DWDC Showcase & All City Live Radio Appearance

DWDC SHOWCASE 

On Sunday March 6th I had a fun filled day of appearances. My day started at St.A's for Dance Works Dance Center's 2nd Annual Company Showcase. I myself am an alumni of DWDC, so it was great to go back and see the kids perform. The showcase was wonderful and each and every student did a sensational job. Growing up, Dance Works was my home away from home. It is because of Dance Works that I am who I am today. Amazing teachers (Margaret Tapogna, Buffy Whalen, Fallon Preziotti, Janine Cambridge, and Paul Morelli), along with endless love, dedication and heart is the reason why Dance Works will forever be such a special part of my life. The memories, the friendships and the lessons learned there are ones that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am truly so thankful that I was lucky enough to be a part of something so unique and special.

Remember dancers, cherish the time you have on that stage, own it and never forget that this is your time to shine ! 

DWDC Showcase March 6, 2011

Wild Horses <3

"The Change"

Miss M <3

Gotta Love Billy xoxo

Meagan <3 "Steam Heat" (and old solo song of mine actually)
Fabulous job my dear :-) 

Can always point out "Orange Colored Skies" lol
Love ya Gabby :-) 

Saying a few words before Act II

ALL CITY LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW

Following the Dance Works Showcase I headed straight over to my very first Radio Appearance at Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus)for the All City Live Radio Show. The show is broadcasted from LIU and stars a fabulous array of personalities, some of whom were actually graduates of the school. I was at the radio station for close to two hours with DJ Prince, Rej Da Boss, Mack Of Go Hard Or Go Home, DJ Commish and Comedian Darnell Wright. The interview went wonderful and it was really a lot of fun. It was refreshing to be in such a laid back environment surrounded by people who genuinely love what they do. They all work great together and put forth a show that's quite entertaining. Aside from the interview, I even got a twitter account lol. When the guys found out that I was not a "tweeter," they set me up with an account while still on the air (thanks Mack).

What a memorable experience :-) 

All City Live Radio
DJ Prince

All City Live Radio

All City Live Radio

All City Live Radio

Hehe :-) 

CHEEZ !

DJ Commish, Rej, Mack, DJ Prince, and comedian Darnell

Listen to All City Live Radio Each & Every Sun 3-7pm Est on www.wliubk.org & I -Tunes Radio. Follow them  OnTwitter & @AllCityLive & Facebook AllCity LiveRadio. 

Click here to listen to my interview http://www.sendspace.com/file/hwktac 

xoxo

Christina 

Motivational Speech at IS 187, Queens Corner Expo & Read Across America Day !

So I have been a busy bee and am three blogs behind, so I have decided to do three for the price of one ! 

MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH AT IS 187 

First starting with my motivational speech, on Wednesday February 16^th.  This marked my second motivational speech at a Junior High School this year, but this one was slightly different from the first because I was able to speak at Christa McAuliffe IS 187 my good ole’ alma mater. I graduated from McAuliffe in 2004 from the Arts & Humanities Academy and have actually been the Drama Club Choreographer there for the past 4 years, so I am no stranger to many of the wonderful students. Therefore, I decided to do something a little different this time around and instead of wearing my crown I decided to put it on a stand right next to me while I spoke because I wanted the students to still see me as me, not Miss Brooklyn who happens to be Christina, but just Christina who happens to be Miss Brooklyn. I wanted them to understand that simply by being who they are in life and by following their heart and their niche life will throw so many remarkable opportunities their way. 

Auditorium Filling Up
at Christa McAuliffe IS 187 

I have said it before and I will say it again, if someone told me when I was sitting in the auditorium in the 6th grade that one day I would be on the Miss America track I would have laughed and thought, IMPOSSIBLE! But if I have learned anything from this experience it is that life has its own little plan for you, and its simply up to you to seize an opportunity and don't let unexpected things pass you by. 

Speech Time !
Christa McAuliffe
February 16, 2011

:-) 

My Drama Club Girls :-)

I was able to speak with all three academies at the school totaling 1,000 students in a matter of a few hours. The students were all so receptive, they listened intently to all that I had to say and at the end they were able to ask me a few questions regarding my time at McAuliffe, where I went to HS, and what my plans after Miss Brooklyn are. These students always put a smile on my face and this day was no exception, I really had a great time speaking to all of them. If my story can help these students to recognize a dream of theirs or encourage them to never give up on their goals then I certainly did my job. I must thank Principal Berman for allowing me to speak with the students, the school Dean Mr. Nicol and of course Mrs. Ferrier for giving me this chance. Teachers are some of the most influential people in your life and I have been so fortunate to have some of the best in the system when I was in JHS. Mrs. Ferrier is a prime example of both an excellent educator and an amazing mentor. She has supported me, defended me and has stood by me throughout all of these years and has grown from educator to friend, who I cherish. 

