Performers With A Purpose, "Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage"

Mission: Spread the joy of performing arts to our youth while raising awareness and funds for Sarcoma 

Results: 127 Public School Performers, 

8 Outstanding Dancing Schools, 

500 People and $12, 000.00 raised . . . Safe to say, "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!" 

Last year in an Arts Management class I created a 40 page not for profit business proposal called Performers With A Purpose, “Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage,” and this year I was able to take it off the paper and make it a reality !!! My biggest goal as Miss Brooklyn this year was to coordinate a dance benefit performance and on May 7th at Xaverian High School that goal came to life !!! I created and implemented a dance program in three Brooklyn Public Schools, PS 112, PS 48 & IS 187, teaching dance to 200 students a week ranging from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. My mission was to not only spread the importance of an arts education, but to show students that the arts can be used as a launching pad for success and can be a great tool for community service.  For four months I worked with the terrific children who danced their way into my heart and changed my life completely.  Their smiles, their passion and their joy made all of the stress of putting together such a detailed event soooo worth it !!! 


My inspiration and my motivation for everything I have done this year comes from a place that is very dear to my heart.  My Aunt Josephine Schiavo, who is a Stage 4 Sarcoma Cancer Survivor, has been my driving force every step of the way.  Her strength and her positive attitude through adversity is something  I admire tremendously.  I wanted to educate the community about Sarcoma because the reality is Sarcoma is the most rare form of cancer in the United States today, affecting 1% of adults and 15-20% of children each and every year, there are more then 50 subtypes of Sarcoma most of which even doctors can't diagnose and when approximately 4,000 people lose the fight with this cancer every year we can't afford not to know about it. 

Therefore, I was determined to make Performers With A Purpose come to life, I reached out to sponsors throughout Brooklyn and beyond and raised $4,600.00 in donations to ensure that all of the money raised at the event would go to the Sarcoma Alliance; the not-for profit California based organization that I chose to support this year as Miss Brooklyn. They strive to educate, guide & support patients and families afflicted with Sarcoma and I myself am so thankful that an organization like theirs exists, (www.sarcomaalliance.org). 

THANK YOU TO ALL OF MY AMAZING SPONSORS

The week leading up to the event was the most challenging week of my life.  There were obstacles, stress and a great deal that went wrong lol, but when 500 people showed up to support the cause, I knew I must have done something right ! We even had a few surprise guest speakers including Councilman Vincent Gentile & Senator Golden.  In addition, Miss New York, Claire Buffie, Miss Manhattan, Mallory Hagan, Miss NYC, Hannah Wright, Miss Five Boroughs, Kate Perkins, Miss Brooklyn’s Outstanding Teen Brittney Hollingsworth and Miss Brooklyn’s Executive Director, Amaris Acosta, were all in attendance.


Someone very special to me once told me "if you have the gift of dance, don't be selfish, share it with as many people as possible," and being able to stand up on that stage in front of all of those people and seeing my vision come to life was an indescribable feeling of utter JOY! 

Love you Aunt Joe <3

PS 122 Kindergarten Cuties <3
"Do You Believe In Magic" 

PS 48 4th Graders
"I'm A Believer" 

IS 187 Christa McAuliffe
"Don't Stop Believing" 

ZUMBA with Miss M <3

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THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT! THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO DONATED THEIR TIME AND THEIR RESOURCES, FOR WITHOUT YOU THIS EVENT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. 


I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for Performers With A Purpose, but if all goes well I hope to turn it into a full not-for-profit organization within the next 10 years <3


Love, 
Christina 

Metro Talent Competition

On May 21st & 22nd I attended the METRO Talent Competition at Bishop Ford High School, sponsored by Body Wrappers. "Metro Talent Competition has been created to supply a venue and platform for young performers in the New York area to display their talents." - www.metrotalentcompetition.com

I was invited to the dance competition back in November and was very excited to attend the event.  I was able to meet the dancers, talk about my personal experiences with dance and have a question and answer session on stage with the dancers.  It was an odd change of pace for me to be the one sitting and not the one running all over the place changing costumes and dancing on stage.  I have never once traveled so light to a dance competition lol.   The dancers put on a great show and it was a treat for me to watch them all perform.  Familiar dancing schools such as Frontline Dance Center, Vicky Simegiatos Performing Arts Center & of course Dance Works Dance Center (my old studio) all competed that weekend and I was thrilled to be a part of it.  A big congrats to all of the dancers, you all did a terrific job!  Remember, dance is a gift, share it with as many people as possible <333

Frontline Dance Center :-) 

Dance Works Dance Center <3

:-) 

Ms. Vicky's Grandkiddies :-) 

Future Miss Brooklyn ? :-) 

Talking to the dancers before the awards 

Talking about the Miss America Program and
how thanks to dance I am now on the track for Miss NY

Question & Answer Session

xoxo

Top Women In Business Awards

After I was Principal For The Day at P.S. 48, I ran over to Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon (www.piloarts.com) got my hair done by Jayne Chillo, then jetted to Queens to join a crowd of 800 people at Terrace On The Park for the Top Women In Business Networking Awards Dinner.  The event honored 40 of the most successful women in business for the year 2011. Among them was the fabulous Elena Solitario co-founder and owner of Pilo Arts, who has been an asset to the Brooklyn community for over 20 years and 

who has generously sponsored me this year as Miss Brooklyn.  Her commitment, 

drive and determination is what has made Pilo Arts one of the nations leading 

salons. 

