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This
year, a challenge was extended to the participants in the Miss
America's Outstanding Teen Pageant. With Children's Miracle
Network being the official charity of both the Miss America
Organization and Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization,
we wanted to raise as much money for the cause as possible.
The recipient
of the 2008 CMN Award was Miss South Dakota's Outstanding
Teen, Carrie Wintle. She raised over $5,000 for CMN in just
one month!
In addition to being the CMN Award recipient, Carrie also was
the top ad sales winner! This award was sponsored by MAOT's
Program book designers, Grandesign. In addition to the
recognition, she received a $3,000 scholarship and $1,000
cash!!!
So What’s
Carrie’s advice?
What's your strategy for collecting
money for CMN?
My method is to get the community involved as much as
possible. Remember you cannot raise money without the support
of the community. One of my most effective fundraisers was my
trunk show, where I modeled all my competition clothes for the
public. That is just one of many ideas for community involved
fundraisers.
Why did you collect money for the
cause?
One of the main reasons why I started participating in this
organization was to be able to promote my platform and also
the national platform. After I had held my trunk show I
decided to visit a local CMN hospital in South Dakota. The
second I walked out of that hospital I knew exactly why I
cared so much about helping raise dollars for CMN. The
children I met were filled with so much joy even in the
hardest times. The least I could do is raise money to help
provide them with the proper care they need.
How would you inspire other
titleholders to try to raise funds for the cause?
First of all, they need to think of what it would be like to
be in a situation where you would have to be hospitalized. I
am sure you would want the love and support of your community.
In addition, visit a children's hospital and you will realize
how much the children appreciate even the slightest of
gestures. Finally, never let a moment pass you by in life to
help others.
How can these task help you in the
"real world."
First of all, life is to short to waste time giving up all the
time. So whether your are playing a sport or selling ads you
always need to view it as a learning experience that will help
you become more prepared for future excitements. Secondly, my
school is getting a lot of new students and being able to go
up to them and carry on a simple conversation is great!
Check back monthly to hear Carrie’s
advice and thoughts on raising funds. To learn more about
Children’s Miracle Network, please visit
www.MAOTeen4kids.org. If you
have questions for Carrie, please email
Allison@MAOTeen.org.
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