Finding Gratitude in Helping Others Overcome Challenges

I am thrilled to introduce Taylor Fitch, the new Miss America’s Outstanding Teen as she talks about her platform and her desire to help children overcome their physical challenges.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Taylor is truly an inspiration!

Our world is built upon the dreams of a child. Their fresh, undaunted spirits inspire us, and their dreams become innovations, then inventions. Children are our future. And God has a purpose for each and every one of them, no matter their physical condition. I have worked with special needs children since I was a little girl and I have witnessed first-hand as some of these children’s dreams and aspirations were ignored and pushed aside.

These children inspire me. They instill a desire in me to take life into perspective and learn what is truly valuable. That is why I developed my platform, Overcoming Physical Challenges: Heart, Mind, and Hands. I work with organizations such as March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Jymsu, Family Connections, Anderson Disability Board, and was previously the spokesperson and “Angel of Change” for Easter Seals.

People will comment on how much I have taught “my kids,” but honestly I see how much they have taught me. They teach me to laugh when I really want to cry. I see their tenacity and try to replicate the same quality in my life. I see how gracious and caring they are, completely selfless and I attempt to mimic these characteristics as well. They have taught me to be thankful, brave, strong, loving, and indestructible. Most of all they have taught me what life was truly about and how to live to the fullest; to take everyday and perceive it as a gift and view each trial as an opportunity. These kids have truly changed my life and helped mold me into the person that I am today.

Passion is anything powerful or compelling; anything that drives one to push boundaries and press the limits of his own being. Everyone has a passion, mine is to see every child succeed. I am thankful for their presence in my life.

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Taylor Fitch is the current Miss America’s Outstanding Teen. Through her platform, Overcoming Challenges: Heart, Mind and Hands, Taylor encourages everyone to look beyond the physical challenges that some people in society endure and embrace their individuality and special gifts. Taylor challenges others to help children with physical disabilities participate in every day activities such as sports and 5K races. In addition to serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network throughout her year of service, Taylor is excited about promoting “Taylor’s Team,” a nationwide effort to build teams of 5K participants including those with disabilities.

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The Gratitude Collection is proud to sponsor and support the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization. During the month of November, The Gratitude Collection will donate a portion of our sales to help this wonderful organization. Please be sure to let us know you were sent by MAOT when you check out.

We believe that through this wonderful alliance with MAOT we can truly accomplish our goal of introducing young women across America to the benefits of positive thinking and a practice of gratitude.

Gratitude Supports Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in November Fundraising

Orlando, FL – October 25, 2008 – The Gratitude Collection© is showing their gratitude to the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, a little sister of the Miss America Organization, by donating a percentage of their sales. Ten percent of all sales accumulated in the month of November on the Gratitude Collection website by MAOT enthusiasts will be donated back to the non profit organization.

Founded in 2007, The Gratitude Collection is a line of jewelry and apparel that reflects the benefits of positive thinking and the acts of gratitude and thankfulness. When Deanna Collins, co-founder of The Gratitude Collection, was introduced to the MAOT organization, she fell in love with its mission. “They promote self esteem, family, education, and community. We feel that through this alliance we can truly accomplish our goal, which is to introduce young women across America to the benefits of positive thinking and a practice of gratitude,” says Collins.

“I’m thrilled that The Gratitude Collection has taken an interest in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization. I feel we are two companies that promote positive opportunities for young women and together we’re making a difference,” said Kim Parrish, President of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Inc.

For more information on The Gratitude Collection and to purchase your own jewelry and apparel from the line, visit http://www.thegratitudecircle.net. Please enter “MAOT” in the “how did you hear about us” section during the checkout process.

The Gratitude Circle aims to become the premiere online resource for inspiration and merchandise that cultivates a positive outlook on life and creates opportunities for people to share personal stories of gratitude.

An MAOT fan favorite is the “Be Grateful” T-shirt donated to each state representative participating in the scholarship organization (Retail: $25) and items from the Signature Collection donated to Miss America, Kirsten Haglund and Caitlin Brunell, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2008.

The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program is scholarship-based and allows young women to showcase their accomplishments and awards the most outstanding young women with college funds. The organization not only promotes scholastic achievement, but also community involvement, creative accomplishment, and healthy living.

For more information on the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, please visit http://www.maoteen.org/.

Gratitude from Miss America’s Outstanding Teens!

I was thrilled to learn from Kim Parrish, President of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, that the girls loved their “be grateful” t’s that we dontated for the pageant.  I just opened my mail and was overwhelmed to see the notes of thanks, appreciation, wonderful positive feedback from these fine young ladies.  WOW!  

Caitlin Brunell, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2008 showing off her “be grateful” t-shirt.  Caitlin is a smart, savvy entrepreneur and philanthropist.  Check out her website at www.caitlinscloset.org. 

  

Check out these MAOTeen contestants with their “be grateful” t’s!  Thank you girls!