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

Add caption

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 

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

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