IS 187 Students :-)

*To my McAuliffe students, never forget that you have one of the best teachers around! Mrs. Ferrier does so much for all of you and you need to realize how truly lucky you guys are to have her as your teacher (and of course fabulous Drama Club Facilitator) !

Thank you to all of the students who wrote to me :-) And a very special thank you to all of my drama kids who I love working with year after year ! 

*****ADDITIONAL PICS Coming Soon, keep an eye out for them on FB 

QUEENS CORNER EXPO

On February 26th I had a fun filled day of Pageant Lessons at the Queens Corner Pageant Expo created and coordinated by Miss Brooklyn Executive Director, 

Amaris Acosta. I attended the Expo last year for the first time right before I competed for Miss Brooklyn 2010 and certainly learned a lot. The expo is a lot of fun and a great way to meet different people and organizations involved in the pageant world. It is amazing how many pageant systems there are all throughout the United States, from Miss Earth, to National American Miss, to even America's Outstanding Mom :-) there are endless possibilities when it come to pageant programs. Overall I had a great day meeting new titleholders at the expo. I was even able to run the check in table with my sister queen Miss Kings County Carmen Mendoza. We are both so busy all the time and this was actually one of our first appearances together where we were able to talk and catch up on the craziness of our lives.   

Amaris Acosta
Executive Director of the Miss Brooklyn Org. 

Miss Brooklyn Organization 2011

National American Miss Titleholders :-) 

Titleholders from all over the country !

:-)

READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY 

On March 2nd I returned to the Block Institute for Read Across America Day :-) In 1998 the National Education Association started this program to promote reading throughout the United States and since its emergence 12 years ago, it had become a national tradition. "Between March 1 - 4, 2011 more than 45 million participants in all 50 states participate in what has become the largest literacy celebration in the United States." 

I was able to get in on the day and read to a few kindergarten classes at the Block Institute. Since Read Across America Day falls on Dr. Seuss's birthday :-) it was only appropriate that I read the Dr. Seuss Classic Green Eggs and Ham to the kiddies. I was able to meet two adorable classes and read to them a book that I have always enjoyed. When I was done reading to them it was just about time for lunch, and what was on the menu ??? GREEN EGGS AND HAM of course :-) 

Todd Adelman
Director of Special Projects at the Block Institute

Dylan seemed to be more intrigued by the camera than the story lol :-)

Green Eggs & Ham ! Classic 

Kindergarten Cuties !

Nathan and Gabriel, these two were adorable !!!!

Gabriel certainly wasn't camera shy as he posed for a mini photo shoot lol 

Little Nathan !

Miss Greater NYC aka Miss Keelie who also read to the kiddies!

 Phewwww finally all caught up :-) Hope you enjoyed it !

xoxo

Christina 

CUPID'S CURE !!!!

“A positive thought will always lead to a positive outcome!”-Josephine Schiavo 

My Beautiful Aunt Josephine Schiavo, the Honoree of Cupid's Cure 

Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Proclamation from Brooklyn Borough
President Marty Markowitz

So close to a week and a half has gone by and I am still on cloud nine from the results of Cupid’s Cure!!!! !

I am so proud and amazed to say that the event raised $10,000 for the Sarcoma Alliance & Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization!

So what was Cupid's Cure ????  . . . . . . 

Over the past couple of months I coordinated a fundraiser for the Sarcoma Alliance www.sarcomaalliance.org (the charity I am supporting this year as Miss Brooklyn), in honor of my aunt and sarcoma survivor Josephine Schiavo. Around the end of November (while I was getting things in order for the Cosmic Charity Challenge lol) I had another thought for a fundraiser and knew Valentine’s Day would be the central theme, with that Cupid’s Cure came about and took place on February 12, 2011. What I thought would be a small gathering escalated into quite the extravaganza. I had a vision in my head of how I wanted the evening to go and I have to say it went ten times better than I could have ever imagined.

