Mr. Bitzan and his family
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Dine to Donate Fundraiser
On Wednesday, December 22, I held an all day fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network at Perkins Restaurant in Moorhead, MN. I handed out several flyers leading up to my event because my supporters had to have a flyer in order for their bill to count towards my fundraisers. Perkins donated 20% of a costumers total bill towards my fundraiser. At the end of the day, I made over $150 for Children's Miracle Network! I am very proud of my accomplishments for this event. Thank you to all my supporters who were able to make it out to my event. I want to especially thank my director, Amber, my parents, and two of my former professors, Dr. Altenburg and Mr. Bitzan for bringing their families out for dinner that evening. I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays with your families and I wish you a safe and happy new year!
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good
Monday morning I rang the bell for the Salvation Army once again. I was so thankful to stand inside Cash Wise in Moorhead collecting money when I noticed it was snowing shortly after I started my shift. The grocery store was much busier since it is the week of Christmas. I estimated I collected about $95 in the two hours I was there. That is three times more than I collected the last Monday I was there ringing the bell! It is the season of giving and I hope all of you are doing your part giving to the less fortunate.
Today, I am hosting a fundraiser at the Perkins in Moorhead, MN. If you eat there anytime today, 20% of your total bill will go to Children's Miracle Network at the Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo. People supporting my cause have to tell their server or cashier that they are eating for my fundraiser though, or their bill will not count towards my cause. I will keep you posted on the success of my fundraiser.
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead, 2010
Today, I am hosting a fundraiser at the Perkins in Moorhead, MN. If you eat there anytime today, 20% of your total bill will go to Children's Miracle Network at the Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo. People supporting my cause have to tell their server or cashier that they are eating for my fundraiser though, or their bill will not count towards my cause. I will keep you posted on the success of my fundraiser.
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good
Yesterday I stood for two hours at the Moorhead Cash Wise Foods grocery store ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. I think I collected $30 in the two hours I was standing there. If you take $30 x 10 hours a day = $300. Then take $300 x 37 days the event occurs = $11,100. This is just an estimated amount for Cash Wise in Moorhead. There are many locations in many cities around the world all collecting money for the Salvation Army. Just imagine how much money will be collected!
While I stood there, I tried to keep warm. Even though I was inside, the door constantly opened for customers so by the end of my shift, my feet were almost frozen off. Now I know I need to wear an extra pair of socks next Monday when I ring the bell again.
I was there to collect money for someone else, and yet, a few people gave to me in return. One lady bought me a candy bar, another gave me a hug, and one gentleman asked me to be a guest speaker at his organization's meeting. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many caring people in my community. I hope reading this post has inspired you to help the less fortunate in your community during the holidays. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, donate to your favorite charity, or go caroling in your neighborhood. Any small gesture of giving could impact another person in a huge way.
While I stood there, I tried to keep warm. Even though I was inside, the door constantly opened for customers so by the end of my shift, my feet were almost frozen off. Now I know I need to wear an extra pair of socks next Monday when I ring the bell again.
I was there to collect money for someone else, and yet, a few people gave to me in return. One lady bought me a candy bar, another gave me a hug, and one gentleman asked me to be a guest speaker at his organization's meeting. I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many caring people in my community. I hope reading this post has inspired you to help the less fortunate in your community during the holidays. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, donate to your favorite charity, or go caroling in your neighborhood. Any small gesture of giving could impact another person in a huge way.
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
NDSU Habitat for Humanity
This last weekend the North Dakota State University Habitat for Humanity held two fundraisers. One was a silent auction that had many great items up for bid. We had many free meal and service certificates, but the volleyball, NDSU football, men's basketball, and women's basketball, all signed by the NDSU players of each sport, were our best sellers. (Considering the NDSU football team is doing so well making NDSU history!) The silent auction brought in over $200 for our Habitat chapter. Our chapter also held a volleyball tournament this weekend. We had 12 co-ed teams that each played at least three games. We gave away cash prizes to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams and still made over $300.
A portion of the money we raise from each fundraiser will go towards students' spring break trip to California in order to build more Habitat for Humanity houses. The rest, which is most, of the money will go towards the building of houses in the Fargo/Moorhead area with the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity chapter.
