Calling all Fashionistas!!!

Hello beautiful people!

I just have to say that Saturday night was so exhilarating! I have to talk about the fashion show first because it is still making me smile :) The Project Redesign Fashion show was a huge success thanks to all of our fans, models, princesses, parents, sponsors, etc. I can't tell you how many people we have to thank. But most importantly, the 36 teenage models who graced the runway were FABULOUS! Everyone had the jitters backstage before the show and after we said a prayer, I donned my 'Preakness' gold and black wide-brimmed hat and the girls went wild!!!! We all loosened up and there were no more fears. I said 'Let's do this girls!' and we completely blew away the audience. All the way from the 1940's to today, we saw jumpsuits, leg warmers, pearls, scrunchies and so much more! The highlight had to have been the princess scene when we invited 30 little girls up on the stage to walk the runway with our models. While the teens modeled gowns from the Red Carpet Pageant and Prom store, the princesses strutted their stuff wearing tiaras and dainty gloves given to them by the fashionistas. What a sight! The girls were SO CUTE!!!! I can't describe to you how many 'OOOOOs' and 'AHHHHs' we heard that night. And to top it off, Brooke Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009 sang an awesome Carrie Underwood song during the scene and rocked the house. Even Brooke's outfit was vintage! Check out all of the pictures on my website www.projectredesign.net or catch some on Facebook.

Once we count all the numbers, I will be happy to report to you how much money we raised for the Children's Miracle Network. Having filled all of the seats and spilling over into the bleachers, I must say we reached our goal!

It is just incredible to me to realize how many girls have been impacted through the Miss Maryland Organization and my work with Project Redesign. All of the models, princesses, and every girl in the audience that night, heard the real and powerful message that beauty comes from the heart. Beauty is God-given to EVERY woman and we must accept that gift and cherish it! I told some of my friends after the show that all of the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears, and just everything is all worth it when you see those girls faces on the runway. They were shining with joy!!! They 'get it'! When you think of all of the negative images and pressures teens face today, it is such a relief and a privilege to share with these girls an innocent and pure truth. I am so grateful to God for making last night absolutely perfect.

In addition to the best night of the year (hehe), I was busy with many other things in preparation for Miss Maryland this past week. I finished my orientation at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center to begin my volunteer work there. I can't wait to meet the children and tell them about the fashion show! I also had the chance to do a radio interview with Tracey Tiernan from 95.1 Shine FM station. She was our lovely Mistress of Ceremonies for the fashion show and we enjoyed a great chat on the air about Project Redesign. And then today I was honored to play the harp for the Mother's Day Brunch at the Intercontinental HarborCourt Hotel in downtown Baltimore. I have played there many times and it is literally my favorite hotel next to the Hotel Del on Coronado Island in San Diego (ever seen the movie 'Some Like it Hot'?). Just imagine a gorgeous wooden winding staircase that overlooks the Inner Harbor. Amazing!

Lastly if you missed the fashion show, you can buy a DVD within the next few weeks. I will post info about it soon! Thanks and good night :)

Love,
Rach