Miss Moorhead 2012!

"Cares for Kids" Children's Miracles Network Radioathon!

2012-02-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

        This last Friday, February 17th, Fargo Sanford Children's Hospital held their 12th annual "Cares for Kids" Radioathon. Many local radio stations were there interviewing patients and doing a great job of encouraging listeners to donate and help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. These radio stations included ones from past years such as Bob 95, Popster FM, and Y-94. I was extremely excited to be a part of this event! My job was to answer phone calls mostly from people who had listened to the radio and heard inspiring and moving stories about people who had overcome struggling obstacles. I also helped people make donations who stopped by our small booth behind the curtains of the radio station, these were mostly nurses or parents of children who visited the hospital often. In addition, all the money raised for this event stayed at the Fargo Sanford Children's Hospital to help local children. The most rewarding part of the entire event for me personally was having the wonderful opportunity to meet with a 17 year old young man named Darrien. Who after going through two rounds of chemotherapy, living in the Fargo Sanford hospital for over 40 weeks, and having to drop out of his junior year of high school... finally got to go back to his home in northern Minnesota over 6 hours away from the hospital. I felt truly blessed to be able to hear his story as he told me about receiving a boat from his "Make A Wish" sponsors, being excited about having a welcome home party, and getting ready for his senior year of high school! Darrien was truly a beautiful spirit and I am so happy I was able to meet him. The Radioathon was a huge success and I had a blast volunteering!
          Sincerely,
                              Alison Vail
                              Miss Moorhead 2012

Answering phone calls. I was very excited at first!

Fargo Sanford Children's Hospital

The charming Darrien and I!

Playing Catching Up!

2012-02-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

     In the past few weeks, so much has been going on that time has seemed to fly by! I have recently transitioned to a new school, Century College, to finish up the rest of my prerequisite courses for the Dental Hygiene Bachelor's Degree Program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. In addition, I finally had deviated septum surgery to fix the damage caused after a basketball game accident, which caused breathing problems in my nasal cavity. To sum it up, I spent most of January on the couch with a cast on my nose, swollen cheeks, and a bruised face... not my best look. Luckily, I have still been able to keep up with my personal platform: Speaking for the Voiceless; Prevention and Awareness of Animal Cruelty. I have been able to not only spread the word through speeches and presentations at my new school, but I have also found great connections through friends at Century College in order to donate animal food and help other struggling young adults with pets, find affordable places to neuter/spay their animals.This type of prevention of animal cruelty helps to end the cycle of breeding and over-population of pets, which leads to more animals being abandoned on the streets, neglected, ending up in animal shelters, or being euthenized. It is amazing what one 5lb. bag of dog food can do for someone who is doing all they can for the pet they love and trying there hardest to keep. I have met such inspirational people, some of which have gone without dinner just to buy there pets the food they need, to me that is true love and committment. Being able to donate the animal food they need, so no one will go hungry... is the most rewarding feeling. To conclude, I apologize for the delay in my blogs and I would like to congratulate all the new young ladies who have been crowned recently! Kiah Bennett, Miss Mankato 2012 and Samantha Phillippi, Miss Coon Rapids 2012 I am so proud of you girls and wish I could have been there for your crowning moments! You are both beautiful on the inside and out and I cannot wait for the Miss Minnesota Pageant with you two.
         Sincerely,
                           Alison Vail
                           Miss Moorhead 2012

                                          A great local organization that helps to keep struggling
                                        families and pets together by donating pet food and finding
                                         affordable vaccination and neutering clinics in your area!
                                           For more information check out: thepetprojectmn.org

                                           Me and my family member, Ruby, also known as my
                                           best friend! I do not know what I would do without
                                           her.

                                           A new friend of mine Bri and her dog, Baby, able to
                                           stay together by a simple donation of food! A little can
                                           go a long way.