I encourage you to keep supporting Habitat for Humanity in your communities. Together, we can each provide hope for one family, in one neighborhood, with one hammer, one nail at a time.
A portion of the money we raise from each fundraiser will go towards students' spring break trip to California in order to build more Habitat for Humanity houses. The rest, which is most, of the money will go towards the building of houses in the Fargo/Moorhead area with the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity chapter.
I encourage you to keep supporting Habitat for Humanity in your communities. Together, we can each provide hope for one family, in one neighborhood, with one hammer, one nail at a time.
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Holidays: A Time of Giving
As the holidays approach, we prepare for gift giving, cooking, and spending time with the ones we love. What about the families that will be spending their holidays in the hospitals because a child is sick? This time of year is not only about receiving all those precious gifts you asked for, but also, giving back to the less fortunate. This could include wrapping a new book or inexpensive toy, volunteering at a local soup kitchen, or ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. All these gifts are low cost and time ways to show children and families the joy of the holidays.
Another way you can help during the holidays is to donate to a charity of your choice. If you don't have a particular charity, then I would suggest you donate to my personal platform, Habitat for Humanity, or Children's Miracle Network. You can make a secure donation to my personal account by clicking on the picture of me with Alfunz to the right at the top of the page, or dine at Perkins Restuarant and Bakery in Detroit Lakes, Fargo, or Moorhead. Every time you eat at Perkins from now until April 30th, they will donate 10% of your total bill to Children's Miracle Network at the Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo, ND. You must tell the cashier that you would like your bill to be used for the CMN: Sanford Children's Hospital fundraiser for it to count.
Please remember to pray for the children and their families that are less fortunate and be thankful for the life you have been given. We only live it once!
Another way you can help during the holidays is to donate to a charity of your choice. If you don't have a particular charity, then I would suggest you donate to my personal platform, Habitat for Humanity, or Children's Miracle Network. You can make a secure donation to my personal account by clicking on the picture of me with Alfunz to the right at the top of the page, or dine at Perkins Restuarant and Bakery in Detroit Lakes, Fargo, or Moorhead. Every time you eat at Perkins from now until April 30th, they will donate 10% of your total bill to Children's Miracle Network at the Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo, ND. You must tell the cashier that you would like your bill to be used for the CMN: Sanford Children's Hospital fundraiser for it to count.
Please remember to pray for the children and their families that are less fortunate and be thankful for the life you have been given. We only live it once!
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Benefits of Scholarship Pageants: Brooke Kilgarriff's Personal Testimonial
I asked my friend, Brooke, to post her own personal testimonial of how she got started competing and why she would like to convince other young ladies to compete in scholarship pageants. Here is what she had to say...
"Ever since I was a young girl I admired the Miss America Pageant from afar. Only dreaming one day I would be able to put on a dress, and win a crown. At a young age I was unaware of the benefits the Miss America Organization offered, it was actually not until I became a titleholder where I realized the true advantages of the MAO.
Before entering my first local I was a volunteer at Gillette Children's Hospital during my summer and winter breaks from school. While running for Miss Twin Cities I was informed I had to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. It was this time I realized Gillette Children's was a Children's Miracle Network hospital. My relationship between CMN and Gillette continue to grow as local titleholder, and once I became Miss Minnesota I made it a priority during my reign. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from the Miss America Organization is the importance of giving back to others. The children I met through CMN and Gillette touched my life every moment I spent with them, and I am blessed that I still have the opportunity to volunteer with this incredible organization.
The Miss America Organization is about rewarding women who are excelling in their academics, community, and with their talents. Each woman enters the system for a different reason, but stay apart of the program for the same reason. Miss America gives women the opportunity to promote their talents, make a difference in their community, and receive scholarship money to continue their education. It was through MAO where I received opportunities such as performing at the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves games. I was able to travel to every corner of the state and meet many new people. I recorded a CD to raise money for Children's Miracle Network and Gillette Children's Hospital, giving over $14,000 to these organizations. I also performed on the Miss America stage for over 7,000 people and represented this great state.
Even though I no longer where the crown for Miss Minnesota, I can see the life long benefits it had proved me. This title has propelled me into a successful career as a performer. I met my best friend at the Miss America pageant, and 52 incredible women from all over the country. My goal as Miss Minnesota was to leave a legacy for this organization and I know all the work I did with Children's Miracle Network and Gillette Children's is what I want to be remembered for. Being a titleholder is about service and what you can do to better the lives of others.
