Hi Everyone!

Sorry that it has been such a long time since my last blog but I have been super busy with my title and work!  It's crazy that my reign as Ms. Global United will soon be coming to an end as I travel back to Minnesota to help crown the new winners. I can't wait for the week of appearances, volunteer events, and FUN!! I still cannot believe how FAST this year is going! It's true when they say that “Time flys when you are having fun!” In the past few months I have been honored to attend some very special events and appearances throughout my state as Ms Global United 2012!

September 2012:
I started a Toy collection for Wisconsin Hospitals at my employer Anytime Fitness. We involved all 18 locations and our staff and members donated over 500 toys, books, markers, puzzles, and stuffed animals to children in the hospital. It took me 3 packed carloads to deliver the toys to the Milwaukee Children's Hospital and St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay WI.http://www.stvincenthospital.org/Scripts/pageview.asp?id=375

October 2012:
I was asked to do “Trunk or Treating” with my mom and help provide a safe, fun place for kids to Trick or Treat. We wore our crowns and banners and dressed in MANY warm layers!! We had about 50 youngsters come through by our trunk for some sugary treats. Some of them asked “Where did you get your costumes?” To which we just smiled and explained to their parents that we had actually WON our “costumes” at the Global United Pageant. We loved sharing the details of the pageant and all that it promotes with others at this fun event.

November 2012:
This month was spent preparing for the holidays. There were many of members at the gym and friends and family who didn't have a chance to donate during our Toy Drive... I began collected cash donations and were able to buy $250 in itunes gift cards to donate to Colleen Dooke in St. Vincent Child Life Floor so that the kids could buy games and movies to play on the hospital provided iPads during their stay. http://www.stvincenthospital.org/Scripts/pageview.asp?id=375

December 2012:
My mom and I took a trip 45 minutes Northwest to Shawano Wisconsin to hand out candy and information about Global United Pageants for their annual Christmas Parade. We also participated in Christmas Caroling outside St. Jame's Lutheran Church.

I also dropped off our itunes gift cards at the hospital along with the last carload of toys to St. Vincent hospital just in time for Christmas!!

February 2013:
I was asked to attend and judge the Fresh Faces pageant in Rockford IL along with my friend Saryna Ritter. It was a long day filled with tons of cutie pies! All the girls were so cute and LOVED trying on my “big girl” crown! I loved seeing all their routines and hard work that they put into decorating their Valentine themed outfits. Afterward they gave all the judges Valentine's … what a sweet idea!!http://internationalfreshfaces.com/illinois/index.html

March 2013:
I was honored to be requested as a judge at the Mrs. Wisconsin United States Pageant. What an experience! These ladies are some serious competitors, volunteers, and accomplished business professionals! I was glad that I was on the judging panel and not the stage! Haha The winner – Aundrea Coon, and I have become quick friends. It's nice to have someone to tag along to appearances and volunteer events. http://www.mrswisconsinpageant.com/

April 2013:
This month has been one of the busiest yet! I completed a food drive through The Arms Forces: http://www.thearmsforces.org/ to provide food and hygiene products to homeless veterans and veterans in need. With the help of my coworkers we collected over 500 food donation items that were distributed throughout the Midwest.

We also collected diapers and female hygiene products as part of our “Diaper Drive” for since moms throughout the Fond du Lac Area. We collected a whole bin to donate.

I also attended The Pageant Event in Milwaukee Wisconsin with two of my BESTIES, Robin Ross Holmes and Wendy Lindberg. This event is great for promoting ANY pageant system or pageant related vendor. Global United had a beautiful booth set up by Wendy to recruit contestants and promote our cause. I promoted my online store and my new website and growing resale business “The Glass Slipper Pageant Resale Shop” which can be found online atwww.TheGlassSlipperPageantResale.com or on facebook. We participated in a fashion show and visited with close friends for the afternoon.

The following week I attended a Lunch event called “The Power of the Purse” put on by the Women's Fund in Fond du Lac. This fundraiser helps raise money for grants for women in need throughout the Fond du Lac community.
http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013304200054&nclick_check=1

May 2013:
Next weekend I will be meeting my sister in Vegas as we road trip back to Wisconsin and move her home for the Summer. We plan to visit The Vegas Strip, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and Zion National Park. The Global United Crown and Banner with my with me all along the way back to good ol' WI ... so make sure you follow my Ms. Global United Page as I post pictures and updates on our trip!!!

SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO BE INVOLVED! Sr. Ms. Global United

Hi Everyone! 

I still have about 4 months left of my reign as Sr. Ms. Global United and can't wait to go out strong with more exciting involvement in community events.  It has been a fun few months being involved in fundraising, volunteering and being in the public eye.  It really is amazing how much attention a sash and crown brings.  I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to use my title to bring more awareness to children's cancer and suicide prevention.  As I have been healing from the grief of losing my son, I am realizing that I am a suicide survivor and that I can soon begin helping other suicide survivors.  A bittersweet opportunity, but very much needed.

Since my last post I have been involved in many numerous activities.  I have posted my event pictures on my facebook page in an album entitled Sr. Global United Happenings.  When you don't have a thing to do, check out my album.  I now have my own webpage too...so please check out my passion to help the hurting at www.sherrywestland.com  If you like my website, please click on the like button!

