June 28, 2010: Center for Literacy Commencement Ceremony

Introducing your graduating class of 2010!!

If life has taught me one thing, it is that each of us are on our own journey, with our unique purpose. Each of the distinguished graduates represented different walks of life that met at a point of resolve: a commitment to face challenges head on and complete their high school diploma. I would especially like congratulate the class valedictorian Tiffani Gunner (pictured) on her outstanding achievement--continue striving for excellence (and of course consider Drexel Univ. for your next step!)

Our commencement speaker for the evening was the one and only, activist and writer extraordinare Sonia Sanchez (pictured)! Her creative energy and enthusiasm were the perfect catalyst to the conferral of diplomas.

An emphasis on education ( in any form) is a major part of my platform because it affords one the ability to view and interact with the world around you in ways previously unimaginable. Thus it is a critical component of restoring our communities. Kudos and kudos again to all of the graduates---this is only the beginning!

For additional info, visit:

soniasanchez.net

www.centerforliteracy.com

In His service...

June 17, 2010: Brides Against Breast Cancer

Every 2 1/2 minutes a person in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that this year alone, over 200,000 women and nearly 1,200 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer; with 40,000 people in the United States losing their battle with the disease annually.

Brides Against Breast Cancer (BABC) is a heart-warming organization that provides an opportunity for metastatic breast cancer patients' dream or wish to be fulfilled by providing special time of "Making Memories" together with their families. BABC receives donations of gently used weddings gowns from individuals and designers like Vera Wang, Priscilla of Boston, Monique Lulillier, and David's Bridal, and offer them to soon-to-be brides at heavily discounted prices (I sold a gorgeous Vera Wang gown for $600!!!). ALL (yes, 100%) of the proceeds go towards making dreams come true for breast cancer patients---some simply want a new washer and dryer to teach their children how to do laundry, while others wish for a last family vacation to Disney.

Having known many breast cancer survivors, it was an honor and a privilege to help women find their wedding dress--arguably the most important part of their wedding day (besides the groom), while simultaneously fundraising for an excellent cause! I highly encourage you to find when the Brides Against Breast Cancer tour comes to your town and VOLUNTEER!! You will not regret it :)


For more information about Brides Against Breast Cancer, visit: www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org.


In His service...

June 9, 2010: Awareness and Self Defense Program for Women

On Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 20 year old Sabrina Rose O'Donnell was sexually assaulted and murdered in the northern section Philadelphia. This tragic loss left a family devastated and a neighborhood stunned and angry. While the suspect has since been apprehended, the brutal murder understandably resonates uneasy feelings in the hearts of women everywhere. In response, Master Lawrence Whitaker at the Urban Defense Center hosted a Self Defense course to teach basic readiness assurance techniques to use in emergent situations. In addition to the physical moves, Master Whitaker also discussed the importance if intuition and making smart decisions when moving about in public. We must EDUCATE ourselves to PROTECT ourselves!

A few take home points:

1. Ladies: Arrive together, leave together

2. Always be aware of your surroundings

3. Do not ignore your "spidey-sense" --if it is tingling, something is probably wrong!

4. Do not worry about "offending" a potential attacker--anyone who does not mean you harm will understand and not be offended

For additional information about Urban Defense Center, visit: www.phillyurbandefense.com.

In His service...

June 6: 2010 (Evening): Samuel Dalembert Foundation Fundraiser

I had the lovely opportunity to attend the Our ModestE fashion show and fundraiser event to bring resources and awareness to the Samuel Dalembert Foundation and St. Christopher's Hospital. The Samuel Dalembert Foundation strives to "better the lives of Haiti and children around the world", before and during this time of recovery. St. Christopher is a true oasis in an urban jungle that provides exceptional pediatric care to children from around the world and strives to maintain the values of "integrity, sensitivity, fairness and justice".

The occasion was a huge success, attended by a wide variety of local radio/television personalities (Natasha Brown, CBS3 pictured above) and was unique in that it represented how people of all backgrounds can congregate for the purpose of social improvement. If we are honestly going to "restore the vision for our communities" we must realize a few things: 1. Charity begins at home, but it does not end there, 2. If we are ever going to have a sustained upward progression , we MUST provide support and resources to our children!

