWI. I have no idea what has changed in the five years since I fundraised for the West Tulsa YMCA, but for some reason, this year I had been a little bit more nervous than usual about asking friends, family and community leaders for silent auction donations, even though it is for a wonderful and important cause. It's hard asking people for donations in this economy. Even so, I know that I love to have the opportunity to give, and I know that many business owners and mangers in Tulsa feel the same way. We gathered our courage and did our best!

Together, Cassondra and I did it! We spoke with representatives of Starbucks, Coach, Miss Jacksons, and many other stores. We were able to secure several wonderful donations today, and able to make several contacts that will hopefully become Kendall Whittier partners in the future. Cassondra and I overcame our fears and were able to really do something for KW families, and that makes me really proud of us. :) Great job Cassondra! Working together, we can help so many people!

I'd like to thank Starbucks, Coach, and Miss Jackson's for their donations and encourage others to give to help children to learn about nutrition, fitness, the importance of education and the dangers of substance abuse and premature sexual activity. We're also helping to feed many families in need and helping students to learn to love reading. Our students are receiving life changing mentoring and tutoring services. By providing these services and the tangible support of food and other items, we're giving families hope. I hope that you'll join the cause and give to our neighbors too.

Many people ask, "Who are these neighbors?" We're talking about families who live just north of 11th street. Looking at TU and its beautiful buildings, who would know that there were families living in such extreme poverty right next door? Thank you again to our donors! If you'd like to help, send me an email at SashaMTownsend@gmail.com, and I'll be sure to get back to you within 24 hours to set up an in-person meeting. Some people have told me, "You know, you can't save every child," but I know that if we've helped one child, we've done our job. Sometimes, it's just one caring adult that makes all of the difference. Kendall Whittier, Inc. has been helping children and families of our neighborhood for over 25 years. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to help my neighbors! I hope you'll join the movement and help your neighbors too!

Visit us on facebook and visit our website for more information.

Kendall-Whittier, Inc.

Hello friends and family! I have some news. I've been a volunteer with Kendall-Whittier, Inc. a very short time but I jumped in enthusiastically when I discovered their mission and found out what they are all about.

Kendall-Whittier, Inc.'s mission is to work together to improve the quality of life of the individuals of neighborhood. Specifically, KWI does this through their Emergency Food Pantry, an after-school tutoring and mentoring program, and community outreach and advocacy as a Partner in Education and through other avenues. For more information, go to www.kendallwhittierinc.org or visit us on facebook.

One of the things that I think makes KWI so special is that we're all about neighbors helping neighbors. The organization is focused on a specific group of people and their needs, rather than the needs that a certain group of volunteers want to meet. In a time when facebook, myspace, (blogger :)) and other social networking sites have replaced many face-to-face interactions, the work of KWI builds a sense of community. I believe that we all need to be connected to people. Each of us has something to offer, and the world is better when we all give of ourselves to help others. KWI volunteers and board members understand this. In addition to the life-changing work of providing students with role models, mentors, not to mention life skills, practical information, and tangible support in the form of food and supplies, these actions give people hope. It's amazing how much our actions speak so much louder than words do. Whenever my mom hears Extreme's "More Than Words" she thinks of me, and now I think, not only of her, but of the great work being done through KWI. When we bless people with something they need, they receive so much more than what is tangible and that's what Kendall-Whittier, Inc. is all about.

I'm currently serving a committee planning a benefit for KWI's annual fundraising event, titled "A Beautiful Night For the Neighborhood." I'm seeking monetary and silent auction donations for our event. KWI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so every donation is tax deductible. In addition, every donor will be recognized and promoted through the visibility of their items. It truly is a win-win for every one who is willing and able to donate something and residents of our neighborhood. If you feel called to donate something, please send me an email with your contact information and I will call you within 24 hours to set up an in-person meeting. I believe wholehearted in the work KWI is doing for children and families who live just north of me. I appreciate your kindness, your support, and your prayers for our event!