Beauty for a Cause

Since the age of 7, the word Cancer has always stood so close to my heart. "Although the disease can dwindle a life away it can never erase a memory or a spirit to defeat." This author unknown quote is apart of my reasoning on how one day WE will over come cancer. Looking through the pictures above it is clear that I helped with a local pageant but what you do not see is the amazing young woman this pageant was for. Ashley is a 17 year old from Smyrna, who was tragically diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. Thinking back on your life, I am sure one of the most important moments you remember is "ruling" the school as a senior in high school, there was nothing Ashley was looking forward more than that. A straight A student, with softball scouts looking at her at almost every game her junior year, never saw the curve ball that was coming her way. Missing out on most of her senior year thanks to chemotherapy and other treatments to slow the cancer down was not the focus of this young woman, it was to get better, encourage others, and find a cure.

Ashley enjoyed pageants so much and was actually a contestant last year in the Miss Music City Outstanding Teen pageant, that is why there was no question what type a fundraiser we would have for this young lady. At this pageant each girl from age 2 to 19 was able to enter the pageant knowing that there fee was going to such a good cause. Silent auction items lined the stage so that even more donations could come in to such a deserving young lady. As the pageant came to a close Ashley and her mom were brave enough to speak about the year they faced head on. I was so impressed how honest and true they were about each detail the disease took on her and their family, not many people can tell the details they did and having such a positive outlook.

It is such a blessing to see young women taking a stand and helping other young ladies better their life, their courage and their spirit and that is exactly what this day ment to all of us. Ashley's mother said it best, "when there wasn't a door to be opened, we built one and painted it what color we wanted it to be." I have no doubt one day we will find a cure for cancer, but until then I will build as many pink, purple, and yellow doors as I can; one for each person I have lost in my life.

Moped To Memphis

I feel so blessed to have grown up around such a wonderful man as Mr. Frank Falls: a teacher, mentor, friend and role model for all who are near. In 2009 Mr. Falls, an economic teacher at Clover High School started a program called Moped to Memphis, this program focuses on raising money at Clover High for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. In March of every year, Mr. Falls brings the money that his students as well as the Clover community has so generously raised all the way to Memphis on a moped from Clover, South Carolina. Traveling over 600 miles Mr. Falls has made it a personal goal to raise 1 million dollars in his life time, and although that sounds like a lot of money, if there is anyone that can do it he can. I was so happy to get the call from him earlier in the year to ask me to join him along with his "moped" team in Memphis, I was so excited. This year Clover was able to collect $25,000 to donate, making their goal for next year at $30,000.

St. Jude has always had a special place in my heart considering that was where my friend Noelle had all of her treatment when she was going through her cancer treatment. It was an amazing thing to see how much each Doctor, Nurse, and care giver cared for every patient there at the hospital. Touring the hospital, I had so much fun seeing each child smile and point and the shiny crown that I am so blessed to wear. It still amazes me what an impact this "hat" that all 36 of us are able to put on and reach out to those who need it. Every smile, laugh, hug, or picture I get to share with a child, parent or caregiver is a moment I will remember for a lifetime. There are not many times in a persons life when you can say, "I know a difference was made," and it was not because of anything I said or did but just because I was there.

My hope is that YOU find a way to "be there" and make the difference that you want to see in the world. With just one smile you can change one persons day and even there life. Everything we receive in life or don't receive is a blessing, take each one as a sign for your future!

84 Days from now

How crazy does is sound that in 84 days we will know who the new Miss Tennessee is? This year has been a wild and crazy journey but one that is so worth the ride! The amazing experience that I have had to not only represent Music City but Relay For Life and Children's Miracle Network has been a true blessing! As I watched Nicole Jordan enter the room at the Miss Tennessee workshop, I knew that her year as Miss TN was nothing less than remarkable, not because the crown that she wore on her head, but the place that each child and adult that met her along her journey had for her in their heart. When someone truly touches someone its not the outfit, hair, make up or environment they remember its the connection that they feel when they walk away from them that sticks out. Leaving the Miss TN Workshop I felt that this "family" had that connection and that I was truly touched and made better by the words that Nicole spoke. In life we hear so many negative comments about our world, our youth, and how everything is going down hill. When are we going to wise up and see that there are people making a difference? No matter what happens 84 days from now, it is my goal to make a difference in every life that I come in contact with! I want to thank so many people for helping me come this far, because with out steps in life we could go no where!

