Pattie Altobelli Barbato- Petite United America 2012/2013

Pattie Altobelli Barbato- Petite United America 2012/2013

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

3rd Annual SARC Hot Air Balloon Festival

On Saturday, September 22nd, SARC-Maryland (Safety-Awareness-Resources-Change) held their 3rd Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bel Air, MD. All proceeds from the event are used to further SARC's mission of ending domestic and sexual violence, as well as putting an end to child abuse and stalking. I spent the afternoon working alongside my good friend and reigning Mrs. Harford County, Laurena Bell. We were stationed in the game area of Bubbleland where we spent the afternoon interacting with children. For more information on SARC or to support SARC's Upcoming Events, please visit www.sarc-maryland.org.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Survivor Committee Meeting- August 21, 2012

On Tuesday, August 21st, the Komen Maryland Survivor Committee and I met to finalize survivor activities for the 2012 Komen Maryland Race for the Cure taking place next month. Our committee has been hard at work for over six months planning every last detail to ensure a successful Race Day. Although the theme for our Survivor Tent is not released to the public prior to Race Day, I can assure you that it will be a SWEET surprise. Having been a part of the comittee for several years now, I am always amazed at the creativity that flows from this group. Each year, survivor activities top the year before. If you haven't already registered for the 2012 Race for the Cure, you can do so by visiting komenmd.org. I hope to see you there!

LIVE OUT LOUD Charity Fashion Show

From Maryland, Ms. Petite United America, Pattie Altobelli Barbato, will be modeling on the runway during Tiara Magazine's 3rd annual charity fashion show for Live Out Loud Charity. Join us on November 25, 2012 at Medinah Shriners in Addison, IL (near Chicago) and walk for a purpose. Together we can save lives! Over 11 magazines covering our event!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

HOMERUNS FOR THE HOMELESS

Ripken Stadium was host to the 2012 HOMERUNS FOR THE HOMELESS to benefit the Harford Family House in Bel Air, MD. Designed in lieu of a golf tournament, HOMERUNS FOR THE HOMELESS raises funds to further the mission of the Harford Family House. The Harford Family House is the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless families with children in Harford County. Businesses sponsored teams of four for this event. Each team member received 15 "at bats" and the team with the longest yardage was declared the winner. I spent the day along with my good friend Laurena Bell, Mrs. Maryland United States, fielding balls as each team took their turn attempting to hit homeruns. There were several, and I was impressed! This event ranks high on my list of favorite activities/appearances. I will take chasing balls over a more traditional role at an event any day!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Jr. High/ High School/ Collegiate America Pageant

The Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, PA was the site of the August 5th Miss Jr. High/High School/Collegiate Pageant for DE,MD,NJ,NY,and PA. Joined by my good friend Laurena Bell, Mrs. Maryland United States, I spent the afternoon supporting all of the beautiful contestants competing for their respected titles. As the outgoing queens gave their final farewells, it was evident that community service was the core of this system. Congratulations to all of the newly crowned DE,MD, NJ,NY,and PA queens. Enjoy every moment!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

2012 Komen Maryland Race for the Cure

It's hard to believe that the 2012 Komen Maryland Race for the Cure is right around the corner! The Survivor Committee and I are into our 5th month of planning to make Race Day a success. Although our theme is not made public until Race Day, I can assure you that this is going to be our best year yet! If you haven't signed up for the race yet, please visit komen.org to register. If you need assistance with team building, contact me! I'd love to come to your place of business and speak to your employees about the race. Hoping to see lots of familiar faces on Race Day!

Dove Ad Campaign

How excited I was to learn that my photo had been choosen for an ad campaign for Dove! The photo above is of my ad in Times Square in New York City.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Fourth of July

Despite high temperatures, thousands lined the streets in Bel Air for the annual 4th of July parade. Thank you to BMW of Bel Air for providing me with a beautiful vehicle!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Nationals

On Friday, June 22nd, I left my hometown of Bel Air for the 2012 United America/Petite United America Pageants being held in Austin, Texas. I was very excited to meet my sister queens, the other contestants who held titles for their respected states, whom I had been communicating with for months. Little did I know just how close I was going to become to this group of beautiful, successful, and giving women. Our weekend began with registration and a contestants social that enabled all of the contestants to get to know each other and share what age group we would be competing in. The United America/Petite United America Pageant system has 9 age groups, ranging from 13 years old to 55 and up. Each contestant shared her name, her age group, her state, and a few quick facts about herself. Despite a full day of travel for most of the contestants, there was so much excitement in the air. The following day would include the very important judges interview. Each contestant went before a panel of 5 judges who would determine who would become one of the prestigious United America/Petite United America queens. Nervousness was in the air. That evening, all contestants and their families were treated to a dinner cruise in the beautiful city of Austin. The commraderie in this group was so evident. We all had a wonderful time. It was hard to believe that the following day would be the day we had all been waiting for. The weekend was passing so quickly. Pageant rehersal began early on Sunday morning. Between rehearsals, hair/makeup, and setteling into the dressing room, there was little time to worry about the pageant that was taking place later that day. The day passed so quickly and before I knew it, it was time to line up for the opening of the show. Knowing it was being streamed live was enough to make most of us a bit anxious. I remember one moment when I was sitting on a bench in the hall beside two of my fellow national sister queens. One of us was praying, one of us was rehearsing her introduction, and the other one stated she was reminding herself to breathe. The start of the show was just moments away. All of the ladies looked absolutely stunning in their fashion wear and evening wear. It is cliche' to say the judges had their work cut out for them, but in this case, I truly sympathized with them. The United America queens were crowned first. How exciting it was to see some of the ladies I had become so close to, win their titles. I cried, which all the contestants would probably unanimously agree I did often, as each winner took her turn greeting the crowd as one of the new queens. By the time the Petite America winners had been announced, I don't think there were many hands I didn't hold. I was so excited but so nervous. I was honored to have been selected by my fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality. This is as high of an honor as it gets in my eyes. The judges have very limited time with each of us. They don't get to know us like we get to know each other. I was so grateful for this special award. As the Petite winners were announced in each division, the moment I was crowned Ms. Petite United America Woman will be forever etched in my head. How incredibly grateful I am to have been given this amazing opportunity for the next year! I am honored to represent the Petite United America System, and am so grateful for the friendships and memories I have made through my involvement with UA/PUA. I was told a few weeks before I left for nationals by a former director of mine that some of the most influential women in pageantry have held United America or Petite United America titles. This was no exaggeration. This group was full of women who have greatly impacted the pageant community and their own communities through various forms of service. I am honored to now be one of them. The question I get asked most often is what the difference between the United America and Petite United America pageant is. The Petite pageant is for women 5'6 and under. Needless to say, we all had our share of short jokes as we were photographed after the pageant, but that is what makes United America system so successful. It promotes beauty in all women.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Road to United America