Many future contestants have contacted me about competing in this organization, and I always tell them it is going to be one of the best decisions you ever make. Just remember, this is something you must work for, and the effort you put in will mirror the result you will get in return. Create your own legacy."
Before entering my first local I was a volunteer at Gillette Children's Hospital during my summer and winter breaks from school. While running for Miss Twin Cities I was informed I had to raise money for Children's Miracle Network. It was this time I realized Gillette Children's was a Children's Miracle Network hospital. My relationship between CMN and Gillette continue to grow as local titleholder, and once I became Miss Minnesota I made it a priority during my reign. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from the Miss America Organization is the importance of giving back to others. The children I met through CMN and Gillette touched my life every moment I spent with them, and I am blessed that I still have the opportunity to volunteer with this incredible organization.
The Miss America Organization is about rewarding women who are excelling in their academics, community, and with their talents. Each woman enters the system for a different reason, but stay apart of the program for the same reason. Miss America gives women the opportunity to promote their talents, make a difference in their community, and receive scholarship money to continue their education. It was through MAO where I received opportunities such as performing at the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves games. I was able to travel to every corner of the state and meet many new people. I recorded a CD to raise money for Children's Miracle Network and Gillette Children's Hospital, giving over $14,000 to these organizations. I also performed on the Miss America stage for over 7,000 people and represented this great state.
Even though I no longer where the crown for Miss Minnesota, I can see the life long benefits it had proved me. This title has propelled me into a successful career as a performer. I met my best friend at the Miss America pageant, and 52 incredible women from all over the country. My goal as Miss Minnesota was to leave a legacy for this organization and I know all the work I did with Children's Miracle Network and Gillette Children's is what I want to be remembered for. Being a titleholder is about service and what you can do to better the lives of others.
Many future contestants have contacted me about competing in this organization, and I always tell them it is going to be one of the best decisions you ever make. Just remember, this is something you must work for, and the effort you put in will mirror the result you will get in return. Create your own legacy."
-Brooke Kilgarriff
My first time meeting Miss Minnesota 2009, Brooke Kilgarriff
Brooke is someone I will always look up to. I am so happy to have met her and so glad to call her my friend. Thank you Brooke, for posting so we can help share the great benefits of scholarship pageants!
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Benefits of Scholarship Pageants: Personal Testimonial
Throughout the eight years of participating in local and state pageants I have been introduced to many new friends, mentors, non-profit organizations, and support systems. I have also been told the many things I have done well, what I can improve, and why I should or should not do pageants. Often times when I inform someone that I participate in pageants they automatically assume they are Miss USA affiliated and ask why I do "beauty" pageants. I quickly correct them by sharing that I am involved in the Miss America affiliated scholarship pageants that involve service, scholarship, success, and style. I have had many questions asked about my involvement in pageants and why I continue to do them. I want to share with all of you about how I got involved, the benefits from them, and how/why I would convince other young women to participate.
When I was in the seventh grade my best friend, Brooke, wanted to compete in the Jr. Miss Becker County Fair pageant...but not alone. She convinced me to sign up and I was put on a short wait list. The day I got the call that someone dropped out of the pageant and I was in, Brooke was over at my house. I ran out with excitement ready to tell her the good news that we would be competing in the pageant with her. After I told her, she informed me that she was the girl who dropped out. Imagine that! I decided to do it anyway in the hopes to meet new friends and gain confidence. Cindy Moore was the director of the pageant and did a great job making every girl feel comfortable and beautiful for the night of the pageant. I went into that night with very little experience and came out with higher self esteem, new friends, and the title of first runner-up!