The event took place at Sirico’s Catering Hall in Brooklyn NY and included dinner, dancing, a Chinese auction, raffles and more. There were 200 people in attendance including the Executive Director of the Sarcoma Alliance, along with his family (who flew allllll the way from California to attend Cupid’s Cure), The Executive Director of The Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization, Amaris Acosta, my little sister queen Miss Brooklyn’s Outstanding Teen, Brittney Hollingsworth, Miss New York, Claire Buffie & Miss New York Board Member and former director of the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization, Linda Carbo. 

Me & Aunt Joe 

Arthur Beckert: Executive Director of the Sarcoma Alliance
Who flew all the way from CALIFORNIA to be with us that night :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Aunt Joe, Arthur Beckert & Me 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

The Entire Beckert Family with
Aunt Joe, her husband Nicky & Me 

Miss New York 2010, Claire Buffie
Thank you so much Claire :-) 

                                       

 

Miss New York, Claire Buffie, Miss BK & My Little Sister Queen
Miss Brooklyn's Outstanding Teen, Brittney Hollingsworth 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Miss New York & Miss New York Board Member/Former Director
of the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Org., Linda Carbo 

Executive Director of the Miss Brooklyn Scholarship OrganizationAmaris Acosta, Miss BK's OT, Brittney Hollingsworth & Me :-) 

Aunt Joe and I knew that if we were going to coordinate a fundraiser, it wasn’t going to be your typical “fundraiser,” but instead a true celebration of life. We were there not to be saddened by Josephine’s struggle, but rather empowered and inspired by her tremendous fight. Her positive attitude and outlook on life is one to be admired by all, for it is the reason she is with us today. Her zest for life, loud voice and contagious personality is unbelievable and I wanted that to be able to shine the most the night of the event!

Baskets EVERYWHERE !

Banner :-)

"ALL MY CHILDREN" Supports the Sarcoma Alliance 

Home Reporter Article 

The Calm Before the Terrific Storm lol

A lot of people are unaware of what Sarcoma is, and until my aunt Josephine was diagnosed in 2007 I myself had no idea that the cancer existed. Sarcoma is the most rare form of cancer in the United States today. It affects 1% of adults and 15-20% of children each and every year. 4,000 people lose the fight with sarcoma every year, and I am so proud to say that Josephine Schiavo beat every odd, every statistic and can call herself a STAGE 4 Sarcoma Cancer Survivor.

It is because of her that I was inspired to spread awareness for Sarcoma through the use of the performing arts with a platform I call “Performers With A Purpose,” Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage. My passion has always been the performing arts and I wanted to find a way to promote the arts, while simultaneously raising support and awareness for The Sarcoma Alliance. Therefore I created a unique program that I have implemented in 3 Brooklyn Public School (PS 48, PS 112 and IS 187). It involves me traveling to these schools once a week from now until May teaching dance clinics and spreading the joy of the arts to as many students as possible. Then on May 7, 2011 at Xaverian High School these students will have the opportunity to perform at a final dance benefit, where all of the proceeds will be going straight to the Sarcoma Alliance.

So I am now in the process of planning the May event, but am still a little distracted by the results of Cupid’s Cure lol.  After all was said and done Cupid’s Cure raised an unbelievable $10,000 for the Sarcoma Alliance & Miss Brooklyn Scholarship Organization! My original goal was between $5,000-$7,000, so this truly exceeded every expectation I had!

Yes the event took place the weekend of Valentine’s Day and love was indeed in the air lol, but I hope that each and everyday you recall the love that you have for your friends, for your family, for you neighbors, for your loved ones, but most importantly recall the love that you have for the life that you get to live each and every day. Remember to savor the memories and moments with the people that mean the most to you. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF AND LOOK AT THE BIIIIGGGG PICTURE <3 

THIS EVENT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN DONE BY ONE PERSON AND I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THE AMAZING PEOPLE WHO HELPED TO 

MAKE CUPID'S CURE A HUUUUGGGEEE SUCCESS <3

Cupid’s Cure

Committee

A Very Special Thanks To . . . 

THERESA CLAPSO

LENORE COUMOUTSEAS

DARLENE MOORE

MARIEANNE SCAFURI

JOSEPHINE SCHIAVO

JOSEPHINE SCIMONE

This event would never have been possible without their constant support, dedication, time and effort. They were the ones behind the magic and I cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work. I truly have the best Aunts &“Friend Friends” in the entire world, and am so blessed to have people like them in my life.

