E! News Now Test Run
Get your entertainment news fix today and tomorrow at www.eonline.com as I audition with E! News for their E! News Now online component. Just click on the “Video” link (http://www.eonline.com/videos/index.jsp) at E! Online and select the following stories: “Kanye Laughs at ‘South Park’ Parody”, “Sarah Michelle Gellar is Pregnant”, “‘Tyra’ Terrorizes Miley Cyrus”, “Naomi Campbell’s Road to Redemption”, “David Caruso Sued by His Ex”, “Tori Spelling Returns to ‘90210′”, “Get a First Look at ‘Kendra’”, “Lucky Seven Remain on ‘Idol’”, “Garner Dishes Marriage Secrets” and “Kathy Griffin’s A-List Body”.
I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity to get my foot in the door of the hosting world. Keep your fingers and toes crossed! :)
As always, I can’t thank you enough for your unwavering love and support. Be well!
xRach
The Meadville Tribune Article Regarding Project Hope Prom Dress Drive
Charity effort puts local girls in high-class gowns
By Lisa Byers
April 01, 2009 11:37 pm
—
Stacey Dangel couldn’t stop smiling.
The olive-green, striped, strapless gown fit the Saegertown High School sophomore like a glove. Could it be “the” dress?
With just two months remaining until high school prom season, Dangel, like hundreds of girls in Crawford County, is searching for that perfect dress; the one that turns all eyes on her as she walks through the door for one of the most memorable nights of her high school career.
The Saegertown Pantherian Key Club, with the help of Planet Hope — an organization founded by two very notable Saegertown alumnae, Sharon and Kelly Stone — is hoping to make that task not only easier, but more economical.
Sharon Stone, 51, has starred in many movies; most notably, she won a Golden Globe for
best actress in a motion picture and earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Ginger McKenna in “Casino” in 1995. Her sister, Kelly, 48, is the executive director of Planet Hope and has done assistant-directing work on several film and TV projects.
Through their efforts, especially Kelly’s, their hometown high school is reaping some nice rewards from the Stones’ fame.
The Saegertown Pantherian Key Club will host its annual Prom Boutique at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Saegertown High School. The event will feature a runway-style fashion show showcasing prom and cocktail dresses donated by Planet Hope, some of which have been worn by fellow celebrities, including the cast of “Desperate Housewives” and former Miss USA Rachel Smith.
After Tuesday’s runway show, the girls will be allowed to shop through a roomful of gowns to seek their favorite one. The prom dresses will be sold for $25 and the cocktail dresses for $20 with proceeds benefiting Fuenta De Esperaizia, a school located in impoverished Zapote, Guatemala. Admission to the event is $2.
The event is open to all girls in Crawford County regardless of school.
“We donate dresses to 31 states,” said Kelly Stone, a 1979 Saegertown graduate, who now resides in Los Angeles. “This year, we wanted to donate dresses to Saegertown High School.”
“It’s sort of a woman’s rite of passage into the world when she goes to her prom,” Stone added. “The door bell rings and she knows her prom date is standing outside waiting for her. She’s nervous; she wants to look her best. We want to help make that moment special for everyone.”
With the four boxes that arrived from Planet Hope on Wednesday, an estimated 270 dresses have been donated so far for next week’s event at Saegertown. Many of those gowns were donated to Planet Hope at Modern Bride’s Project Bridesmaids. The event, held at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City in March, offers a day of fashion shows, giveaways, makeovers, refreshments and more for the price of a gently worn bridesmaid or prom dress, which is then donated by Planet Hope and then on to schools across the country.
Some of the celebrities who donated dresses at this year’s event, according to Stone, were Julia Roberts, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Fran Drescher, Eva Longoria, Brittany Snow, Fergie, Audrina Patridge and Chantal Westerman.
“It’s incredible to think that all of these dresses sent to us may have been worn by a model down a runway,” said Key Club president Gabby Bradshaw, a Saegertown sophomore.
Kelly Stone said renowned designer Jovani, owned by Saul and Abraham Maslovi and based in New York City, was supposed to be donating approximately 200 dresses to Saegertown with another 40 or so expected from Los Angeles.