Fargo Sanford Hospital

2011-12-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

          After a chilly night outside waving in the Fargo Parade of Lights, it was nice to spend the next day inside at the Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Hillery Mork, the Program Director for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, was there to greet me upon arrival and gave me a wonderful tour of the largest medical facility in the North Dakota region. After bringing us up the elevator to the Children's level the doors opened to an enchanted place! My eyes lit up, my smile broadened, and my heart seemed to grow larger! Immediately my focus drew to a statue of a mouse named "Alfunz" because he is all fun from A to Z! Every child's room even has a little mailbox so they can write letters to the friendly critter. As we toured the children's specialty center I loved seeing the little kids point at me with my sash and crown on or whisper something to their nurse about a "princess". I wanted so badly to meet the children and play with them! I had also brought dozens of my hand-knitted hats to give out to the children, but when it came time to visit with them they were either not feeling well enough, sleeping, or too shy. It seemed as though they would rather look from a distance then come up and meet me. It was disappointing, but my heart went out to them as they were so young and already in so much pain and had to put up such a fight. These children are so brave and so strong. Going to the Sanford Hospital really put everything I do into even more perspective for me; why I compete in pageants, why I raise money for the Children's Miracle Network, and why I care enough to try to make a difference in this world and influence others to do the same.
        Sincerely,
                            Alison Vail
                            Miss Moorhead 2011

Hillery, my favorite mouse Alfunz, and I!

Miss Moorhead Pageant Director, Amber, and I in

the beautiful Sanford Hospital lobby!

Fargo and Moorhead Parade of Lights!

2011-11-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

       My royalty sister, Ellie Bachmann, Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen, and I had the wonderful opportunity to ride in the back of a beautifully decorated truck in the Fargo and Moorhead Parade of Lights on Tuesday evening, November 22, 2011. All of the floats and rides, including ours, had festive holiday decorations such as Christmas trees, garland, and most of all a lot of multicolored bright lights! Unlike last years parade, which was below freezing, the weather was much more pleasant. Once the parade began I soon forgot about the cold weather all together as I was consumed by the crowds of happily waving visitors. It was such a delight; smiling, waving, and wishing everyone a happy holiday! Besides the abundance of people who showed up for the parade, the route was beautiful as well, especially when we traveled over the bridge to downtown Fargo. I definitely understand why it is called the "Parade of Lights". The shops of downtown Fargo were completely lit up with the addition of all the brightly colored floats creating a beautiful scenery of starry lights. I never wanted the parade to end, but I am happy I got to experience not only the parade itself, but I got to be apart of the Fargo and Moorhead Parade of Lights!
      Sincerely,
                         Alison Vail
                         Miss Moorhead 2011

My royalty sister and I in our decorated truck!

Downtown Fargo lights!

Miss St. Paul/ Minneapolis Pageant

2011-10-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

     Last night I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Miss St. Paul and Miss Minneapolis Pageant at the Hopkins High School Little Theatre. It was a great group of nine young women vying for the two titles. One of the greatest treats of the night was the fabulous emceeing done by both Miss Minnesota 2010, Kathryn Knuttila, and the current Miss Minnesota 2011, Natalie Davis! They did a great job as expected. Everyone's favorite segment of competition, the talent portion, was very unique and creative. With talents ranging from a guitar and vocal arrangement of Elvis', "Hunk of Burning Love" to an imaginative monologue of a segment of "Alice in Wonderland". Both of these talents were performed by the new Miss St. Paul and Miss Minneapolis. At the end of the night I could honestly say every contestant was extremely talented. As crowning came closer, the beautiful Natalie Davis had performed her heart out during numerous vocal numbers during the show, and anticipation was growing throughout the audience and contestants, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for... crowning of course! It started out with the winner of Miss Congeniality that went to Elizabeth Scipioni. This is a great honor to win. I won Miss Congeniality at Miss Twin Cities/ Miss Capital City last year and at Miss Coon Rapids in February. The winner is chosen by your fellow contestants by who they think was the most pleasant and kindhearted young woman to be around. After giving out this award and a few others they presented Bethany Bienek with 1st runner up! Next Miss Minneapolis was crowned, the "Hunk of Burning Love" singer, Niila Witikko! There was only one crown left, Miss St. Paul, and the title went to the "Alice in Wonderland" speaker and Miss Congeniality, Elizabeth Scipioni! I was so proud of all the girls and cannot wait to see the new titleholders at Miss Minnesota with me in June!        Sincerely,
                           Alison Vail
                           Miss Moorhead 2011

Miss Minneapolis, Niila Witikko, me, and Miss St. Paul, Elizabeth Scipioni!

