One Church One Child of Florida Christmas Adoption Celebration

The holiday season is full of joy, laughter, family, great food and reflection but, for some children the holidays can be a reminder of circumstances that are far beyond their control. As a newly appointed board member of One Church One Child of Florida, I spent my holidays focusing on the lives and needs of well deserving children. 

One Church One Child of Florida, which was implemented in March of 1988, operates statewide in Florida and is a private, non-profit, faith-based organization that provides adoption related services and works in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families and churches. One Church One Child of Florida has been instrumental in finding adoptive and foster homes for children, providing awareness, support and training to families, community agencies and organizations. One Church One Child of Florida seeks to fulfill its philosophy which is "Find at least one family in each church to adopt at least one child" by recruiting adoptive families for children in foster care. 

This Christmas season, One Church One Child of Florida partnered with the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club to make the dreams of many children come true by donating  an assortment of bicycles for local children. Children selected from local schools were also awarded their very own lap top to assist with the challenges of academia. I was given the honor of speaking at the Christmas Adoption Celebration which was a moving occasion. For more information on One Church One Child of Florida, please visit One Church One Child of Florida.

                                       

From Left to Right: Leon County School Board Member Elect,
Maggie Lewis and Miss Florida International 2014

Reverand Al Williams as Santa Clause

Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club

                                             

National Adoption Day

I recently attended the National Adoption Day ceremony and reception at the state of Florida's Capitol building. The purpose of National Adoption Day is to continue to raise awareness of the need for placement of children within our foster care system. The ceremony highlights the accomplishments of the individuals that act as the liaisons among children in foster care and loving families as well as law makers, practitioners and advocates that play intricate roles in the adoption process. During the celebration, families that have adopted children are honored. For more information visit www.nationaladoptionday.org

From Left to Right: Charles McDonald (Executive Director of the Children's Home Society of Florida), Arie C. Sailor (Executive Director of One Church One Child of Florida) and Miss Florida International 2014

State of Florida's Chief Child Advocate and Director, Zackary Gibson and Miss Florida International 2014 

Tiara Bags Interview

I sat down with the Owner and Co-Founder of  Tiarabags.com , Lisa Klarich, for an interview about my recent crowning. Reflecting upon my journey and realizing that I am the winner of such a prestigious title, Miss Florida International 2014, was almost a surreal experience. Check out our interview a Miss Florida International Tiara Bags Interview for all of the details!!

Head Shot Day with Clay Spann

I have just recently been crowned Miss Florida International and my schedule is already filling up. I am excited about all that I will able to accomplish with charities that are dear to my heart like The Lupus Foundation of Florida and another charity I love, the Children's Home Society of Florida. I couldn't think of a better way to start my reign than meeting with legendary photographer, Clay Spann, for my official head shot so, I traveled to his studio in Dothan, Alabama where all the magic happens. It was an awesome experience and the team at the Competitive Image was there as well and their styling ideas were amazing!

And after a fun day of work... VOILA!

Hair, makeup and photography by Clay Spann Photography
Styling by the Competitive Image