As you look at the pictures from workshop know that any of the contestants that are competing for the title of Miss TN would represent our state well, not because they are beautiful but because they all have a genuine passion for making a difference in the short amount of time we are given here on this Earth!

IHOP + CMN = One Tasty Combo

A Birthday Celebration combined with pancakes, raising money for Children's Miracle Network and being with beautiful ladies is the best way to describe my night tonight! As some of you may know today, March 1st is my birthday and I had the privilege of celebrating my special day with one of CMN's most important fundraising days and that is IHOP's National Pancake Day! The Nashville IHOP was packed from start to finish and filled with many people who were not only ready to eat pancakes but to donate to the wonderful cause as well. I was blessed to have four Belmont University students who also happen to be Miss TN contestants come and celebrate the wonderful day with me and help me thank all of the wonderful supporters that came out tonight for this amazing event. My talented Outstanding Teen was also there to encourage customers to donate to CMN! I can not wait to see how much money we were all able to raise tonight. Thank you again to the Nashville IHOP we as Miss America contestants can not thank you enough for all that you do for Children's Miracle Network and our community. I can honestly say from experience that Children's Miracle Network is making miracles happen one life at a time. Walking through the halls of any CMN hospital you are sure to find the love and care that you would want to be given in a time of need. If you were not able to go to an IHOP and would like to donate to CMN please visit my website and DONATE! My goal is to raise $1,000 by June and I know with your help I can make my dreams come true while making miracles happen for many kids.

Click this link to access my CMN fundraising page:

http://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=1701561B8CBCE64ED

If you would like to see more photo's from tonight's event please visit Miss Music City's Facebook Page!

Will you be my Valentine Del Webb?

What better way to spend Valentine's weekend than at one of the places I treasure the most from my year so far as Miss Music City, and that is Del Webb Lake Providence. Every time I come back to this place, the residents are so excited to talk and to hear me sing. With this being Valentines weekend, I made sure that LOVE songs were on my list to sing! I had such an amazing time again, and can't wait to go back and visit all my "Del Webbians" as I call them, again!

On both sides of the table!

Look who I found at the pageant, my favorite TN Princess Macy Moyer

Talking to Miss America Teen on the Red Carpet!

Us Judges in the "Green Room" and it is actually Green!

Mrs. TN and I on the first night of competition!

WOW! That is the best word that could describe this weekend for me, if you do not know this weekend I was asked to judge the Miss America Teen Pageant and what a honor that is in its self! Although I have had the opportunity to judge many pageants this one especially was so difficult! The quality of the young ladies from every state were just simply amazing. It was so difficult to find the right girl for the job of Miss Jr Teen America and Miss America Teen that the judges ourself were in question of who was going to win! I am so happy to announce that our new Miss Jr Teen America and Miss America Teen are already on the job and ready to promote their platforms which both happen to be bullying as well as the Miss America Teen Program. I feel blessed and honored to have met all of the young ladies this past weekend and host them here in Nashville, TN!

It is great to have so many beautiful, talented, and caring young woman in my city and of course as Miss Music City I was so excited to show everyone around! If you would like to know more about this wonderful program or watch the competition LIVE from last night please follow the link and it will take you right to it, you may also see me on the Red Carpet!

http://www.missteenamerica.com/

Music City Bowl

Over the Holidays it was great to be in Music City for the wonderful Music City Bowl! This year the University of North Carolina and University of Tennessee were chosen to face one another at LP Field right downtown Nashville! I am so glad that the Music City Bowl invited me, Miss Music City to be involved with some of the activities! My first appearance was at The Bluebird Cafe where I was able to meet all of the coaches wives from both UNC and UT. All of us ladies enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by The Bluebird as well as special entertainment from three of Nashville's finest songwriters!