Me and good friend, 1st runner up, Bethany Bienek!

All the beautiful ladies!

Knitting for Children's Miracle Network

2011-10-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

        About 10 years ago, after watching my grandmother make beautiful sweaters, socks, hats, and much more, I decided I wanted to learn how to knit. Because my grandmother did not have the time to teach me herself, I began taking classes one summer at a local yarn shop. I learned a lot and enjoyed the creative pasttime so much that I have continued knitting ever since. Like everyone I have a few talents and I would like to think knitting is one of them. That is why I decided that instead of just wasting this talent I would use the skill to fundraise for Children's Miracle Network. Starting about a month ago I began selling mostly scarfs, hats, and mittens for $15 an item, with all money going to CMN! As of today I have raised a total of $200 and my goal is to reach $1000. I have found great joy in making these knitted items. I have also decided to donate hats to patients at hospitals affiliated with Children's Miracle Network. Below is a picture of a coworker who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and wanted a pink scarf that I made and donated to her. Seeing her smile was priceless! I have found a talent that brings me and so many others happiness, what else could I wish for! To find out more or to custom order your own scarf, hat, or mittens, contact me at aliwvail@gmail.com
      Sincerely,
                        Alison Vail
                        Miss Moorhead 2011

Kathy, me, and her new bright pink scarf!

Miss North Metro Pageant

2011-10-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

      Tonight was a very first for me as I traveled to a Miss Minnesota local pageant, Miss North Metro, not as a contestant, but as visiting royalty! I had a lot of fun going up on stage and introducing myself to the audience as Miss Moorhead 2011 and talking a little bit about my platform, Prevention and Awareness of Animal Abuse. It was extremely exciting and fun to get to sit in the crowd, cheer on the contestants, and watching all the fabulous girls compete for the title of Miss North Metro and North Metro Outstanding Teen. Every young woman was unique and beautiful as well as such a joy to watch. The talent portion of competition was my favorite as always as contestants performed different routines from a self defense performance to a hula hoop dance! It was so hard to determine who the winners would be, but as the night came to an end, Maren Andersen was first named as the North Metro Outstanding Teen 2011! Then Brittany Bachmann was named 1st runner up and Mary Petersen was named the new 2011 Miss North Metro! I could not have been happier and am so proud of all the contestants and wish nothing but the best for the new titleholders! It was so much fun attending this pageant as visiting royalty and I cannot wait to do it again at the Miss St. Paul and Miss Minneapolis Pageant in two weeks.
        Sincerely,
                           Alison Vail
                           Miss Moorhead 2011

The new Miss North Metro
2011, Mary Petersen, and me!

A contestant and great friend, Brittany
Tischmak and me.

Minnesota Quarter Horse Show

2011-10-02T11:55:00.000-07:00

       I have always been involved with horses and showing horses since I can remember and is one of the main reasons I developed a passion for preventing and bringing awareness to the public about animal cruelty. Unfortunately, as I started my college career I had to sell my own beloved companions. Even though I no longer own a horse of my own I am still very involved in the horse industry and showing. This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to show my friend's horse at the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association Master's Show! It was a lot of fun and as usual some riders mistreated their horses. Luckily, after some hard work the Quarter Horse Association posted flyers that states their position on animal welfare and what is acceptable behavior and what is not. To see the entire document please follow this link: http://www.aqha.com.au/forms/resources/2011%20FORMS%20FOR%20SHOWS/2011%20Animal%20Welfare%20Poster.pdf I am very happy that the organization has decided to do this in order to make their position more clear to horseback riders, but some people still seemed to ignore the rules. As I warmed up my horse getting ready for the Western Pleasure class, I witnessed some unacceptable acts. One man was continually spurring his horse in attempts to make him behave, only maddening the animal more. After watching this for a few long minutes hoping it would stop, I decided to go over and politely state to the man that his actions were violating the Quarter Horse Association's Rules on Animal Welfare. Luckily, he agreed with me and apologized. This was an example of a very successful way of preventing further animal cruelty. The first step anyone should take when witnessing unacceptable acts of animal abuse is to notify the person committing the act. Most of the time the owner does not even realizing what they are doing is wrong. Besides, a few bumps in the road the horse show was a great success and a lot of fun!
         Sincerely,
                            Alison Vail
                            Miss Moorhead 2011

