Bowling Fundraiser!

Make sure to check our the link -> on eventbrite and join me for bowling for 3 different veteran charities based in CT! We will have a wonderful time supporting the CT Fallen Heroes, Homes for the Brave, and Save A Suit!

Hoping to see you there, XOXO Lauren

Care Packages for Troops

The Gear Head Mafia Car Club put together a fabulous day of events, sponsors, organizations, and cars in support of our overseas troops! I had a blast connecting organizations, perusing the cars, and promoting the event! (We all know how I love cars!) Moreover, the people who came out really showed their love for our armed forces by bringing tons of donations for the care packages! Definitely an event I would make sure to catch next year!

XOXO Lauren

Promoting Save-A-Suit

Today I had the opportunity to share Save-A-Suit right in New Haven County! My platform has taken me around the state, and it is true that the work I advocate for and the change I work for will help all veterans! However, it is always wonderful to spend the day promoting it right here in the county I represent! So excited for the upcoming events I have been a part of, check out saveasuit.org for more info!

XOXO Lauren

Milford Veteran 5K

My princess, Maggie, and I joined the Milford community today for the Milford Veteran's 5K run! Community businesses came out in droves to sponsor the event and the community members really came together for a morning of fun, fundraising, and smiles! I had a wonderful time thanking the veterans and doing my part to support those in the community that often don't receive thanks! What a great way to start off Father's Day!

XOXO Lauren

Frank Sang to the CT Fallen Heroes 😍

Today I hosted a Yankees Game Trip with the CT Fallen Heroes! As a born and bred Yankees Fan I had a blast, and as a military support advocate it was a fundraising experience like no other! There is only one more chance to join the fundraising mission of the CT Fallen heroes before Gold Star family day in September, so be on the look out!

XOXO Lauren

PS~ I met the coolest New Haven Residents on the trip who told me some incredible stories about the good old days and serving together!

Back at it!

I have been working with Save-A-Suit all week on some upcoming projects and plans! Keep an eye out for an upcoming fundraiser and more information on the growing charity! ALSO, huge thanks to those of you still donating and contributing to my drive!

XOXO Lauren

Thoughts, Feelings, and Overall Vibes

Finally taking a breath! After unpacking (mostly) and eating some not so healthy foods I have had the chance to reflect back on the experience of Miss Connecticut Week! Many people have asked if I am upset or if I will compete again, so let me touch base on those questions.

I am not upset. I, of course, would have loved to have held the job of Miss Connecticut 2018 but it is difficult to be upset when you refuse to let the opinions of 7 judges define your worth. I am immensely proud of the job I did performing, speaking, and representing the countless military organizations and individuals I work alongside of all the time. I have grown over the past year and even more over the past week as I continue to be changed by the organization. Moreover, I am confident that Bridget will step into the role of Miss Connecticut and represent our class of 2018 well.

As far as competing again, life is kind of in the air for me as I apply to jobs and finish school over the course of this summer. However, I do plan on staying in the area, finishing out veteran initiatives I have begun, and continuing to promote the organization in whatever ways are available to me! As the organization undergoes drastic changes I will not be far! Please continue to follow my journey as I already have appearances booked and have some more initiatives just around the corner!

One point I was shocked that no one has asked about yet is how the girls were to live with over the week! I won't lie and say there was no drama in a group of 25 women, but all of that takes a backseat when I look at the friendships I built, laughs I shared, and knowledge I learned from the past week. Encouragement and support was always present from the girls whenever needed and I am so excited to continue those relationships! If you don't believe me just take a look at this photo ☺️👯‍♀️

As always
XOXO Lauren

Finals

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRIDGET, YOUR NEW MISS CONNECTICUT!!! What an amazing evening for the 90th Miss Connecticut Pageant! I had the honor of making the Top 10 and being able to re-compete in talent and evening gown! As a process the week and the growth I have personally undergone was fanastic. I hope everyone begins to follow Bridget as she begins the journey of her life! Check back soon!

XOXO Lauren

Autograph Signing!!!

Taking a moment this morning to light up faces and share my story with some Miss Connecticut Princesses and some Waterbury community members was a blast! Advocating and growing this organization to empower even more girls is what it is all about, so what a great way to begin finals day! I am looking forward to the evening regardless of the outcome as the girls I have met over this week are extraordinary in so many ways!

XOXO Lauren

Prelims!