As all of you know you can't have a great football game without a wonderful marching band and well we didn't just have one at the Battle of the Bands we had two! The crowd traveled downtown Nashville for some awesome music and fun plus some time in the rain. The country group Little Texas kicked off the show and guess who got to introduce them, yep you are right your very own Miss Music City! UNC and UT fans crowded around the stage and clearly took advantage of this wonderful opportunity to cheer on their football team, attend a great concert and listen to their favorite college marching band all right in the streets of downtown Music City! UNC and UT battled back and forth to see which band the crowd loved more and although the winner was not announced I think TN took home the win as far as the band goes. I had an awesome time hanging out with the fans and meeting all sorts of people, and I even was on Nashville's very own Channel 2!

It is such an honor to represent such an amazing community that no matter what stands behind one another! Thank you to all who attended the Music City Bowl, its hard to think that only 6 months ago where we all stood on that stage was completely under water! I can not wait to see what all 2011 brings to me good or bad each are opportunities that I am willing and able to take to become the best woman I can be.

Wishing you and your family the BEST year ever in 2011!

Much Love,

Victoria VanDyke

ONE WISH for Christmas Fundraiser

At Christmas time we always spend a lot of time thinking of what to get one another that will be truly special or meaningful well this Christmas Miss Music City is asking for ONE THING!!! Now I know what you may be thinking...a dress, shoes, make up, or even my two front teeth, wait I already have those! Anyways, Miss Music City wants you to donate $10 or more to Children's Miracle Network before December 25th. Since it is Christmas I think if you are giving gifts to others you too should have the chance to receive a gift and well how does a Brad Paisley autograph sound, or would you rather have a Vince Gill and Amy Grant CD and T-shirt both signed? I need 200 people to donate at least $10 to reach my $1,000 goal and after each of them have donated I will put there name into a drawing to win one of the many autographed memorabilia I have waiting for this event! The winner will be able to chose their item and the drawing will take place on December 25th via video that I will record and post to my Miss Music City Facebook page as well as TUMBLR and my website! Think about it what better Christmas gift could you give to Miss Music City and I could not think of anything better to give the lucky winner. If someone does make a donation of $1,000 I will let them pick a prize as well! So there you have it folks donate $10 or more and receive a chance to win an autographed CD, Shirt, Picture of the artist you choose. Donate $1,000 or more and you will automatically win a chance to choose your prize! I will be posting picture of all the things you could possibly win on this page so keep watching, and YES you will be entered in the contest one time for every $10 you donate.

The process is easy, here are the simple steps to make a difference in the lives to millions of kids who are helped by Children's Miracle Network each year!

1) Follow this link:https://www.missamerica4kids.org/m.aspx?i=1701561B8CBCE64ED

2) Make sure you see Miss Music City's picture on the page!

3) Click DONATE NOW

4) Enter your Personal Information along with your Credit Card or ECheck information.

5) Thats it YOU HAVE DONE IT! Sometimes it takes 24 hours to process but when the money has processed you will receive an email and will be able to go back and see how close I am to my goal!

American Red Cross Fashion Show

Love this dress from Social Butterfly!

Such a wonderful role model in my life....Miss Aryn Ward!

Kristina Sullivan the owner of EyeCandy Boutique! (Did I mention this Nashville girl can sing!)

The beautiful Pam Funderburg, the coordinator of the Fashion Show.

My wonderful Make Up artist from White House Salon

Awesome makeup, hair, clothes and a fabulous crowd to walk the runway for basically explains last night in a nut shell! I was privileged to walk the runway with 20 models, modeling many different designs, styles, and looks for the wonderful people who were at the show in support for The Red Cross Fashion Show! The event started at 7:30 with awesome food and fun festivities then straight on to fashion. I was able to model my awesome hair and make up done by White House Salon and of course amazing dresses by Social Butterfly, Jolie, and Eye Candy. I was also sporting some amazing jewelry from Facet Foundary! I am so excited to see all of the pictures that were taken at the event last night but until then here is a little back stage preview of the show! I can not wait to hear the money that we were able to raise last night, and can not wait until next years Fashion Show! Enjoy the pictures!