When Planet Hope contacted Saegertown earlier this year to ask if it would be interested in receiving donated dresses from the organization, the school asked for 400 dresses. And while Stone said the organization had no problem meeting that request, it was a challenge to find 400 different dresses.
“We had a couple of designers who sent 200 or 300 dresses, but they were three different styles,” Stone said. “The last thing we wanted to do was send Saegertown 200 of the same dress.”
So Stone sought the help of her friends, which included some of the cast of “Desperate Housewives.” They donated four dresses, which were then delivered to Saegertown.
Since the organization started donating prom dresses in 2005, they have acquired dresses ranging anywhere from $100 all the way to $30,000, Stone said.
“All of these dresses have a story behind them,” Saeger-town junior Sarah Bristow said. “And now we get to add our own story.”
“It’s really cool to think some of these dresses were worn by stars and now they are generous enough to donate them to us for a good cause,” Dangel said.
A special cause:
Fuenta De Esperazia is the only school in the poor, rural town of Zapote. The school was built by the Alliance Church of San Lucas and currently enrolls 75 children. Hopes are to expand the school to allow more children the opportunity to receive an education and to add a vocational training wing for the children who graduate to receive advance training in a specific skill.
The funds raised at Tuesday’s fashion show and dress sale will go toward the construction of that vocational wing.
Treasured Memories in Cambridge Springs, owned by Lois Ward, donated the tuxedos, which will be worn by the escorts at Tuesday’s fashion show.
You can help:
Do you still have that bridesmaid dress you wore to your sister’s wedding last summer? Well, Planet Hope and the Saegertown Key Club are asking for your help. Anyone interested in donating a new or gently used formal dress for the Saegertown Key Club’s annual Prom Boutique can do so by dropping them off at The Meadville Tribune during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any dresses not used at this year’s Prom Boutique will help Saegertown get a jump start at replenishing its stock for next year’s Boutique.
You can go:
The Saegertown Pantherian Key Club will host its annual Prom Boutique at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Saegertown High School. The event will feature a runway-style fashion show showcasing prom and cocktail dresses donated by Planet Hope, some of which have been worn by fellow celebrities, including the cast of “Desperate Housewives” and former Miss USA Rachel Smith.
The prom dresses will be sold for $25 and cocktail dresses, $20.
The event is open to all girls in Crawford County regardless of school.
Lisa Byers can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at lbyers@meadvilletribune.com.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
Hollywood Dreamz
If you are in the Los Angeles area this weekend, come out and join me to support Hollywood Dreamz. In short, Hollywood Dreamz is an LA based organization that supports local children’s arts and education programs. Hope to see you there! For more information about Hollywood Dreamz, log on to www.hollywooddreamz.org.
“Eleventh Hour: Olfactus” Episode
Last night was my first debut on prime-time television outside of the pageant world with a co-guest star appearance on CBS’ new hit show “Eleventh Hour” produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. Sorry for not giving you the heads up in advance. Good ole Momma Bear actually sent me a text minutes before it aired in Tennessee. I hadn’t a clue! It doesn’t seem as if full episodes can be viewed at CBS.com; however, if you are willing to take one of those silly surveys, you can watch it at http://acritutv.com/?s=eleventh+hour&searchsubmit=. You will see your favorite Southern belle at the end of the show in the final runway scene. Enjoy!
Here is a candid shot of the "Dior" gown I wore for the episode.
battalion formal
Well, well, we are long overdue for an update!
Just a couple weeks ago I took a quick trip back to Tennessee to make an appearance at the 2009 Spartan Ball. It was held for the soldiers of the 1st Special Troops Battalion Task Force Spartans (that’s a mouthful, huh?!). This year’s Ball celebrated the safe return of their soldiers from their recent Iraq deployment. The Task Force Spartan Deployment conducted a total of 5,673 missions. Miraculously, only 11 soldiers were wounded and no lives were lost among their group during this deployment. The Spartans Task Force conducted 30 ground strikes and 26 combat air assaults, detonated 195 improvised explosive devices, and captured 124 detainees. Needless to say, these statistics alone warranted a reason for celebration, and a celebration it was! Through my attendance, I learned how well these soldiers worked together to accomplish their mission, but I also witnessed how well they party together too!
