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Thanksgiving Dinner Need to Feed
November 22, 2011
The Greater Hollywood Jaycees is a service organization compiled of young professionals, who this year made it their mission to help feed over 90 families this Thanksgiving. We all split up the menu and donated everything from turkeys and sweet potatoes to butter and rolls. Tuesday's afternoon was spent organizing, stuffing bags, and delivering these meals to families in need. I am honored to have been able to make a difference in the lives of families who otherwise may not have had a Thanksgiving. Being involved in this event also gave me an opportunity to reflect on the things that I am most thankful for! |
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Dolphins Cycling Challenge to Benefit the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
November 5, 2011
As an alumni cheerleader and a proud member of the Miami Dolphins organization, I was honored to ride in this year's Dolphins Cycling Challenge. Last year, I was fortunate enough to cover this project, which brought the significance of this event into fruition for me, and thus this year, I knew I had to ride! I rode in memory of my father, Joe Merola, who passed away while I was a cheerleader for the Dolphins. Through the hard times, my Dolphins family stuck by my side as if they were my own, and for that, I am forever grateful. This was my opportunity to say thank you and hit the open road for a great cause.
Saturday morning I climbed aboard my bike and was ready for whatever my journey would throw at me. Wind, rain, exhaustion, no matter what I encountered, I was determined to fight through it, for all the people that fought their fight and for the people battling cancer now. I spent my time on the bike reflecting on the good times I had with my dad. I am proud to say that I not only finished my race, but exceeded my fundraising goal. The joy I have knowing that I had a hand in helping raise more than one million dollars to benefit the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, is a heartwarming feeling. |
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Stella & Dot Jewelry Party to Benefit Ride DCC
October 29, 2011
Saturday, I hosted a very successful Stella & Dot jewelry party at my home to benefit my Dolphins Cycling Challenge fundraising efforts. Cheryl Glickmen was nice enough to help me put the whole thing together and not only style my party but donate 15% of the proceeds back to my ride. Stella & Dot is an amazing accessory line that has been featured in the pages of Vogue and In-Style Magazine! I was so impressed with their collection that I decided to start selling it myself! So if you need anything this holiday season or just want to spoil yourself, let me know and check out my Stella & Dot website. http://www.stelladot.com/sites/LauRenMerola
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Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show
October 28, 2011
Friday night, I attended the much anticipated Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show party sponsored by Gateway Insurance. Gateway hosted a beautiful event aboard "Never Enough" a 140 ' yacht with all the bells and whistles. This boat was incredible and so was the company! I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, including Wayne Player, son of PGA golfer, Gary Player. Special thank you to MVP PR and Marketing for involving me in this event, I had a blast!
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Women's Film Festival Dine - Around
October 24, 2011
Monday evening, myself and Krizia Toledo, Miss Delray Beach USA 2012, were invited to a Networking Reception and VIP Dine-Around at The Village at Gulfstream Park. This event was hosted by The Aventura Marketing Council, The Hallandale Beach & The North Miami Beach Chambers of Commerce to benefit the Women's International Film & Arts Festival.
Krizia and I took part in a meet and greet with VIP attendees and then set out on our restaurant crawl! First stop, was Yard House and Cantina Laredo for some yummy appetizers, then our group of VIPs were off to BRIO Tuscan Grille for entrees and desserts. What a fun way to raise money for a great foundation that lifts up and inspires women!
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LaCasa Hermosa Visit
October 20, 2011
Thursday, October 20th, I decided to visit one of my sponsors, Robin Fleming at La Casa Hermosa. I popped in for a surprise visit to see my favorite staff and luckily caught them all at one time. Robin and I chatted about gowns and played dress up, and Cari Baker touched up my hair and make up. I LOVE her! :) What a GREAT staff and an AMAZING selection of gowns!!! This is one place that I always leave really feeling like royalty.
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Making Strides
October 9, 2011
Sunday morning I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. My 5k walk to benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides was finally here! I showed up to Huizenga Plaza in downtown Fort Lauderdale with my famous red velvet cupcakes (We were going to work them off!) for the rest of my "Tiaras for the Tatas" teammates. We finalized some last minute donations and headed out into the rain. We made it about 1/4 of a mile before deciding to run the 3 miles just to get out of the rain faster. At least now I know I could make it in a 5K. lol After we celebrated by dancing to the rhythm of the band and taking pictures with cancer survivors and fans. What a fantastic day! Now on to Ride DCC to raise money for Cancer Research!
