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 

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

Miss New York Workshop

WOW !!! So May 7th was my Performers With A Purpose, Bringing Sarcoma Awareness Center Stage event and I could not be happier with the outcome. Everything turned out amazing and exactly as I had hoped it would when I created the program. I have sooooo much to fill you in on about Saturday May 7th, but before I do that there are a few other appearances/events that I have to tell you about :-) 

Miss New York Workshop, April 9th 

Going back to April 9, 2011, when the 22 Miss New York Contestants and Teen Contestants gathered for a fun filled day at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY. We had the opportunity to get to know one another, review our talent selections, go over interview prep with Claire Buffie (Miss New York) and even learned some of the beginning choreography to our opening number. It was a long day, but certainly an enjoyable one. A lot of us have spoken via email or facebook so it was nice to finally meet everyone face to face. Leaving the workshop I felt a great deal of excitement and truly cannot wait to experience the "Miss New York Week." I know it will be something I will never forget!  

Wagner Girls, Miss Staten Island Maria DeSantis,
Miss Liberty, Kim Cantoni

Miss New York Class of 2011

Miss New York Class of 2011 with Claire Buffie

Complete Class of 2011, Miss & Teen Contestants

Brooklyn Girls :-)

Miss Brooklyn Organization 

Carmen Mendoza, Miss Kings County
Sister Queen & Roomie :-)





St. A's Baseball Blog Coming Next !

The Name of the Game is "Blog Catch Up;" Pilo Arts & Relay for Life

Hey Everyone, 

So all last week I was home sick in bed with a horrible case of strep throat that put me behind on everything!!! :-( But I am finally starting to feel better and am getting back into the groove of life. My goal for the day was to catch up on a few events that I participated in over the past month so here it goes . . . . 

Bay Ridge Courier Covers Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon 

 Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon 

8412 Third Avenue

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York 11209 USA

718.748.7411 

http://www.piloarts.com/

Throughout my year as Miss Brooklyn, Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon has been a dedicated sponsor. They welcomed me with open arms back in October and have supported me in every event that I have participated in this year. On March 17th I visited Pilo Arts and had my hair done by the fabulous Master Stylist Jayne Chillo and my makeup done by the wonderful Betsy Shuki, for a feature in the Bay Ridge Courier. 


Pilo Arts has been an institution in Brooklyn since 1978 and from its inception has made it its mission to give back to the community. Each and every year Pilo Arts donates over $1 Million Dollars in services to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, New York University Cancer Fund, NYC Public Schools, and hundreds of other organization. 


I am so thankful that they have partnered with me this year and have not only assisted me personally, but have supported my platform and provided great donations that helped raise funds for the Sarcoma Alliance. 

Keep an eye out around Brooklyn for the Bay Ridge Courier Article! 

Jayne Chillo, Master Stylist
and my fabulous Hair Sponsor

Owner & Co-Founder of Pilo Arts,
Elena Solitario 

Thank you for all that you have done for me this year!

RELAY FOR LIFE REUNION: KICK OFF CELEBRATION

MARCH 29th at Christa McAuliffe 
http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/


"The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length."

For the past 12 years Brooklynites have gathered for this amazing event and in that time have raised a remarkable $1 million for cancer. I myself have participated in Relay for Life since I was in elementary school and can say first hand what an inspirational event it truly is. I remember my first year in 5th Grade camping out at Poly Prep with my family and friends, doing karaoke all night and walking the track in honor of those who we have lost and for those who continue to fight. Though the fun memories of Relay for Life will always stay with me, the one thing I will never forget it the first time I saw the "Luminaria Ceremony," where candles are lit in paper bags and are displayed in the word HOPE. I remember sitting there in complete awe by the beauty and the serenity that takes place during that moment. It is a feeling that you have to experience to fully understand because it is so breathtaking. 

In order to kickoff the Relay for Life Celebration, Nancy Colt (Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society) and her wonderful team coordinated a celebration at Christa McAuliffe IS 187, where relayers, both past, present and future could gather for a joyous night. I had the honor of meeting inspirational cancer survivors and caregivers and even had the chance to say a few words about my personal experience with Relay for Life. It was such a fun evening full of love, inspiration and of course HOPE. 

I look forward to a continued relationship with the American Cancer Society and am excited to walk the "Pink Carpet" at their Pink & Black Tie Gala on May 12th :-) 

Aunt Joe <3 The inspiration behind everything!

City Councilman, Vincent Gentile

Beautiful Survivors <3

Nancy Colt, Director of Special Events
for the American Cancer Society

Keeping the fight alive <3

Saying a few words :-)

STILL GOT 2 MORE COMING YOUR WAY! 

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