Me and Mack getting ready to go into the ring!

A good day of showing!

Hoof N' Woof 5K!

2011-09-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

     Waking up this morning I was very excited to participate in not only a 5K fundraiser to benefit the Pet Project of Minnesota, which helps keep families and pets together, but also walk the 3.1 miles with my best friend, my 11 year old black lab Ruby. It started out a chilly day, but as we met at Roseville Central Park for a 10am start, things started to warm up. It was fun for both Ruby and I to see and meet so many different breeds of dogs as well as all the wonderful people who came out to support the cause. The Pet Project of Minnesota is a local non-profit organization that helps keep pets and owners together through trying times. The Pet Project provides pet food, supplies, and veterinary care to the pets of these struggling families. They also hold free vaccination clinics. You can learn more about the Pet Project of Minnesota by visiting http://www.thepetprojectmn.org/ . I feel great knowing that I helped local Minnesotan families keep their beloved pets, especially since I personally know the heartbreak of being forced to surrender an animal. All in all, I had a great, fun filled day spent with my favorite "person" in the world, Ruby, and got to support a wonderful local cause at the same time! I hope to see you all at next year's annual Hoof N' Woof 5K. I know I will be there!
        Sincerely,
                           Alison Vail
                           Miss Moorhead 2011

Ruby and I getting ready for our 5K!

The woman of the Pet Project of Minnesota!

38 Starving Dogs Found

2011-09-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

       When I was younger I always remember wanting more and more pets of every breed and variety. My mom, however, had set a strict rule of no more than three pets at a time. This usually consisted of my dog, cat, and guinea pigs. After my guinea pigs passed on then I was allowed a new pet if desired. At the time I did not understand why I could not have as many animals as I wanted, but as I have matured the reasoning is quite simple; you cannot take care of more than you can handle. It seems like an obvious concept, that is why incidences such as 38 starving dogs found, disturb me greatly. The female resident of a home just north of Orr, Minnesota left a note officers responded to, saying both her and the dogs where starving. A news release stated, "all the dogs were found to be dehydrated, anemic, underweight and suffering from malnutrition." Luckily, this investigation continues and the dogs were brought to Range Regional Animal Rescue in Hibbing, MN. This incidence is just one of many examples as to why owners cannot have more pets than they can take care of. I know these helpless animals will be in my thoughts and prayers as well as the woman responsible for the dogs.
If you would like to read the article for yourself, please follow the link below. http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/210011/

         Sincerely,
                            Alison Vail
                            Miss Moorhead 2011

Two New Family Members

2011-09-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

        Growing up I owned a wide variety of different animals, from cats and dogs to frogs and hermit crabs. One of my fondest pets, besides my dog, Ruby, also my best friend, were my guinea pigs. Over my lifetime I have owned three of the squeaky, cuddly rodents. So once weighing my options and making sure I had the room and stability to take on a new pet, I decided on adopting a guinea pig of my own! The first place I looked, like always, was the Animal Humane Society. The organization makes it so simple to find the perfect pet for you. I first went to www.animalhumanesociety.org and clicked on adoptable animals. There I was able to search for what type of pet I wanted and at what Minnesota Animal Humane Society location. On the website I found exactly what I was looking for! Two male guinea pigs that came as a bonded pair and could not be separated. They were surrendered a few weeks ago because like many cute cuddly rodents, the parents bought them for their children who soon became uninterested and no longer took care of the dependent critters. I leaped at the perfect opportunity to own guinea pigs again and traveled over to the Woodbury, MN Animal Humane Society that day to visit the two rodents. Immediately, I fell in love, adopted, and brought my two new pets home that day! I know I am making a difference in these animals lives and that gives me such a great sense of self worth. I could not be happier with the new additions to my family and I know my guinea pigs, Zebra and Pancake, are going to live out a long and loved life with me! I strongly encourage you to check out your local Animal Humane Society or shelter for your next pet.
           Sincerely,
                                 Alison Vail
                                 Miss Moorhead 2011

