kaittarpey

Memorial Day

Memorial Day means different things to different people; A celebration of freedom, a dedication to a loved one, a day of barbecuing. We come together all across America to remember those who served in different ways. This Memorial Day I spent time with the Miss Greater Simsbury Organization participating in the Unionville and Farmington parades. The Unionville parade is one of the oldest Memorial Day parades in the state of Connecticut. The Farmington parade was a wonderful trail on main street through Miss Porter’s campus. My sister queens and I enjoyed meeting residents of the towns, especially on such a beautiful day.

To me, Memorial Day is not about picnics and parades. Memorial Day is about the people who made the American way of life possible. Thank you servicemen and women, we are free because of you.

God Bless,

Kaitlyn

Prom and Pageant

Prom, Miss Connecticut gown, Miss Rhode Island, oh my!

Just when I think it can’t get any better, it does. Friday night I got to spend time with a high school junior at his prom. He was so grateful that I took the time to attend, and I made a couple of new friends. It opened my eyes to how a simple gesture out of the kindness of your heart can teach you so much about yourself and others. The few students I met spoke with me about college scholarships, drugs and alcohol, and bullying. I tried to share as much of my knowledge as possible so that they can learn lessons long before I did… especially about fronting their college tuition. I hope they appreciated my chit-chat as much as I appreciated theirs.

The next morning I picked up my Miss Connecticut competition gown from the Crowning Touch in New Bedford, MA. I always love seeing Maria and her staff; they are so warm and go to such extremes to make sure everyone feels beautiful in their gowns. I can’t post a picture of my gown- but you can come to Miss Connecticut and see it for yourself!

Later that evening I attended the Miss Rhode Island pageant. Congratulations to Kelsey Fournier for winning the 90th Miss Rhode Island pageant.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend,

Kaitlyn

The most successful event in Miss Connecticut history!

The First Annual Miss Connecticut Scholarship Corporation’s golf tournament was a huge success. We raised over $10,000 for our scholarship fund. It would not have been possible without the help of the board, contestants, sponsors and volunteers. Yet, seeing the support the organization received from the 100-or-so golfers was amazing. I want to personally thank Royal Construction and JRS Trucking for sponsoring 3 teams and 3 tee-signs. My sponsors alone donated close to $2,500. THANK YOU!

Most of the Miss Connecticut class of 2012 was in attendance helping out. We enjoyed delivering lunch, setting up and distributing raffles, collecting the tee signs and selling raffles and mulligans. I had a deal going with the golfers… “2 mulligans at $5 each, but if you want to slip me a $100, I’ll give you 20.” Let’s just say some golfers were great sports and slipped us the $100. It was so much fun.

Enjoy the picture reel of the day. Tomorrow I will attend Oxford HS Junior prom with a boy I met at an Easter Seals event. I hope to make his prom night something very special. We all deserve to be treated equally, and I am excited to set that example forward before Oxford prom-goers.

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God Bless,

Kaitlyn

Rita’s Fundraiser

Good morning!

I’m up bright and early for the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Corporation’s golf tournament. But before I left the house I wanted to re-cap on Miss Greater Simsbury’s Rita’s Fundraiser.

Last night was my first time visiting Rita’s and BOY was it delicious. They serve a variety of Italian ices and frozen custard and even mix the two to make their famous “gelati”dish. I had my fair share, but due to my lactose intolerance ended up with a bit of a stomach ache- the custard was just too good to put down!

My sister queens and I scooped ice cream for 4 hours and made new friends. We sold raffle tickets and had a “donation” piggy bank. Though I have yet to hear the measures of our fundraiser, I do believe it was a success.

Make sure to check back for a blog post about the golf tournament. WOOHOO

Kaitlyn

60 bags for the Purple Heart Foundation!

This morning I set out all of the bags I collected for the Purple Heart Foundation. I am ecstatic that I surpassed my goal by ten bags! I even held a “guess how many” contest on twitter and facebook and will be awarding my friend Amber with a free Team Tarpey shirt

Never underestimate the power of determination!

God Bless,
Kaitlyn

Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament 5/21/12

The Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation is dedicated to “Always Remembering” the brave Military Service Members from Connecticut as well as our country that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for our freedom. As my platform is Veteran’s Awareness I was SO excited to attend the event. Though the weather was questionable, Martha, Cara, JoJo, Ashley and I spent time greeting golfers, serving as hole-in-one witnesses, driving around in golf carts and more.

I met a new friend, Josh, who served as the ‘official photographer’ for the event, and I just received some great photos!

The event was truly amazing with a flag presentation, fly over and many volunteers. Being able to witness the success of only the 2nd annual golf tournament for this organization has shown me how much our community cares about veterans. I’m so excited to continue my work promoting not only my chosen organizations, but Fallen Heroes as well.

God Bless,

Kaitlyn

Sunday Funday, May 20th.

I spent some time with my Miss CT sisters at group appearances across the state. I started in Norwich for a talent showcase at the Norwich Italian Club. A few of us performed talent routines and enjoyed some Italian entertainment ourselves.

Later in the day, I walked in Miss Greater Watertown’s fashion show to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. At the fashion show I met a self proclaimed Miss Connecticut junkie, Carolyn. Carolyn mentioned that she had read my previous blog post about red, white, and blue outfits. I believe it was her inspiration for the outfit she wore in the Dress Barn fashion show. She even mentioned that she might bring me a little bit of luck with the state competition, so I totally wanted a picture with her! Doesn’t she look great?

Though it was an eventful weekend, it was an amazing one. I spent lots of time with Miss CT sisters and there seems to be a great sense of excitement for pageant week! Bring it on!

Make sure to follow me on instagram @ktarpey for up the the minute photos of what I’m up to around CT.

Kaitlyn

May 19th

On this beautiful Saturday I woke up bright and early to reveal a bicycle sculpture at the opening of Simsbury’s bike path. I enjoyed some time with Simsbury representatives and boys from Simsbury’s ABC (A Better Chance) House. I also enjoyed some time with staff of the Maple Tree Cafe, one of my sponsors.

Next stop was the Girl Scout’s 100th Jubilee on the Durham Fair Grounds. The Miss CT Organization had an entire table set up and was meeting and greeting girl scouts from all across the state!

Lastly, I had a second outfit change and (for the first time ever) sang in front of an audience. I prompted the crowd by saying my voice had never left the shower, but I ended up really enjoying myself. I was shaking in my heels- and you can hear a little nerves in my voice- but it felt so great to get over my fear. A few of my Miss Connecticut sisters were there with me and made the experience that much better. For the year 2012 I made a list of what I wanted to do: Getting over my fear of singing has now been checked off! Watch the video and let me know what you think! BIG thank-you to Miss Nutmeg for playing the ukelele for me on such short notice, you are an amazing musician, Ashley! 

New Autograph Cards

My autograph cards were delivered! Thank you Jen Strunk!