What a whirlwind of a day! Today we received our Miss Connecticut class shirts thanks to CT Threads and had a blast rocking them in rehearsals! After many rehearsals and last minute preparations we competed in preliminary competition! I am so proud of my performance and loved sharing my talent costume by Nicole Elaine with the organization and all the viewers! I also rocked swimsuit thanks to HealthTrax and felt like a dream in my gown thanks to Juan and Caesar of Juan Carlos Gowns. However, after all was said and done I am most proud of having been awarded the Miss America Academic Award! The Miss America Organization has been a large part of my educational journey and is the reason I am working on my 5th college degree debt free (over 70,000 in scholarships)! To be recognized for my dedication and handwork in academia was an honor and I look forward to continuing to promote what this organization has to offer over and over again!

XOXO Lauren

Pool Party Shenanigans

Jill not only put together a wonderful Gala this year but she also chose to open her incredible home to us girls and our families for a pool party and BBQ! The evening was just what we needed to take a breath and get some more bonding underway! I can't thank the board enough for helping facilitate this amazing evening and my feet were definitely happy to have a break from heels!

XOXO Lauren

Interviewing for the Job of a Lifetime

I had the opportunity to tell the judges all about what I have been working on over the past few months and how much I have to offer the state of Connecticut this morning in interview! Such an incredible opportunity! I am looking forward to on-stage competition tomorrow and rocking the stage with my princess! In two days we will have a new Miss CT!!! Holy. Cow.

XOXO Lauren

Day 2- #MissCTServes

What a long but wonderful day! We had tons of rehearsal getting ready for the upcoming shows, but the highlight of the day was extremely clear! We took the early afternoon and visited the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Church Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. The Miss CT Class of 2018 served food to our homeless, sorted and organized the pantry, and had a wonderful time!

As I work closely with homeless veterans through my platform, this appearance was close to my heart as a lot of the individuals we served were veterans. The shelter is ALWAYS looking for donations, especially for kids, so feel free to drop off ANYTIME in order to support our fellow community members! They also would love more volunteers if you are interested in donating time as well!

XOXO Lauren

ARRIVAL DAY!

We had a wonderful time moving into the Courtyard Marriott and Palace Theater this afternoon, and are super excited to make Waterbury our home over the next week!  Both venues have been fantastic to work with and we are so fortunate to have them on board! Speaking of boards, the Miss Connecticut board did a wonderful job organizing photos, pizza, and a move-in schedule that left us ahead of schedule!




As I sit here thinking about the day a few thoughts that stand out are...
1. Still processing how this day snuck up on me so fast!
2. Can't wait to get to know my hostess and get closer with the organization and my 2018 sisters!
3. I miss pizza, lol!

And to top it all off we still have the whole week left! Check back soon to keep updated on the week to come, I know it will be busy!

XOXO Lauren

PS- Be sure to follow Eliza, our current Miss Connecticut, as I know she has big things in store for the last few days of her reign!

***SAVE-A-SUIT***

GOAL ACCOMPLISHED! So proud to announce that because of everyones hard-work, we have collected OVER 1,000 items and they are still coming in! I know the suit drive is officially over now that the first week of June is here, but every month should be military appreciation month so don't hesitate if you need me to collect! Here is to another 1,000!

XOXO Lauren

Send-Off!

Being blessed by Ashley, Louise, Danielle, and the entire Miss New Haven County Organization this year as been all I needed, and so much more, to allow me the chance to be an advocate and always be on the move creating change! The send-off they threw of us titleholders this afternoon was perfect and just what our 'family' needed going into the coming week! Laughs. Smiles. and Cake. DID I MENTION CAKE. heheee

XOXO Lauren

Reach for the Stars 2018

What a blast of a day! I had a ball with the CT ghostbusters, on scooters, with magicians, on master-trucks, playing in bouncy houses, and so much more!!! The whole morning and afternoon was devoted to our pediatric cancer survivors of CT Children's and seeing the smiles light up there faces is what it is all about! What a special day of service and an incredible partnership between CCMC and the Miss Connecticut Organization!

XOXO Lauren

JK I Love Healthtrax to Much

D killed it with an intense last workout! I hopped over to visit and fit in another workout because I just couldn't stay away! Once again I am at a lose for words around the generosity of Mike, the Trainers, and Healthtrax as a whole for all that they do for the organization!

XOXO Lauren

Princess Rehearsal!!!

Maggie and I are SO excited to be a part of the 90th Miss Connecticut gown parade! Such big things are in store over the next week that I hope everyone is getting excited!!!

XOXO Lauren