Pancakes for CMN

Greetings!

After all the preparation and hard work, the Miss AU Pancake Breakfast finally arrived this past Saturday morning. Even though it made for an early morning (5 a.m.!), the result of the breakfast had us all smiling and giddy! We received all kinds of guests from those who had seen our ad in the paper and were planning to come to those who saw the signs as they drove by and wanted to support a good cause.

 Myself with the new Miss AU Directors at the Pancake Breakfast

I had a great time greeting guests and checking on and mingling with tables. I found myself talking about CMN and the role it plays in our local community, making small talk about the A-day game that afternoon, and just being friendly and sharing the happiness I felt to be contributing to the local hospital in Colunbus. Children's Miracle Network hospitals help more than 17 million children a year and have more than 170 children hospitals. We reached our goal of $250 and are projecting a total net profit of over $500 all of which will be donated to Children's Miracle Network and go towards the care of children in the Columbus and Auburn area. 

But this result could not have been possible without so many great people. The manager and employees of Longhorn Steakhouse in Opelika are incredibly generous and patient, and none of it would have been possible without their cooperation and expertise. We also had some really great student volunteers who served as waitresses for the morning. Most were either good friends, Miss Alabama contestants, or Miss Auburn University contestants who have a heart for serving and graciously gave up their time. And a big "thank you" to my parents, brother, and director, Michelle Murphy for helping with all the behind the scenes work and guiding me through this experience.

I also had the pleasure of judging Auburn's Got Talent this Friday night. I had a great time watching the variety of talents that Auburn students have to offer from comedy routines to magic tricks to singing and songwriting. The contestants all put forth a great performance and thoroughly impressed all of the judges! A first, second, and third place was awarded, but they were all winners to me just by practicing a talent and putting forth the time needed to confidently walk on stage and present their skills. We also were able to watch a few special performances during deliberation. AU Rhythm and the AU Capella's performed and impressed the audience with their obvious talent!

  The AU Capella's and I at Auburn's Got Talent

I am looking forward to sharing the exact amount of money that we raised at the Miss AU Pancake Breakfast and will donating very soon!

With Love & War Eagle,
Emilee

Have Faith. End Hunger.

Greetings!

I have matured so much this week with respect to my personal platform: domestic hunger awareness. While fasting on Thursday, I devoted my time usually spent eating meals to listening to an amazing speaker, Greg Sims.

Greg is the Southeast Field Organizer for a faith based group called Bread for the World that works to end hunger and empower citizens to communicate with their local politicians so that ending hunger is a priority among our nation's leaders. Greg (who asked me to not call him 'Mr. Sims') spoke to a few students from the Committee of 19 at Auburn and anyone else who was interested about advocacy and awareness.

He could have not chosen a more fitting audience for this topic. As students, we are continually puzzled by reaching our fellow Auburn men and women as well as the rest of the state, country, and world. Awareness and advocacy are especially important to me as I work to fight domestic hunger and encourage others to do the same. Greg had a lot of amazing ideas that are sure to be implemented here at Auburn very soon, and he shed some light on contacting local senators and congressmen and encouraging them to support hunger relief efforts.

I would also like to remind everyone that the Miss Auburn University Pancake Breakfast is THIS SATURDAY! Come join us at Longhorn Steakhouse in Tiger Town from 7:30 to 10:00 for a fabulous breakfast. Tickets are only $5.00 and are still on sale from myself or in Room 3130 of the Student Center; they will also be sold at the door that morning. It should be a lot of fun and a great way to kick off A-day in Auburn!

 With Love & War Eagle,
Emilee

Do What is in Front of You

Greetings!

What an empowering and fun week!

I was invited to serve as a judge at the Iron Chef Cooking Competition, which was part of Spring Fling Week at Auburn University courtesy of UPC. 6 groups of students had one hour to prepare a dish that had to include chicken, potatoes, and the secret ingredient, peppers and jalapenos. I was a little nervous upon hearing that jalapenos were to be included in every dish since I am not a fan of spicy foods, but each group managed to incorporate it in a subtle and flavorful way!

After walking around and observing each kitchen and getting a sneak peak of some dishes, the tasting began. I'll have to admit that it was quite a treat to be able to taste 6 superb meals! After a tough decision, a winner was named. I am so impressed with the talent and passion here at Auburn for almost anything imaginable- little did I know that there were some Iron Chefs wandering around campus.

My life was further enriched this week by being a part of the Hunger March to Notasulga. As part of the War on Hunger, the Committee of 19 and other passionate students walked the 13 miles from Auburn to Notasulga in order to raise awareness about the hunger issues right next door. After the walk, we engaged in a day of community service around the area doing anything from fixing a roof to distributing food at Notasulga Methodist Church through the mobile food pantry.

I personally got to install insulation and help build a deck for an incredibly genuine and kind woman in Loachapoka, which is in between Auburn and Notasulga. After a full 8 hours of work, we were definitely exhausted, but immensely proud and humbled to have helped the community in some way.

Join myself and Feeding America by participating in the Hunger Fast going on nationwide this Thursday, April 7th. This movement is an effort to raise awareness about those who go to bed hungry each day in the United States and remind our politicians that federal programs and their benefits are needed among our impoverished neighbors. Visit www.hungerfast.org to get more information on the fast. This day can be whatever you make it, whether it's skipping one meal, skipping breakfast and lunch for a celebratory dinner, or an entire day of fasting. However you choose to be a part of the movement, I encourage you to use the time you would normally be dedicating to meals for donating your time or energy to making a difference for someone who is hungry or anyone you encounter!
Pancakes pancakes pancakes! Don't forget the Miss AU Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, April 16th at Longhorn Steakhouse in Tiger Town from 7:30 to 10:00. Come celebrate A-day with us and enjoy a great breakfast for only $5.00!

With Love and War Eagle,
Emilee