Wild Ginger Ribbon Cutting

A new Chinese and sushi restaurant opened up in Provo recently. It is on University Avenue just a block south of Provo Library. The decor and atmosphere of Wild Ginger is fabulous and the good is even better. The sweet owners of the restaurant served lunch to all the members of the Chamber of Commerce and I. Thank you Wild Ginger!

Provo's Halloween Carnival

I love Halloween! Whitney Booth, from Provo City, and her crew put on the most amazing Halloween Carnival. Melanie Jones, 1st Attendant, and I dressed up as "blast from the past" Miss Provo's. We helped with a couple different games, including the very creative and popular Angry Birds game.

Here are a few pictures from the event:

Ribbon Cutting at Utah Valley Medical Center

Hannah Harkness, Miss Orem, and I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the ribbon cutting for the Utah Valley Heathcare Foundation. Steve Densley, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, was also there. He is always so positive, kind and welcoming.

The Chamber and the Foundation really know how to plan a ribbon cutting/grand opening. The Foundations new offices are beautiful and serve the needs of the Foundation wonderfully.

Cutting the Ribbon

Hannah and I with the "ginormous" scissors!

It is Provo - Orem Chamber of Commerce so Hannah and I thought it would be fun to get a picture with the scissors!

Trendy Xchange Grand Opening

Another exciting grand opening happened in Provo a few weeks ago. A clothing store called "Trendy Xchange" opened by Sally's, 24 Hour Fitness, and across the street from Shopko and Movies 8.

Waiting with a group of girls for the store to open.

Presenting the "first dollar" to the store owners

A little shopping after the store opened :)

Madhatter Tea Party

This event was also put on by the Dollhouse Festival, but was geared towards little boys and girls. The attendees were invited to wear their favorite hat or costume. It was a wonderful tea party for an even greater cause. All the proceeds from the Dollhouse Festival help abused children in the Provo, Utah area get the help they need to overcome the trauma they have experienced with abuse.

With the Madhatter

This little boy was dressed up as a Pirate Clifford The Big Red Dog. He was darling and so sweet.

Dollhouse Festival Auction and Dinner Gala

I was asked to entertain on the harp during the silent auction and hor'derves hour of the Dollhouse Festival Auction and Dinner Gala. The Dollhouse Festival is a friend of Children's Justice Center in Provo, Utah. All the proceeds from the Dollhouse Festival help abused children in the Provo, Utah area get the help they need to overcome the trauma they have experienced with abuse. I was thrilled to volunteer my talent for such a worthy cause.

Before the Gala

With an incredible dollhouse that was part of the live auction. It was a replica of the White House. The inside even had tiny replicas of the oval office, the dining room, the Lincoln bedroom and a President Obama doll walking in the front door (if you look closely you can see his back in the picture above.)

Make-A-Wish Magic

I absolutely love being a Make-A-Wish volunteer. There is no greater feeling than watching a child declare their wish and helping it come to life.

I was asked to dress up as a princess and surprise Birkley at the party held to unveil her new "wish" playground. She wished for a swing, but as always Make-A-Wish volunteers went above and beyond and got Birkley an incredible playset complete with swings, a super fast slide, rock climbing wall and tire swing.

Birkley was so sweet and loving. She showed me all around her playset. She had me climb up onto the top and go down the slide with her and then I pushed her in the swing while she kept saying, "higher, higher."

All of her friends and family came over to support her and play with her. It was a big party celebrating Birkley and her bravery. I am so happy that I was able to be a part of her wish.

Swinging with Birkley

This little girl dressed up as Snow White to come to the party and when she saw me she ran as fast as she could screaming, "mommy, mommy, it's a princess! It is a real princess!" then she gave me a huge hug. these are the moments that I hope I never forget.

Here I am explaining how to use "fairy dust" to make a wish. Once they have a wish ready, they close their eyes, I count to three, and then sprinkle the sparkly, fairy dust over them and then they blow the extra out of my hand. So fun!

Birkley was showing me inside the playset.

About to go down the slide with Birkley.

With all the kids at the party.

With the wish granters and Birkley on her dream playset.