My mom and dad were my dates to the Ball. We enjoyed being in the mix of the handsome soldiers and their guests all decked out in formal attire and the various presentations and toasts made throughout the evening. After dinner and the retiring of the colors, the floor was opened for dancing. Within seconds, off came the high heels and the jackets to the Class A Green dress uniforms and Dress Blues! I tried keeping up with them, but it was too tough! However, I did manage to get Momma and Papa Bear out on the dance floor. I even taught them the popular Cuban Cha-Cha. It was quite the sight!
Spartans, thanks for extending me such a gracious invitation to your Ball. My family and I had such a lovely evening. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make to keep America safe. Hooah!
Now I will leave you with some photos from the Ball and a video of the Cuban Cha-Cha. Unfortunately, I was busy cutting a rug with the ‘rents so I didn’t get any video of their participation. However, this dance is a popular trend among the bases. The below video was taken at Camp Somerall in Iraq. Enjoy!
Mom and I at the head table.
The 'rents and I out on the dance floor!
A nice, young soldier named Ryan asked me to dance. Dad had his eye on him. Ha!
The Battalion Commander sportin' his Spartan pride under his Dress Blues!
Cuban Cha-Cha Video
photos
So I’m back in sunny California and sunny it is! The 80 degree weather that welcomed me as I got off the plane was quite a shocker, considering it was pretty chilly in Kuwait and Iraq. Here are the photos as promised. Gosh, I can’t believe it’s already over! Hope you enjoy the photos. Talk soon! xRach
On an M-Rap at Camp Rustamiya.
I don't know how they carry those bad boys-- they're SUPER heavy!
Getting briefed by a soldier at Camp Copper, one of the M.A.S.H-iest camps we visited.
Meet and greet at Camp Copper.
At Camp Copper, the guys let us test our skills on the firing range with an M24, a Bravo and a Saw. A little scary considering I've never shot a single gun!
Firing Range Video
But I kinda dominated on the M24. Check out my target!
Later that day we took a tour of one of Saddam's palaces, Al-Faw. This is a shot of the foyer. The palace is currently being used as office space for various military personnel based in Baghdad. The palace's guest quarters are now used for guest lodging, which is where the girls and I stayed.
This is a chair that sits in the foyer of Al-Faw. It was given to Saddam as a present from Yasser Arafat.
Camp Shocker, a patrol base that is kilometers from the Iran border.
From Camp Shocker, you can see Iran. If you look closely there is a line of trees. Just beyond those trees is Iran.
The girls and I catching up with some soldiers that missed the meet and greet. They were prepping for their patrol of the area outside of the camp.
A soldier at Shocker wanted a picture of me, so I climbed to the top of his military vehicle and quickly snapped one before he went on patrol.
Snapping a shot in front of our daily means of transportation. Wish I had one of these to beat the LA traffic!
Just hanging on an M-Rap at Camp Endeavor.
Watch out! In the gunner's seat of an M-Rap.
You gotta lighten it up occasionally!
One of the many infamous DFAC's (dinning facilities) we frequented for meals and meet and greets.
The Angels holding down a lookout post at Camp Echo!
Arriving at another camp for a meet and greet.
Always time for a little shopping!
Ryan Bell, one of the sweetest guys on our security detail in Baghdad. Thanks, Bell!!!
The soldiers who took incredible care of the gals and me during our stay at Saddam's palace. Thanks for the candy stash, Zap!
But before we left the palace, the gals and I had to take a shot at one of the soldiers' favorite way to pass their down time!
Visiting with some soldiers during their down time at FOB Normandy. Super cool guys.
There I am testing out a bomb suit some of the soldiers wear when out on patrol. That bad boy was heavy!!!
Final product!
Checking out another military vehicle at FOB Normandy. So many options!
We got a little out of control with a Ugandan at the meet and greet at Camp Somerall, our last camp.
