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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.