It's hard to believe that exactly two weeks from now, I will be preparing to board a plane to Texas for the Mrs. United America and Mrs. Petite United America pageants. Looking back over the past several months, I am overcome with emotion and a feeling of gratefulness unlike any other I have experienced. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been blessed with, and all of the wonderful friendships I have made. I am grateful for the ability to use my title to raise breast cancer awareness as well as raising awareness for other worthy causes. There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am to my amazing family who have made it possible for me to pursue my dream. Without them, this experience would not be possible. I am grateful to my friends for their unwavering support and words of encouragement. I am so lucky to have all of you by my side to share in this experience. Most of all, I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity. Through him, I have learned that all things are possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone for your support!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Philadelphia Race for the Cure

The Philadelphia Race for the Cure took place on Sunday, May 13th, in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. There was a tremendous turnout, although official numbers have yet to be released, it is estimated that there were approximatelt 50,000 participants. This was the first race in several years that I attended soley as a participant and not in an official capacity as a volunteer or committee member. I was joined by Kim Wright, my Komen Maryland Survivor Chair, and together we watched the set-up and workings of this event. We searched for ideas to add and improve our own race being held in Hunt Valley, MD. Some may say I am partial since I have served on a committee for the Maryland Affiliate for several years. Putting that fact aside, I did walk away from this race with a new found appreciation for the support my committee provides for survivors and their families on Race Day. Makeovers, face painting, portraits, breakfast, live music, and give aways are only a small part of what makes the Maryland Survivor Tent the best I have seen so far! It was my honor and privelage to support this race as a representative of the Maryland Affiliate and as Mrs. Maryland United America. I anxiously await the Komen Maryland Race for the Cure in October.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Northrop Grumman Health Waves


It was my honor and privealage to speak to the wonderful staff of Northrop Grumman at their Health Waves Live Well Expo. I spoke to the staff about breast health and the many programs made possible by Komen Maryland. I answered questions, heard stories from survivors and their families, and even answered a few questions about my role as Mrs. Maryland United America. The best part of the day was seeing the male attendees sneak over for pamphlets about breast screenings for their wives. It's refreshing to see men take a proactive approach in the health care of their significant others. There were many people who were interested in registering for the 2012 Maryland Race for the Cure. I look forward to returning to Northrop Grumman to assist with their team building.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Upcoming events for Pattie Altobelli Barbato, Mrs. Maryland United America




Upcoming events for Pattie Altobelli Barbato, Mrs. Maryland United America.

March 31st- Photo shoot for the official Mrs. United America/Mrs. Petite United America program.

April 4th- Meeting of the Survivor Committee at Susan G. Komen.

April 18th- Guest speaker at Northrop Grumman's Health Waves.

April 27th and 28th- Special Guest for the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) event, Second Chances.

Please contact me at MDQN1@verizon.net for information on any of the events listed above.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Survivor Committee Meeting- March 7, 2012


On Wednesday, March 7th, the Survivor Committee held it's first planning meeting for the 2012 Maryland Race for the Cure. Ideas were flowing like water! About thirty minutes into our meeting, we decided on our theme for this years tent. Although it will remain a secret until RACE DAY, I can assure everyone that 2012 will be our best year yet! Save the date and join us on Sunday, October 21st, for the Maryland Race for the Cure in Hunt Valley.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ambassador, Susan G. Komen


On February 25, 2012, it became my honor and privelege to begin working officially as an Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. After many years of advocating breast cancer awareness, it became my goal to work in a more official capacity, and reach out to larger groups. As an Ambassador for Komen, my duties will include representing them at various community events, and verbally presenting facts about the foundation, it's mission, and it's history. I will also be educating the community on breast health, programs available to assist those in need, and the various programs that are supported by the Maryland Affiliatte of Susan G. Komen.

I will continue to serve as a member of the Survivor committee in addition to my new role, as I have found my service to this committee to be extremely fulfilling. The Survivor Committee will begin it's work again on March 7th, planning and preparing activities for the October 2012 Race for the Cure.

I will continue showcasing survivor stories on A Crown for the Cure, naming a new survivor on the 3rd of March. I will also be coordinating a local program to benefit the Maryland Race for the Cure. Details coming soon!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Philanthropic Education Organization


It was truly an honor to speak with the wonderful ladies of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) this morning. The PEO is an organization where women celebrate the advancement of other women through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans. The weather served as no detterent for this group of amazing ladies, and the sense of sisterhood was evident from the very beginning of the morning. My thirty minute presentation was followed by a question/answer session from the group, with questions ranging from personal ones to questions regarding pageantry and make up. As I looked around the room, I had to take a moment to appreciate all the warm smiles that surrounded me. This was a phenomenal group!