Join me in taking the "Day for Kids" pledge

September 12, 2009 is the Boys and Girls Club "Day for Kids". I have made a personal commitment to spend meaningful time with kids and I would like to invite you to join me!

Did you know that when adults spend positive, meaningful time with kids, they are more likely to develop positive self-image, as well as a sense of purpose and meaning? I hope you will also make this commitment and encourage others to do the same! Together, we are making a difference by providing role models, guidance and understanding for our youth. Take this pledge and help make a kids day here:

http://bgca.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=DFK_pledge&s_oo=O-2x3MNi9IwNj5G38_gWHQ..&s_tlid=6764

And find an event near you here for September 12th!

http://www.dayforkids.org/calendar/find_local_event.aspx

Back to School Bash at Isabel's Outreach Center

Saturday was an exciting day, I went out to Isabel's community outreach center where they were celebrating all the kids going back to school and giving out school supplies. Many of these kids come from families that are not able to provide supplies for them. The supplies (and backpacks!) where graciously donated, 4 bikes were even raffled off, and I got to do the drawing! After lunch there were guest speakers to talk to the kids about their professions (we had a nurse, geologist, accountant) and how if they study hard that they can be whatever they want to be. I was honored to speak on behalf of my job as a designer. It put a smile on my face when all the kids, even ones that couldn't even speak yet raised their hands and said that they to wanted to be an apparel designer!! :)

5th Annual Dallas Charity Expose

The purpose of the annual Charity Expose is to bring together several different non-profit organizations together and raise awareness through our community. There were around 20 organizations at the event, including ones that I have worked with such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Dress for Success. I was excited to meet many other people who share the same interest as myself, make our community a better place. Some other organizations there were Operation Kindness which is a no-kill animal shelter, as well as many other groups dedicated to children which I can't wait to be able to help out! There was also a silent auction going on that benefited these wonderful organizations!

Summer SMART Girls Last Class

The summer session is ending at the Boys and Girls Club and school is starting on Monday. I had my last SMART Girls class where we talked more in depth about boys/relationships and how they think that they deserve to be treated. We touched on the recent Chris Brown and Rhianna break up and how no girl EVER deserves to be beaten up by any man or male figure. All my girls are "smart" girls because they are the ones telling me that you should NEVER go back to anyone that hits you and to get out of that relationship ASAP!!! I am so proud of them!! :) Also since school starts next week the club had an end of summer "party" and all the kids got sponsored school supplies and backpacks. There was even a talent show were some of my girls got to perform their best talents. Some sang and some danced. Here are some pictures of the memories that I have taken from the past 2 months. I hope that I was able to teach these girls how to be responsible young ladies, they have also taught me a thing or two!!

Jade Monfils promotes National Night Out Awareness Day

Today was National Night Out Awareness Day, and I celebrated by presenting a few of our local heroes with awards. It was a day to recognize those that protect us and to promote awareness of neighborhood safety. State Farm is a major sponsor of the annual National Night Out event that will take place in October. I was honored to be a part of this event that was held at State Farm's regional office!

Jade Monfils emcee's the Miss and Teen Asian America Texas Pageant

Saturday I emceed the Miss and Teen Asian America Texas Pageant. It was held at the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. There were a number of talented young ladies in the group. My favorite part about cultural pageants are the talents and cultural costume presentation. The winner of the Miss division is Chinmayi Ghatrazu an accomplished young woman who performed a classical Indian dance called "Kathak". Throughout the night I was able to talk with Angie Chen Button a Texas State Representative and Addison Mayor Joe Chow. I was also excited to meet Cam Tran a Anchor/Reporter for KTXS-TV, the ABC affiliate in West Texas. With so many well rounded women, I know that the judges had a difficult time choosing just one!