I have had the opportunity to judge several pageants with other women, some of whom I met for the very first time.  It's always wonderful to make new friends.  I have had such fun, especially judging my most recent pageant.  I just had to post this pix of "Baby Elvis" who won best Hollywood Theme in his age group.  The Midwest Dreams Pageant was held at the Sofitel Hotel in Bloomington, MN in February 2013.  The director was so organized and a pleasure to work with.  Is this baby cute, or what?

Anyway, life is good.  I have loved being a part of the Global United Pageant System and especially meeting & working with my wonderful pageant sisters and my director!  I'm not finished yet and have more activities to complete before my reign ends!  Can't wait to meet the new contestants in July! 

Sherry
Sr. Ms. Global United

Meet Mrs. Global United 2012-13

Hello everyone!!  I am your Mrs. Global United ~ Elaine Reinholz!!
 I am from Riverside, Iowa where I am a 40 year old mom to 5 amazing kids..... Amber-25, Zach-18, Adam-16, Emily-15 and Reagan 13 and I have been married to my best friend Joe since 2009!! We also have 6 fur babies...... 6 dogs!! What can I say... I have a huge heart and love being a mommy!!! I am beyond lucky to be a stay at home mom now but I am an Army veteran and have worked in the eduation and guest service fields prior.

August 25, 2012 is a day I will never forget.....this was the final day of Nationals, the day the 5 new Queens would be crowned. As I prepared for that night I thought of all I had done to prepare and I knew I had done all I could. It was in God's hands. I knew that even if I didn't win, being Mrs. Iowa had changed me forever. I had improved my speaking skills, found my confidence and self esteem, I learned to walk and pose in 4 and 5 inch heels, I learned how to wear make up, I learned how to make "cold calls" to organizations and present myself as a volunteer, I helped raise awareness and money for many organizations I will hold close in my heart forever. I learned that the biggest competition you have in a pageant..... and in life....is yourself. I made many new friends and have new "sisters." I learned to discipline myself to lose weight.... I taught my kids how to reach for their dreams and never give up....and I learned how important it is to have a supportive and caring husband to support your goals and dreams, and I learned that one person really can make a difference in their community!!  WHEW!!  Now that is alot to learn in just 8 short months as Mrs. Iowa!!!
So when I heard my name called as the new MRS. GLOBAL UNITED.......I had many reasons to jump as I high as I did..... in fact so high...... the earrings I borrowed from my sister Queen Autumn fell to the stage floor and broke!!! I knew that the judges had seen "the real me" and I was blessed!! All my work paid off!!   ( and I was very lucky Autumn has a heart of gold and wasn't upset with me)
In my interview I promised the judges I would not waste a day if I won!! And with  just 4 months into my reign..... I proudly say I have completed 30 appearances for over 400 hours of volunteer time!! 
Being Mrs. Global United is one of the greatest gifts God has placed in my life. I am thankful everyday. So stay tuned to see what I am up to...... I have 8 more months to go and alot more fun to have!!

With many hugs,

Mrs Global United ~ Elaine

A NEW YEAR! TIME TO CONTINUE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Hi Friends and Pageant Sisters! 

It's almost the New Year and as I reflect on my recent titleholder activities, I remember how much fun I have had judging pageants, working with the Salvation Army and Feed the Hungry Children, playing Bingo with the elderly, distributing toys at Christmas, as well as looking forward to my first Parade (Winter Carnival) since I was a Homecoming Queen in High School!  lol 

I hope we can get together on March 23, 2013 for Isaac's Foundation's Annual Chili-Feed Fundraiser.  I was lucky enough to be there last year and it was fun to meet Mary, Rose, Wendy and Linda and to work with the purpose of raising funds for a worthy cause.  I was so impressed by the love of that small community in Sauke Center, MN, and how much money was raised!  Mary and I both reminisce about wanting a crown just like the one Rose wore (and I think she was coveting Wendy's lifetime crown)! lol  We (all three) got our wishes! 

There is so much good we can do, in little ways, to make a difference in others lives.  I am blessed to be involved with volunteering.  I have always helped in areas of teaching and leadership, but it's so much fun to be on the "front lines".  Entering my first pageant has turned out to be a wonderful experience.  How richer my life is having come to know our (great) director, worhtwhile platform(s) and fellow pageant sisters.....

Although I am getting into my busiest season with my job, I still plan to accept opportunities that present themselves to help others!

I have to say, I really enjoy working with my new friends at the Salvation Army.  The work is so practical and yet so helpful to others.  I also like that they know the people they serve, having seen them over and over again. 

I just got QPR Gatekeeper Certified today.  It was bittersweet as I learned how easy it can be to prevent a suicide.  I had always been told, if someone wants to do it, they will.  I don't believe that anymore.  Most people don't want to commit suicide, they just don't see anyway out.  That's when someone with a little training can recognize the warning signs and take steps to save lives.  I only wish I would have known this before my son died.  But like the trainer said, we are only responsible for what we 'know to do'. 