Pancake (left) and Zebra (right), male 5 month old
guinea pigs!

Pancake eating a veggie snake and Zebra hiding in
his pink dome!

Miss Moorhead Pageant

2011-09-15T21:53:00.001-07:00

        I woke up early that Saturday morning with a terrible nightmare that I had slept through the Miss Moorhead Pageant! Luckily, no such thing happened. I arrived at the Moorhead High School right on time at 8am to meet with the other Miss Moorhead and Red River Valley Outstanding Teen Contestants. It was a long day filled with learning the opening production number, swimsuit and evening gown walks, and the final crowning walk. Around 2:30pm the other Miss Moorhead contestants and I had our personal interviews. I loved getting the opportunity to speak one on one with the judges before the pageant and talk about current events and issues relevant to my platform, "Speaking for the Voiceless; Prevention and Awareness of Animal Cruelty." After my interview, I had the opportunity to practice my talent, a mixed martial arts routine, one more time. I was only suppose to act out breaking the board at the end of my routine, but instead I broke it! I was immediately in a state of panic trying to get ahold of my mother to bring me a spare board for the production that evening. Like usual, my mother came to the rescue with a new board! To say the least, It had been a long day. Thankfully, we were kept well fed including a great meal at Bennigan's with all the contestants, Miss Moorhead and the Red River Valley Outstanding Teen 2010, as well as Miss Minnesota 2011, Natalie Davis! After dinner, it was back to the dressing rooms to get ready for the Pageant, everyone was filled with nerves and excitement. Tiffany, Miss Moorhead 2010, and the 3 other Miss Moorhead contestants, Emily, Hanna, and Brittany, where all so wonderful and helpful throughout the entire pageant, helping each other with makeup, tanning, advice, and especially helping me with my unmanageable hair! I can not thank them enough. Once crowning came around that evening it had been a successful production and I was prepared to be happy for whoever won. As anticipation rose from the contestants and the audience, Brittany Bachmann was named First Runner Up! I was so proud, she did wonderful. After her name was called it was the moment of truth. "Miss Moorhead 2011 is... Alison Vail!" Excitement rushed through my veins. What I had been working so hard towards and dreaming of for so long finally came true! I was in complete bliss. My fellow contestants were all so supportive and proud of me. I could not have asked for a better group of young women to compete against. As my name was called for the winner of Interview and Talent as well, I was completely overwhelmed! It was the night of my dreams and a night I will never forget. I am so happy to be your Miss Moorhead 2011 and I plan to represent the title to the best of my ability. I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for me. Thank you everyone who supported and believed in me!
      Sincerely,
                            Alison Vail
                            Miss Moorhead 2011

                                            Miss Moorhead 2010, Tiffany Schulstad-
                                            Peterson, Miss Minnesota, Natalie Davis,
                                            and me, Alison Vail, your new Miss
                                            Moorhead 2011!

Parade!

2011-09-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my mother and I made the 3 hour drive from my hometown, Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, to Moorhead, MN for the Miss Moorhead Pageant! I was so excited especially since I was going to be in a parade. The 3 other Miss Moorhead contestants and I traveled through the parade in the bed of a beautiful truck courtesy of Ward Muscatell. We all had so much fun waving to the parade crowd! The time went by so fast and before I knew it the parade was over and I was heading back to my hotel to spend the night before the Miss Moorhead Pageant the next day. I was so excited I barely slept that night!

Sincerely,

Alison Vail

Miss Moorhead Contestants in the Parade!