The Amazing Wish Race

Last weekend I participated in one of most exciting appearances yet, Rhode Island's Amazing Wish Race. This race benefited the Childrens Wish Group of Rhode Island and "Fighting for a Chance." The day was hosted by Louie Stravato & Mike Naylor of TV's The Amazing Race season 16 and was flooded with reality TV celebs from American Idol to Big Brother and of course, tons of beauty queens.

I was on a team with Jane Marshall, Mrs. Massachusetts International; Anita Seraichyk, Mrs. Rhode Island International; and Jena Ribeiro, Miss Teen Rhode Island International. Although we might have been a little slow in the race, we had the times of our lives with the crazy adventures they had us on.

Our first challenge was to fill out a crossword puzzle and word search based on Rhode Island. Obviously Jane and I were a bit lost so we left that part up to the Rhode Island queens. On the way to the next event we decided to take a minor pit stop at a pastry shop where Anita treated us to the best pastries in the world. Although that may have been our falling behind point, we kept going. (Better late then never!) We then went to the next event which was running around a park to find tickets to a merry go round. After running around like crazy I finally found a ticket after looking under a bench. Once all 4 tickets were found it was back in the car to the next event in which we had to name bugs by a picture, create our own big (which sported a crown of course) and had to guess the type of bug after feeling it in a bag. Once that challenge was completed, it was off to the mall to a costume store where Jane and Anita dressed up in outfits as fast as they could. It was then time for me to call it a day and travel back to Connecticut.

This race was an incredible experience for an incredible cause. Thank you to all of the volunteers who took the time out of their day and raised money, and of course the people who held the event. It was an awesome time and if anyone is interested in getting involved in the next race contact Damon Borrelli who puts this together!

Just a couple of days ago I was in Rhode Island again for an amazing photoshoot with J.Holt Photography. http://www.jholtprophotography.com/ - She is a new sponsor for the Miss Teen MA and Miss Teen RI- World pageants and a great one at that. Dana & I both had the chance to shoot in our National gowns & a few other outfits of choice. Although it was a bit chilly, the photographs were so worth it!

Keep in mind that fundraising for E.L.F. is beginning to take off! In a couple of weeks I will be in my old stomping grounds at East Longmeadow High School to raise some money for children with Epilepsy who will be spending their holidays in hospitals. Let's give them safe toys to keep smiles on their faces :) If anyone has any questions on donating please contact me at Tami4025@yahoo.com!

Love your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World
-Tamara Sacharczyk xoxo

PINK OUT!

This past weekend I got off of University of Hartford campus and ventured to my long lost home in Rhode Island! It felt so good to be back in Rhode Island after many weeks for appearances. The weekend was definitely full and worthy of importance and I had a fantastic time!
Saturday I arrived and went to Providence Place Mall to meet Miss Teen Rhode Island- World Dana Marie Buitta to get fitted or the fashion show that night. The fashion show was "selling dresses for a cure" and was to raise funds for Breast Cancer. People donate their old dresses from proms to weddings and they are all sold for the extraordinary price of $20. I ended up choosing two dresses to walk in, both gray, one with a Marilyn Monroe look (my favorite style ever!), and the other silvery and classy. After we chose our outfits of choice we ventured to the village to hand out papers about the fashion show that night. I caught up with Christina Kain, a judge from my state pageant and the epitome of a beauty queen and had the opportunity to FINALLY meet Amy Diaz (Miss Earth United States 2009) in person after endless facebook conversations!
That night we participated in a ceremony for the Gemma Foundation. We listened to Breast Cancer survivors and learned more about the disease. The speech's were extremely inspirational and reminded me of how fortunate I am or my health. One particular speaker whose mother had breast cancer impacted me deeply. The emotion in her words allowed you to feel the fear she once was entitled to feeling. Breast Cancer Awareness is such a strong disease that is extremely important for people to carry knowledge about.
That night, Dana & I kicked off the fashion show by freezing our butts off down the runway for a good cause, "Selling Dresses for a Cure." We were interviewed on stage about our reigns, how we got involved in pageantry, advice for anyone wishing to compete, and my personal platform. Although it was freezing the numb hands and toes were worth it to take part in a cause that calls for attention.
The next morning we woke up bright and early to participate in the annual parade on Federal Hill. Lucky for me, I got to play Barbie for the day and ride in Amberly (Miss Teen Rhode Island- World 2009's) sisters pink car! It was tons of fun and the parade consisted of characters from Michael Jackson to batman. After the parade we went to Meet The Stars with Dana and Christine to sign autographs and meet with fans for the afternoon!
All in all, the weekend was incredible an full of fun filled activities. It was SO nice to catch up with my pageant family, I was way overdue to spend the night at Debbi's house! The 16th I will be back in Rhode Island with a group of my beautiful Massachusetts queens to participate in Rhode Island's Amazing Wish Race! Benefits go to The Children's Wish Group of Rhode Island and "Fighting for a Chance!" Don't forget to come and show your support, it should be an inspiring afternoon :)

Until then!
Your Miss Teen Massachusetts- World,
Tamara Sacharczyk