Little did we know a rain storm would have us stuck at Somerall for the remainder of our last day. Obviously, we were all a little drained at this point.
And THIS is Bonzer! He is an Iraqi dog the soldiers at Somerall have rescued. Pretty sure I'm in love and am hoping to rescue him. My mom on the other hand thinks I've lost my mind. Hey, what's one more furry fellow?!
We finally made it from Somerall back to home base for our departure to the US. But before our flight, Lakin and I had to partake in a little shopping and local chai tea.
Too much fun with these girls in the Middle East! I definitely walked away with two, new girlfriends.
Our last flight on a military plane, a C-17 to be exact.
The gals and I with the crew from the C-17. Thanks for the awesome ride, guys. "Creep" on "creepin' " on! :)
homeward bound
After ten days in the Middle East with the troops, the girls and I are heading home. As nice as it will be to take a warm shower without shower shoes conveniently located feet from my bedroom, believe it or not, something about the communal latrines will be missed.
On this trip I’ve heard unforgettable stories from numerous soldiers, seen the most impressionable visuals from the Euphrates River to Saddam Hussein’s palaces, and formed lasting friendships with two, extraordinary young women.
My mind is truly in overload as I try to fathom what I have experienced and felt in ten days. Let me try to break it down for you: ten days…two countries…20 meet and greets (not including the impromptu ones)…hung out with thousands of soldiers…flew a minimum of 30 times in Black hawks…rode in a C-17 and a C-130…drove a US Marine Fast Runner and a Hum-V…shot a “Saw” and a “Bravo” and dominated when it came to the M-24(!!!)…stayed three nights in one of Saddam’s palaces…saw the Tigris and Euphrates…caught a glimpse of Iran…played with a bomb robot…suited up in bomb gear…participated in a little line dancing at Speicher’s country music night… and well the list could go on and on. Yeah, a once in a lifetime experience, huh?!
All that is great and has made for great pictures, but the two most important objectives I set for myself prior to my departure have and will be fulfilled. I left with the goal of making at least one soldier forget for a few minutes they were away from the people that matter most to them and in the midst of combat. I think that objective was easily fulfilled at least a thousand or more time. With Christine and DeAnna’s help, we definitely were a breathe of fresh air for the guys be it a simple high five and thanks, a random question, one of our killer dance moves or filling them in on our inside jokes. The second objective has yet to be completed, but, hopefully, this blog has assisted me in doing so. My second objective is to take home the stories, the memories, and the feelings I have experienced on this tour. Only in America would I have the opportunity to live in a free, democratic nation, striving to fulfill and accomplish my dreams on a daily basis, and then have the opportunity to travel to a country, where we are currently in war, to boost the morale of our troops. After being thanked immensely, I have been asked time and time again by soldiers, “Why are you here? Why did you want to come all the way to Iraq?” My response is simple yet honest, “It’s the least I can do for the individuals allowing me to do what I love to do back home.”
We live our lives so comfortably back in the States, even with the state of our economy. Sure we hear about the conflicts in Gaza and the latest roadside bombing in Iraq, but how well do we fully comprehend the circumstances? Most of us don’t because we have our own worries ranging from who’s going to get the kids to school or what are we going to do Friday night. But, then again, that’s just the way we live life. Life goes on of course, but it continues to exist in this state of normalcy because of the individuals fighting to protect us. Think about the sacrifices our soldiers are making, the conditions they are living in for 6, 12, 15 months at a time, and some serve multiple times, so that we may live life a little safer and more comfortably.
It has been an honor traveling, yet again, to the Middle East to encourage and thank our troops for their tireless efforts. As long as our armed forces have a presence in the region, I will continue to go and visit to support them. I hope you’ve enjoyed my journey as well. I’ll post more pictures soon. xRachel
a new understanding
Where do I even begin??? The tour has been an absolute whirlwind! We’ve been hitting up a minimum of three camps per day all over Baghdad and the surrounding areas on an average of one hour to six hours of sleep. We’ve seen camps that look like M.A.S.H with approximately 75 soldiers to those that look like full-fledged bases back in the States with five thousand soldiers! Along the way we’ve experience our fair share of porta potties, ammunition, M-Raps, Black hawks, chow halls, acronyms and soldiers’ nicknames. I’m TOTALLY getting the lingo down. J However, I have taken two things away from this experience that have changed me forever: a greater understanding of the phrase “band of brothers” and a refined perspective on our country’s presence in the Middle East.