I love you, and have an indescribable amount of gratitude to all of you. Thank you for helping me to bring my vision of CUPID’S CURE to LIFE. 

Those 10 hour days, and weekly meetings were 

SOOOO WORTH IT lol :-)  

Cupid's Cure Committee <3

LOVE YOU ALL <3

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

Catering Hall: Sirico’s Caterers

8017-23 13^th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11228

(718) 331-2900

Beauty Sponsor: Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon

8412 Third Avenue

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York 11209 USA

718.748.7411

 http://www.piloarts.com 

Owner: Elena Solitario

Hairstylist: Jayne Thompson-Chillo

Makeup: Betsy Shuki

 DJ: Dash of Class Entertainment

7514 13^th Avenue 11228

(718) 259-9559

Joe Zicolello

Graphic Designer: Daniel DeNisco

ddenisco@campus.citytech.cuny.edu 

danieldenisco@gmail.com 

Printer: Mike Avena

Photographer: Peter Colen

peter.colen@gmail.com 

(347) 683-6001

Videographer: Mary Ellen Pesanello

mep383@nyu.edu

marpes@optonline.net 

 Florist: 13^th Avenue Florist

7806 13^th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11228

(718) 236-9088

www.13thAveFlorist.com 

13thAveFlorist@gmail.com 

Thank you to all of these wonderful sponsors for donating their time and their resources, and for helping me to make this event a success.

BUSINESS DONATIONS

 Adventurers Family Entertainment Center

Aletto Jewelers

B & A Pork Store Gourmet Market

Bay Ridge Dermatology

Blockbuster 18^th Avenue

Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball

Brooklyn Tans

Classic Tuxedos

Cement and Concrete Workers District Council

Concrete and Cement Workers Local 20

Dance Works Dance Center

Frame Me

Michael Gangi Plumbing

IRL Security System Inc.

Langdon Florist

La Sorrentina Restaurant

L’Oreal Paris

Manny’s Haircare

Maple Lanes

Mapleton Printing

Modern Florist

Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon

Sarcoma Alliance

Skinflints Restaurant

Sparks Steakhouse NYC

Stuben Associates

Sweet Sisters Chocolates

Trovato’s Wine & Liquor Inc.

Vegas Diner

Vito Bruno Productions

World of Wonders Day Care

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

Mrs. Patricia Bruno

Mr. Vito Bruno

Chiaffarano Family

Mrs. Jayne Thompson-Chillo

Ms. Theresa Clapso

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Coumoutseas

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeLissio

Ms. Marie Donadio

Mr. Angelo Gassoso

Mrs. Margaret Tapogna-Gatzonis (Zumba for Rachel)

 Jehamy Family

Mrs. Lisa Leto

Mr. & Mrs. Robert McKenna

Mr. & Mrs. Keith Moore

Mrs. Fran Peluso

Mrs. Angela Pennachio

Ms. Erika Romano

Ms. Marieanne Scafuri

Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas Schiavo

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scimone

Ms. Nicole Sturiale

Mrs. Fallon Preziotti-White

Ms. Donna Zappulla

FINALLY THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY AMAZING FRIENDS & FAMILY! I REALLY HAVE THE MOST AMAZING SUPPORT SYSTEM ON THE PLANET AND I AM SO LUCKY AND TRULY BLESSED XOXO <3

I LOVE MI FAMILIA
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Little Brother <3
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Grandma & Nana <333 My Biggest Cheerleaders :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Mikey <333 My Oldest Friend in the World !!! Going on 20 years :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Miss M <3333
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

My Brooklyn Cyclones Beach BUMS, Love you girls xoxo <3
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Thanks Joey <3

MY MR. BROOKLYN <3
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Dancing the Night Away :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

LOVE YOU AUNT JOE <3

LIFELONGS <3333

Love ya Ry <3

I have the best friends EVER <3

Little Michael-John :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

:-)
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Keith being a HAM during Papa Americano lol
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Cheez :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

HAHA :-) 
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

LOLOL . . . Cousin Kristen WON a Basket !
Photograph By: Peter Colen
peter.colen@gmail.com
347-683-6001

Check out my facebook for more pics from the event :-) 

YAYAYAYAYA WE DID IT <33333

xoxo
Christina