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Luxe Magazine Party
October 5, 2011
Wednesday evening, I was invited to attend a Luxe Magazine party at Tiara Custom Furniture in Dania Beach. The event was for the Dania Beach Design District to bring awareness of their new epic center for design. What a beautiful evening. Everything from the food to the furniture was just lovely. I spent the evening mingling and taking photos with editors and designers from across South Florida.
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Swimsuit Shoot
October 2, 2011
We were up bright and early Sunday morning, in hair and make up prepping to shoot with New York photographer Jimmy, from Biricik Media Group in Lighthouse Point, FL. My sister queen Meghan Orsley and I shot together and separately but started in studio with some portrait headshots, and then ventured out to be deckside for some sassy swimsuit photos. All in all, we had a great day and captured some amazing photos. A special thank you to our photographer, crew and Michael Galanes for making this opportunity possible! Hope you enjoy the pictures.
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"Put on Your Pink Bra" Decorating Party
September 27, 2011
October is right around the corner, and as we honor Breast Cancer awareness month, I felt it was important to get involved in a very hands on way. The American Cancer Society's "Put on Your Pink Bra" campaign is set to debut through "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" events throughout Florida. Making Strides celebrates those who have battled breast cancer and also lost the fight. Money raised helps fund the fight against Breast Cancer with lifesaving programs, education, and research throughout Florida.
The walk will be held Sunday, October 9th at Huizenga Plaza in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale. This year, I will be part of team "Tiaras for the Tatas." This team is made up of titleholders from around South Florida, and tonight, we gathered for a team meeting to decorate our Pink Bras for the walk. It was fun to see how beautiful yet unique each queen's bra turned out. (Very reflective of the individuals on our team.)
Our fundraising efforts will be open for donations until the end of October, to get involved or to donate to team Tiaras for the Tatas visit: http://tinyurl.com/43d9xqg
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Miss Fanatic Swim Wear Fashion Show
September 20, 2011
Tuesday, I was extended an invitation to attend a fashion show for the Miss Fanatic swim wear line poolside at the historic Fontaine Bleau Hotel in Miami. Miss Fanatic is a line that showcases college sports teams in swim and tailgate attire. (A clothing line after my own heart.) Designer Tiffany Pearl invited me to chat with the models before they hit the runway and participate in a meet and greet with attendees after the show.
In a related story, I did some reporting of my own and discovered that Virginia Tech is the next school to hit the runway this fall! My Hokie husband will be so proud to see his alma mater in lights. Pool lights, that is. Lol |
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Working out the Details
September 19, 2011
Later that week, my sister queen, Miss Florida International Meghan Orsley and I met with our Director, Michael Galanes and his team to sign our official contracts and game plan for our upcoming year.
The evening was spent discussing appearance strategies, working on platform development and maybe even a gown sketch or two. ;)
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"Day One"
September 12, 2011
The very next day it was officially "Day One" of my reign and I hit the ground running! I was off to Miami to host the Orange Carpet at Sun Life Stadium for the Monday Night Football match up of the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. I co-hosted with legendary sports broadcaster Tony Segreto. The evening was spent honoring the 10th anniversary of September 11th, and encouraging fans to bring care packages to be sent to soldiers overseas.
After having my own Orange Carpet moment proudly wearing my new Mrs. Florida International banner, Tony and I interviewed stars including Dan Marino, Marc Anthony, Hank Williams Jr., Fergie, and teen heartthrob Taylor Lautner! What a night!!! |
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Pageant Weekend
September 9-11, 2011
Pageant weekend. WOW, what an exciting time! I have never been so happy or more proud to share the stage with the amazing women whom I competed alongside; and after being presented the Interview and Evening Gown awards, I was in awe when I was left holding my best friend's hands as the final two. Words do not do justice for the emotions which I felt at that very moment.
I am honored and humbled at the reality of being chosen your Mrs. Florida International this year. As the next 12 months unfold, I will continue as an advocate in the fight against cancer, partnering with the Miami Dolphins Foundation through Ride DCC and the American Cancer Society.
A big thank you to Michael Galanes and Frank Arcidiacono for putting on a world class pageant, to the judges for believing in me, and to my family, friends, PageantReady and The Finsiders at the Miami Dolphins. And finally to my Husband, Dallas, thank you for all of your constant love and support through every endeavor I set out on. I am so thankful to have all of you by my side this year!
It is with great pride that I am,
LauRen Merola-Strager
Mrs. Florida International
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