Since that night I have continued to compete in pageants for the last eight years. I have competed in nearly 15 pageants and won five local titles, but the crown and title are not why I do them. I compete to enhance my public speaking skills, build new relationships, earn money to pay for my college degree, and give back to others through my non-profit organizations. Throughout the years of competing I have gained so much confidence in myself. I have learned how to easily speak in front of a small or large crowd while even having to think quick on my feet. Past directors have watched me compete over the years and they have told me how much they enjoy watching me and other young girls grow in confidence and maturity from when we are 13 to 14 and to now. Pageants have help me be much more comfortable in a job interview, public speaking classes, or when I have to present a project presentation for class. Over the years I have met new friends and now I am proud to say that I have a new extended family. My pageant family! In the last four years of competing in scholarship pageants I have won over $5000 towards the costs of my college education. Last year alone, Miss America gave away over $45 million in scholarship awards for local, state, and national competitors combined! This doesn't even include other scholarship pageants that are not affiliated with the Miss America organization. Because service is one of the four points Miss America focuses on in there pageants, women competing through the organization raise awareness for participating Children's Miracle Network hospitals as well the platform issue of their choice. Since I have been involved with Habitat for Humanity for six years, it was easy for me to choose that non-profit organization as my personal platform. It doesn't have to be a non-profit organization though. One of my many pageant friends, Brooke Kilgarriff, chose music as her personal platform. Her focus was to keep music in schools because she strongly believes, and studies have proven, that it helps children's learning capacities.
I believe nothing but good has came out of my pageant experiences. I have had to face many hurdles, but they have only made me stronger. I took those challenges head on and learned from them. All the benefits I have just talked about with my personal experience should be enough to convince a young woman to compete in a local pageant. I will also be adding another personal testimonial from Brooke Kilgarriff, Miss Minnesota 2009! She will also inform you of the benefits she has experienced from scholarship pageants. Please feel free to comment on this post. I would love to hear your thoughts if you are someone or know someone who has competed, are currently competing, or wish to compete in a scholarship pageant.
When I was in the seventh grade my best friend, Brooke, wanted to compete in the Jr. Miss Becker County Fair pageant...but not alone. She convinced me to sign up and I was put on a short wait list. The day I got the call that someone dropped out of the pageant and I was in, Brooke was over at my house. I ran out with excitement ready to tell her the good news that we would be competing in the pageant with her. After I told her, she informed me that she was the girl who dropped out. Imagine that! I decided to do it anyway in the hopes to meet new friends and gain confidence. Cindy Moore was the director of the pageant and did a great job making every girl feel comfortable and beautiful for the night of the pageant. I went into that night with very little experience and came out with higher self esteem, new friends, and the title of first runner-up!
Since that night I have continued to compete in pageants for the last eight years. I have competed in nearly 15 pageants and won five local titles, but the crown and title are not why I do them. I compete to enhance my public speaking skills, build new relationships, earn money to pay for my college degree, and give back to others through my non-profit organizations. Throughout the years of competing I have gained so much confidence in myself. I have learned how to easily speak in front of a small or large crowd while even having to think quick on my feet. Past directors have watched me compete over the years and they have told me how much they enjoy watching me and other young girls grow in confidence and maturity from when we are 13 to 14 and to now. Pageants have help me be much more comfortable in a job interview, public speaking classes, or when I have to present a project presentation for class. Over the years I have met new friends and now I am proud to say that I have a new extended family. My pageant family! In the last four years of competing in scholarship pageants I have won over $5000 towards the costs of my college education. Last year alone, Miss America gave away over $45 million in scholarship awards for local, state, and national competitors combined! This doesn't even include other scholarship pageants that are not affiliated with the Miss America organization. Because service is one of the four points Miss America focuses on in there pageants, women competing through the organization raise awareness for participating Children's Miracle Network hospitals as well the platform issue of their choice. Since I have been involved with Habitat for Humanity for six years, it was easy for me to choose that non-profit organization as my personal platform. It doesn't have to be a non-profit organization though. One of my many pageant friends, Brooke Kilgarriff, chose music as her personal platform. Her focus was to keep music in schools because she strongly believes, and studies have proven, that it helps children's learning capacities.
I believe nothing but good has came out of my pageant experiences. I have had to face many hurdles, but they have only made me stronger. I took those challenges head on and learned from them. All the benefits I have just talked about with my personal experience should be enough to convince a young woman to compete in a local pageant. I will also be adding another personal testimonial from Brooke Kilgarriff, Miss Minnesota 2009! She will also inform you of the benefits she has experienced from scholarship pageants. Please feel free to comment on this post. I would love to hear your thoughts if you are someone or know someone who has competed, are currently competing, or wish to compete in a scholarship pageant.
My proudest moment:
Winning the Miss America Community Service Award at Miss Minnesota!
Always,
Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson
Miss Moorhead 2010
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