For more information, please visit:

www.dalembertfoundation.org

www.stchristophershospital.com

In His service...

June 6, 2010: Walk through a Wall for Girard

Integrity, respect, self-discipline, compassion and responsibilty; these are the values emphasized at the Girard College. The Walk Through A Wall for Girard walk-a-thon to empower the children of lower income families throughout Philadelphia.

Girard College is a private boarding school for academically capable students grade K-12 from families with limited financial resources, headed by a single guardian. All Girard students receive full scholarships to take part in the accademic program and to live safely on its enclosed 43-acre campus in Philadelphia. Unfortunatley, due to the economic downturn, many of these scholarships are at risk--thus why we gave all that we could to make this fundraiser a hige success!

Girard's mission is to prepare students for advanced education and life as informed, ethical and productive citizens through a rigorous educational programs that promote intellectual, social and emotional growth. I believe that it is instituions like Girard College that are integral in "restoring the vision for our communities" and embodies the principles of EDUCATION, COMMUNITY SERVICE, PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY--the nucleas of my year of service!

I had a phenomenal time walking alongside Girard's rising senior class (woop woop!) and discussing options and game plans for pursuing higher education. In our group we had future alumni of Howard University, LaSalle, FAM Univ., Millersville and DREXEL UNIVERSITY (home of the fierce Drexel Dragons--woop woop!), but I am not biased **wink wink** Thank you Girard for allowing me to be a part of this worthy cause!

For more information about Girard, or to show your financial support, please visit: http://www.girardcollege.com/

In His service....

June 3, 2010: Visiting the Keystone State Capital, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, the illustrious capital city of the historic Keystone State of Pennsylvania: My visit to Harrisburg was exciting, purpose confirming and awe-inspiring to say the least! It began with an impromptu tour of the downtown area (looking for parking- LOL) and then a leisurely breakfast on restaurant row. Upon entering the Office of Mayor Linda D. Thompson (the first African American and first female Mayor of Harrisburg--EVER) I was immediately greeted by her incredibly pleasant office team. As we walked into the conference room for our meeting my eyes locked onto the basket full of Hershey chocolate bars occupying the entire center of the table and I thought to myself: this is a woman after my own heart! :)

The incredible conversation that ensued when the Mayor sat down can only be described ordained! Mayor Thompson is a rare combination of elegance, intelligence, tenacity, beauty-and did I mention intelligence-all with the knowledge of Christ. Our discussion reafffirmed the importance of obedience and joy of faith! At the culmination of our meeting the Mayor presented me with a prepared proclamation declaring June 3, 2010, Valerie L. Moore, Miss Black Pennsylvania USA 2010 Day!! The document highlights my personal accomplishments as well as the triumphs of the Miss Black USA organization. To say I am feel blessed to have received this honor would be an understatement--I am still staring at it in amazement :)

Harrisburg is a charming city that offers small town luxuries with a big city feel. The views of the Susquehanna River are breathtaking, the citizens are warm and the Turkey Hill ice cream is unbelieveable!

In His service....

June 2, 2010: Webster Elementary School Take 25/Peace Week

H.A.L.T ! A command to ward off offenders? Nope- its an acronym to assess your immediate feelings. We learned that before we act on our emotions, we are going to step back, take a 10 second timeout and ask ourselves if we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired--it is amazing what a little nap can do! This is critical because although we may choose our actions we cannot choose the consequences. Also during my time hanging with my new friends at Webster Elementary School, my sisters and I discussed a wide variety of topics ranging from emotions to understanding boys/brothers (boys are weird) to our topic du jour Internet Safety. In today's "connected" society our youth are gaining increased exposure to a wide variety of influences, thus it is important that they are educated about social skills on and offline. Research shows that less than 30% of childrfen who receive unwanted sexual advances online report it to a parent or guardian--the threat is unfortunate, but very real! For more information on protecting children from internet predators, visit www.take25.org/page.asp?page=55

Spending time with young girls is always the highlight of my school visits--I started off with no sisters, now I have over 100!! :)

In His service....