Arriving at the awards dinner

Elena Solitario, Top Women In Business Honoree
& Owner of Pilo Arts 

Elena Solitario & Renee Dorsa

All of the women honored came from diverse backgrounds and fields of business, but what they all had in common was their dedication to their community.  It was a true honor to be in a room full of such inspirational and empowering women, including Woman Of The Year, Fox 5 reporter Tai Hernandez, President of the Brooklyn Real Estate Board, Renee Dorsa, & Executive Director of the Queens Symphony Orchestra, Lynda Herndon. 

Woman of the Year, Tai Hernandez of Fox 5 News

Raffle Time :-)


xoxo

P.S. 48 Principal For A Day

On Thursday May 19th I had a fun filled day of appearances that started at 8:00am and ended at 11:00pm . . . what a day, but a sensational one at that ! 

P.S. 48, Principal For A Day 

Principal of P. S. 48 :-)

When I became Miss Brooklyn one of the first appearances that came my way was Principal For A Day at my alma mater P.S. 48, "the school that rules!" I had to wait until May 19th to finally take my place in the principals chair, but boy was it worth the wait.  The students, the faculty and the staff were all so kind and welcomed me with open arms.  The day started at an assembly with the younger grades followed by another with the 3rd, 4th & 5th Graders.  The students greeted me with a fabulous song they wrote for me (which was such a special surprise), . . . "welcome to P.S. 48, Christina Moore, Miss Brooooooklyn." Following the chorus performance was a wonderful presentation by the band.  I was blown away by how talented all of these children were, from the vocals to the instruments, they were all sensational.  The students proceeded to present me with an official certificate and a "rising star" that is now hanging in my room<3 There generosity and sincere support was unbelievable.  As a special surprise for the school, my 4th Grade Performers With A Purpose, performed their dance "I'm A Believer" for their fellow classmates and had the whole school dancing along !!!! 

My 4th Grade Performers With A Purpose

I was able to speak about my involvement at P.S. 48 as well as my experiences there when I was a student.  Each class had the opportunity to ask me a few questions, which I was more than happy to answer (it was actually great interview prep lol, because everyone even down to the kindergarten students asked terrific questions.)  Although I enjoyed the entire day, the part that moved me the most was a beautiful song they sang called "Our Wish!" It was so sweet and so genuine that it brought me to tears.  It is amazing to me that I once stood on the stage of P.S. 48 and to return back as Miss Brooklyn and as someone who is living out a childhood dream I didn't even know I had, is surreal.

  

4th & 5th Grade Chorus

Assistant Principal Ms. Zabala & Principal Ms. Picucci

Ms. Laviano (my 4th Grade Teacher), Mrs. Carver (my 5th grade teacher)
& Mrs. McFarland (my 3rd Grade Teacher) 

5th Graders 

I sat there and remembered my memories at P.S. 48, the teachers who are now my friends and the students that I grew up with who are now like family to me.  Out of all of the amazing memories there one memory I will never forget is my 5th grade graduation when I stood on the stage and sang the song "I Hope You Dance!" I didn't know it then, but that song has come to have so much meaning in my life.  Everything has come full circle for me this year, and when I thought I had lost the joy of dance this entire year as Miss Brooklyn has given me back that gift and has allowed me to share it with others.  I have learned so much about myself as a teacher, as a student, and as a person and have seen first hand the impact you can have on others by simply being yourself.  These students as well as those from P.S. 112 & I. S. 187 have brought so much joy to my life and seeing them succeed and want to help spread awareness about sarcoma has been the most gratifying experience of my life.  

I want to thank Principal Picucci (whose was the principal when I was there :-) Parent Coordinator, Judy Magenta and Assistant Principal Ms. Zabala for giving me this wonderful opportunity <3

Principal For A Day :-)
*Little fun fact . . . I am the fourth generation in my family
to graduate from P.S. 48. My great grandmother, my grandmother,
my mother and I all graduated for good old 48!

xoxo

American Cancer Society, Pink & Black Tie Gala

On May 12th I attended the American Cancer Society's Pink & Black Tie Gala on Stage 6 at Steiner Studios right by the Brooklyn Bridge. After meeting Nancy Colt, Sally Cooper and Tamara Ehlin of the American Cancer Society at the Relay for Life Reunion Celebration I was inspired by their passion and commitment to the organization and was so thankful when they invited me to another event.