If you or anyone you know would like to make a donation to the Red Cross please visit this website:http://www.nashvilleredcross.org/general.asp?SN=8522&OP=8919&SUOP=9359&IDCapitulo=78T3Z2WSK0

Red Kettle Night with the Nashville Predators

WOW! Talking about a successful and fun night for Miss Music City, Saturday night was one. I started off my night outside of the beautiful Bridgestone Arena in wonderful downtown Nashville ringing the bell for the Salvation Army! Although it was cold and raining all of the volunteers made the best of it by singing, dancing and get as many donations as we could, I can promise you my kettle WON!! (According to me). When the game started all of the volunteers headed inside for an exciting Hockey game against the Florida Panthers. The best part has yet to come, your Miss Music City was able to take her first Zamboni ride! I had a wonderful time raising money for such a great cause, cheering for my home town hockey team the Nashville Predators, taking pictures with fans and although the Zamboni ride was amazing but not amazing as the $800 we raised for the Salvation Army!

Thank for all who came out to the game and donated to the Salvation Army....we hope to see you next year!!!

Princess Amanda

As most of you in the Miss Tennessee family know our dear Amanda Swartout going thru a very hard time right now. For those of you that do not know Amanda, she is a Chattanooga, 12 year old native that has been battling a Brain Tumor. As most of you know the reason why my platform is Relay For Life is because when I was 8 I lost a very dear friend, Noelle to the same disease! As I watch this family go thru the same thing that Noelle's family did I can do nothing but lift them up in prayer. Although it may not seem like it, we are making strides towards finding a cure to this robbing disease! Earlier this month Amanda and her family were able to Make A Wish and take a family vacation to Hawaii where Amanda was able to swim with dolphins and have some awesome family time. Amanda, who loves country music by the way even got to meet Lady Antebellum along with her sister. After the trip Amanda's prognosis was not exactly what the family would have hoped but as her mother said "God does great things," and I truly believe that.

Amanda's love for country music inspired me to do exactly what any Miss Music City should do, and that is get together with my Country Artist friends and give her the BEST Christmas ever. With the help of many famous country artist Amanda is receiving a lot of country music this week out there in Memphis, Tennessee. I am praying that this music lifts up her spirits and her families as she enjoys this Christmas. Please keep Amanda in your thoughts and prayers as well as the millions that are battling Cancer this Holiday season. I am a believer in Miracles and that God is in business still!

If you have anything that you would like to send to Amanda or her family you are welcome to send it to this address:

Amanda Swartout
c/o Chattanooga Truck Center
1716 Church Rd
Chattanooga, TN 37421

Kicking off the Holiday Season with the Salvation Army!

If you know me, you know I LOVE the Holiday season, yes I am "that" person that starts listening to Christmas music in October, and nothing can kick off the Holiday season like the sound of Christmas music and the Salvation Army bells. On Monday night I had the wonderful opportunity of being a volunteer and greeter at the first annual "A Gathering of Angels Benefit Concert!" the concert took place at Christ Church on Old Hickory Blvd and was a free show for all those willing to come and hear some of the best Christian and Country artist in Nashville. This benefit concert featured Victory recording artist Jimmy Wayne, Belmont graduate Julie Roberts, Grammy award winning Christian artist Matthew West, and one of the most famous and successful country groups Restless Heart!

All of these artist share not only their love for music but also love for children and those less fortunate, all of these artist came together for free to raise money and awareness for the Salvation Army and to kick off the annual Christmas event, "The Angel Tree."

The Angel tree is a project that the Salvation Army adopts every year to insure that each child is given the Christmas that they deserve. I challenge you to at least adopt one angel from the angel tree so that no "angels" are forgotten this year! The Salvation Army did a wonderful job of putting this event together and making sure that everyone at the event did not leave without an open heart for such a great cause! I want to thank everyone that was there at the event last night, as well as the artist and all the volunteers without you all our community would not be what it is today!

If you are downtown MUSIC CITY on December 11, you will find me there ringing that wonderful Salvation Army bell before the Predators game! Come out and see me, and DO NOT FORGET to grab an angel this year!