With each Black hawk ride we take to the next camp, I find myself so incredibly enthused about meeting an entirely different group of soldiers. It has been a delight learning about the functions of each camp according to their location and getting to know the camp’s “personality”. However, at the conclusion of each camp meet and greet, I find myself torn as our flight takes off. It’s that feeling of moving away from home for the first time or graduating from college or leaving one job to take on another. You know, that sense of loyalty, familiarity and unspoken understanding no matter how good or bad the experience may have been. Although the girls and I are spending only a few hours at each camp and a few minutes with a fraction of the soldiers at the camp, a bond is quickly established. As our flight takes off, I think about Jack, Matt, Nicole, Josh, Vickie, Ryan, John and the significant others they’ve told me stories about, the inside jokes we’ve quickly created and the courageousness yet fearfulness they’ve spoken with when describing their tour in the Middle East. This is why I feel I have the smallest idea of what it means to be a “band of brothers”. I see how close these men and women are with one another during their tours during this time. I can’t imagine what it is like to be pulled away from one another after serving three 15-month tours together no matter how horrendous the situation.
And although I have visited this area previously on a similar tour, this second journey has, naturally, enhanced my viewpoints immensely, far beyond that of any report from CNN, The New York Times or a White House press conference. Going to Bucca, a camp that contains Iraqi detainees, and listening to stories from soldiers in the infantry or those going out on missions in Sadr City in their M-Raps has given me an idea of the progress that’s taking place in the Middle East. I spoke to a commanding officer of a camp today, and he said, “It’s hard to believe the army we decimated in 2003 is an army that is becoming our best friend.” Now, perhaps the use of “best friend” seems a little strong; however, it’s a little easier to swallow when you witness American and Iraqi soldiers sharing a patrol base, see Iraqi young men serving as interpreters for US soldiers and Iraqi’s being hired as contract workers at the camps. It’s an experience I wish every American and Iraqi could encounter. I am not naïve enough to think we have reached that “world peace” I’m all too often asked about. But I do believe there is progress being made on both sides that we, unfortunately, have not had the opportunity to see. I feel as if I can honestly say
I know this war is being fought for a reason. A reason that will hopefully grow stronger and prevail. A reason that will bring honor to our fallen soldiers and a greater sense of admiration and respect to those that are returning home.
Instead of rattling off even more, perhaps my pictures will give you even better insight to what I have experienced. Here are a couple until I have more time to upload the others. Enjoy. xRachel
Entering Baghdad for the first time via Black hawk.
Landing at our first camp in Baghdad. This camp was an old shopping mall.
One of the many Iraqi dogs we have encountered that have been taken in by US soldiers. I believe this little guy is heading back to the States with this soldier.
DeAnna and I taking a tour of Sadr City, formerly known as one of the most dangerous areas in Baghdad.
all is well
I have so much to write about, but I’m sooooo exhausted! I’m slowly working on an entry, but until then, check out some pictures I have taken over the past couple of day. Enjoy! xRach
Getting ready for takeoff to Bucca in a Black hawk!
The extreme scenery in Kuwait-- dirt, camels and tents versus a random bustling city.
Visiting with some soldiers at Bucca.
Iraqi detainee visitation center at Bucca. Arts & crafts programs are offered for detainees at the camp. The mural seen in the background is one of their pieces.
Detainees at Bucca also built this playground in a shop-type class that is offered to them. The playground is used to preoccupy the children waiting to see members of their family that are detainees.
The lovely ladies at Bucca. We miss you!!!
Playing a little Guitar Hero with a soldier during down time.
Baghdad bound!
Exterior of C17 (craft used to take us to Baghdad).
Interior of C17.