I'm looking forward to developing my indoor (power) Out of Darkness Walk-ing class.  I want to do all in my power to stop suicide from happening!  I want to start a charity in the future.  Big dreams, but I will take them one step at a time! 

Happy New Year to all! May God richly bless you and keep you safe!

Sherry
Sherry Westland
Sr. Ms. Global United

Give thanks by making a difference...

Happy Thanksgiving Week! I have had so much fun as Classic Ms. Global United 2012-2013! As I continue to live a life of service with my crown, I am amazed at the number of people I encounter in all of my appearances that do not serve, have never served and have no idea how to get started.

Because of this, I am challenging all of you to make this Thanksgiving weekend count. Take just one hour (longer if you can) and do something for someone else and your community. Grab an empty bag and walk to the nearest park to pick up litter. Google local events in town and show up to help in some way. Go on the website of a community organization, look for their needs list and collect some items. A few to consider

 are Target giftcards for prenatal vitamins for pregnant teen girls at myHealth for Teens and Young Adults (wstcmn.org), Coats for Kids drive, local holiday food drives or Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. Help Isaac's Hope Foundation in their mission to end childhood cancer by donating dollars through my Game Board of Hope- send me a message at classicmsglobalunited@gmail.com to hear more. I am volunteering at the Walk for Hunger at the Mall of America on Thanksgiving morning and at the Season of Wishes booth for the Make A Wish Foundation on Saturday at MOA. 

All I ask is that you just simply do something to make a difference for someone else in the next few days...thank you and HAVE FUN DOING IT!  Lisa Stordahl

A FEW WORDS FROM SR. MS. GLOBAL UNITED

10/27/12

Greetings All! 

I have been so honored to represent the new era of seniors as the 2012-13 Sr. Ms. Global United!  What a busy couple of months I have had since the pageant. 

Here are a few of my activities as I am committed to my duo platforms of Isaac's Foundation and suicide prevention:  
Minnesota State Fair 8/12, Relay for Life, Fairgrounds, AL, MN 8/12,

Susan Koeman Zumba Party @Armory (Isaac's Fdnt. Table) 9/12,

Patriot Guard Mission, Escort Traveling Wall 9/12, Speaker, AL Toastmasters Club 9/12, Visiting Royalty/Speaker, Division TM Contest 9/12, Eaton Sport & Spine Center Fundraising Day for Isaac's Fdnt. 10/12 & 10/26 - $300 donated by my friend Jacque to Isaac's Foundation, Judge for the Twin Cities Model Search @ Bessie's Boutique 10/18/12/appearance on Pageant Live, Micah 6:8 Project, 10/23/12, Adopted ongoing fundraising for Isaac's Foundation. ...I'm off to a good start with more plans for the near future!

I want to share with you an epiphany I had yesterday morning. This photo shows me joining our local ZUMBA Instructors to raise funds for cancer.  This event was held in our local National Guard Armory, which is huge.  There was a massive turnout of Zumba enthusiasts.  I got a vision yesterday related to exercise and suicide prevention.  As a Fitness Instructor, I want to organize a (Power Walk) 'Out of the Darkness' as a future endeavor!  Since as we all know, the winter season precludes walking outside, I plan to hold this walk indoors with all proceeds benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention!  So, stay tuned to hear more as this development comes to fruition!

I have many thoughts of future endeavors, so we'll see what the future holds! 

I am so humbled to have the opportunity to help others.  Out of my greatest tragedy, I am building a bridge of Hope!  I have found my life's purpose and have a bigger voice to be an advocate as a titleholder.  Thank you to the best Pageant and Pageant Director for giving me this chance to discover, in even small steps, what one woman can do to leave this world a better place!  :)

Love to all my pageant sisters!  Miss ya!
Sherry Westland
Sr. Ms. Global United

AFTER THE CROWNING

Hey Everyone!!!!

Okay so i have never blogged before, so hopefully this is good! haha :)
I just wanted to say a few words about how everything is going since the pageant in August!!!

First: I jsut wanted to give a big THANK YOU to Wendy! She has been such and amazing help with everything, and I know that without her this pageant wouldnt be what it is! which is FABULOUS!!!!! :) This whole experience has been amazing and im so greatful for it, from the pageant, to the crowning, to after the crown! I cant wait to see you again Wendy! I know you will be proud!

So far I have been doing a lot of volunteer work with NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness), PACER Center, Kids n' Kinship, and the Silver Ribbon Campaign. I can't wait for more!! Tomorrow I will be volunteering with Kid n' Kinship by packing birthday boxes!

My favorite part about having this oppertunity is that i have gottin' to meet so many people, use my crown as a microphone to get my message out there about my life growing up with a mental illness, that it doesn't define who you are, and of course giving back!

Second: my advice for the next contestants: If you can dream it, You can do it! if you have a dream, don't let anything stand in your way! Work hard, be dedicated, and know that you are worth it! lastly, everyone is beautiful in there own way! :)

Third: I can't wait to see you all next year!!

<3 LOVE <3
MISS GLOBAL UNITED 2012- 2013
Mary Kathryn Scheele
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http://www.facebook.com/MissGlobalUnited2012