I was blown away by the beauty and elegance of the gala.  I applaud the American Cancer Society for organizing such a spectacular evening for a beautiful cause.  They are the national sponsor of birthday and for nearly a century the American Cancer Society has been supporting cancer patients all over the United States helping people "get well," "stay well," "find cures," & "fight back" and May 12th was no exception.  Hundreds gathered at Steiner Studios to support this cause hosted by the fabulous Stacy London of "What Not To Wear."  It brought together so many people from the community and honored Antonio Martin, CEO of Kings County Hospital Center, Malik Yoba, actor, educator, speaker & author and last but not least Steve Cohen, General Manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones Organization (aka my boss, so it was wonderful to be there supporting him as well).

When all was said and done "More than 440 fabulous suppporters from Brooklyn and beyond attended the event and helped raise nearly $250,000 to support the American Cancer Society's services right here in our community, as well as our research and national programs." 


I look forward to working with the American Cancer Society in the future !

Walking the "Pink" Carpet 

Aunt Joe & Me <3

Aunt Joe, Sally Cooper & Tamara Ehlin

Aunt Joe & I with Nancy Colt 

Aunt Joe & Mom <3

Stacy London of "What Not To Wear" 

Brooklyn Cyclones

The Staff of the Daily News 

FLEUR de LYS DINNER DANCE

On May 4th I attended Fontbonne Academy's 9th Annual Fleur de Lys Dinner Dance at Gargiulo's Restaurant in good old Coney Island. It was a fantastic night full of familiar faces, fun dancing and of course well deserved recognition of the devoted members of the Fontbonne Community.

"Fontbonne Hall Academy is a college preparatory high school for young women. Throughout its seventy-four year history, Fontbonne Hall has served the Bay Ridge community, Brooklyn as a whole, Queens and Staten Island. It is the goal of the academy to instill in their students traditional values in addition to the wherewithal to meet challenges of the years ahead." 


The event honored 6 dedicated and successful individuals whose leadership and contribu-tions over the years have assisted Fontbonne Hall Academy in fulfilling its mission. The highlight of the evening was the installation of the honorees into the Fontbonne Hall of Fame. Among the honorees was close family friend and "dancing mom," the wonderful Debra (Pepe) Canterino. I have known Debbie for about 10 years and could not think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Debbie's big heart and vibrant spirit certainly does not go unnoticed. Her passion for teaching at Fontbonne, her love for the school and her dedication to her family makes her one beautiful person from the inside out. 


Among the other honorees were, CNBC's "Closing Bell Anchor," Maria Bartiromo, District Manager of Community Board Ten, Josephine Beckermann, Principal of St. Patrick School, Andrea Geremia D'Emic, Genesis Program Finance Committee Member, Angela Gallo, and owner of Mejlander & Mulgannon, Thomas Stramka. 

The Six Honorees
inducted into the Fontbonne Hall of Fame 

Honorees and Special Guests 

A huge congrats to Debbie Canterino <3

Honoree Thomas Stramka

Lauren Canterino <333

Dance Works Reunion on the Dance Floor :-) 

xoxo
Christina 


****There is a wonderful article about the event in the Bay Ridge Eagle, don't forget to pick up a copy from your local Brooklyn news stands :-) Or visit http://www.brooklyneagle.com/bayridgeeaglenews.pdf

St. Athanasius Baseball Parade

APRIL 10th 

The day after the Miss New York Workshop I had the fantastic opportunity to lead the St. A's Baseball Parade with Senator Golden, Assemblyman Peter Abbate, Assemblyman William Colt and Elizabeth Liakos of Northfield Bank. I have been involved with the St. A's Baseball Program since I was a little girl. My brother played for St. A's from the time he was seven years old and my dad was a coach for them for close to 10 years, so I am no stranger to the organization. Throughout the years I have watched them flourish and have seen first hand the tremendous impact they have had on the community. Children from all over Brooklyn come to St. A's to play ball because they know it is an environment committed to family fun and the love for the game of baseball. It is a wonderful organization that works hard to instill in the children the importance of good sportsmanship.

The parade began at the parish church, 2154 61st Street and ended at the St. A's Baseball Field on 54th Street and 20th Avenue. When we arrived Senator Golden, Peter Abbate, William Colt and even yours truly had the chance to say a few words to the players. After concluding the speeches we all were given the honor of throwing out the first pitch of the season! A lot of my students were there with their families so it was so nice to see so many familiar faces READY TO PLAY BALL !!!! I have always wanted to play baseball/softball. Everyone in my family has played at one point or another, but due to my hectic dance schedule growing up I was never able to. However, on this day I got the chance to live out a silly childhood wish and was a St.A's softball player for the day :-) (One of the girls was nice enough to lend me her uniform lol) 

St. A's Softball Team 

Leading the Parade

Senator Golden 

:-) 

Lets Go St. A's !

SANDY !

Anthony, age 2 . . followed me all around the field, so cute :-) 

Dad and Bobby (President of the St. A's Baseball Program) 

Up Next the Fontbonne Dinner Dance Honoring Debra Canterino !!!