I'm excited to announce that we raised over $35,000 for Sparrow Clubs USA in our Washington fund raiser! Think of how many more children we can help from this one fund raiser! Great job to the staff and crew who helped make this possible!
Stay tuned for our upcoming fund raisers and fall Sparrow Clubs School assembly kick offs!
Sparrow Clubs USA National Spokesperson and American Cancer Society Advocate

"Kimberly has impressed me by her spirit of excellence, attention to detail and her seemingly tireless work ethic. Above all that, her kindness, generosity, positive attitude and upbeat nature benefits our Sparrow children and the organization as a whole. I believe many other charity orgainizations have benefitted in similar ways by the gracious, community minded spirit of Kimberly." ~Jeff Leeland, Founder, National Board Member and Former Executive Director of Sparrow Clubs USA
Friday, July 9, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
High School Sparrow Assembly!
I am pictured here with a Sparrow Child and his Family at a high school introduction
assembly. It is very emotional for the family and students when a Sparrow Child is presented to the whole student body. At the end of an assembly we ask the the students to stand if they are willing to help this child. I've never seen a student not stand and more likely than not, there is not a dry eye in the house (yes, that includes the jocks!). 3,000 kids stood in support of this child and the school raised over $30,000 in just a few short weeks to help with his cancer treatment.
We are inspiring a new generation of youth who give back to their communities all while helping children in need. I am so honored to work with this organization.
assembly. It is very emotional for the family and students when a Sparrow Child is presented to the whole student body. At the end of an assembly we ask the the students to stand if they are willing to help this child. I've never seen a student not stand and more likely than not, there is not a dry eye in the house (yes, that includes the jocks!). 3,000 kids stood in support of this child and the school raised over $30,000 in just a few short weeks to help with his cancer treatment.
We are inspiring a new generation of youth who give back to their communities all while helping children in need. I am so honored to work with this organization.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Relay For Life!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sparrow Clubs USA Introduces Our New Executive Director~ Steve Mezich!
An interesting fact is that he was the principle at the school Jeff Leeland, Sparrow Clubs Founder, worked when Jeff's son was diagnosed with Cancer and the community raised over $227,000 to pay for treatment for baby Michael. I encourage everyone to read the Sparrow Clubs Story at: www.sparrowclubs.org
Steve is a kind and compassionate man who cares deeply about helping children in medical crisis and loves to inspire healthy children to help those sick kids. I'm excited he has stepped into his new position and wish him all the best as he works to move Sparrow Clubs forward

Monday, June 7, 2010
Upcoming Sparrow Club and American Cancer Society Events!
Please join me for the upcoming events:
SPARROW CLUBS USA: Luke Mezich Memorial Fund Raising Event
Ellensburg, WA
June 18, 19 & 20
Moriah McNeil Memorial Celebrity Golf Classic
July 9th
RELAY FOR LIFE: June 12th Hillsboro
June 18th Salem
June 25th Wilsonville
June 26th Oregon City
July 10th Lake Oswego
SPARROW CLUBS USA: Luke Mezich Memorial Fund Raising Event
Ellensburg, WA
June 18, 19 & 20
Moriah McNeil Memorial Celebrity Golf Classic
July 9th
RELAY FOR LIFE: June 12th Hillsboro
June 18th Salem
June 25th Wilsonville
June 26th Oregon City
July 10th Lake Oswego
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Kids Will Do Heroic Things~When Given Heroic Things To Do!
Sparrow Clubs USA
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sparrow Clubs USA School Assembly
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Three Small Sparrows Closing Assembly: Parkrose Middle School
Please join me tomorrow for the Closing Sparrow Clubs USA Ceremonies at Parkrose Middle School. There are two assemblies at 1 PM and 2 PM.
This is a very special assembly as 3 Sparrow children from the last 2 years and the current Sparrow child will be present. Also, the Interim director of Sparrow Clubs will be on hand and Park Rose Middle School teacher and PRMS Sparrow Clubs coordinator, Laura Q.
I'm particularly excited that some students will be presenting speeches on how Sparrow Clubs USA has impacted their lives, how they have enjoyed helping other children less fortunate than themselves and how they will challenge other students to to continue to help others. I know there will be no dry eye in the house.
This is a very special assembly as 3 Sparrow children from the last 2 years and the current Sparrow child will be present. Also, the Interim director of Sparrow Clubs will be on hand and Park Rose Middle School teacher and PRMS Sparrow Clubs coordinator, Laura Q.
I'm particularly excited that some students will be presenting speeches on how Sparrow Clubs USA has impacted their lives, how they have enjoyed helping other children less fortunate than themselves and how they will challenge other students to to continue to help others. I know there will be no dry eye in the house.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Carole Smith~PPS Superindendant Gives A Shout Out and Dinner for PPS Volunteers!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Suzy Bootz, Mrs. Int'l 2006, Visits Oregon!
My dear friend Suzy Bootz, Mrs. Int'l 2006, stayed in my home here in Oregon and we had a blast catching up and talking about the International system and how wonderful it is. It has given both of us a voice for our platform's. In fact, it was Suzy's encouraging me to enter the Mrs. Int'l system again, that ended with me becoming Mrs. Western States 2010! Suzy and I met while judging the 2008 pageant and became fast friends. I had the honor of being asked to judge by Mary Richardson, the Mrs. International director, who I have known since 2004. These are two of the most amazing women anyone could ever meet! Two other amazing women I am honored to call friends are also pictured, Tamara Wissbaum, Mrs. Oregon Int'l 2007 and Lesley Nardini, Mrs. Oregon Int'l Director and former queen. The International system has inspired so many lifelong friendships!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
ACS "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Walk!


I walked for my Aunt, a 10 year survivor, and the countless women who are affected by each and every year. The streets were packed on the 4 mile course. I walked as part of "Team Western States" with my dear friend Tamara Wissbaum. We spent some time at the ACS CAN booth. I am an ACS advocate.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Upcoming Sparrow Clubs USA Events!
Please join me:
May 4, 2010
Sparrow Club Assembly at LaGrande High School 1:00PM
Sparrow: Sam W.
Sponsor: Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation
May 7, 2010
Sparrow Club Assembly at Skyview Middle School 1:00 PM
Sparrow: Daniel C.
Sponsors Carpet One and Bank of The Cascades
May 27, 2010
Parkrose Middle School Celebrating "Three Small Sparrows" 1:15 PM
Sparrows from the last three years will join in the closing ceremonies for Ethan L.
May 4, 2010
Sparrow Club Assembly at LaGrande High School 1:00PM
Sparrow: Sam W.
Sponsor: Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation
May 7, 2010
Sparrow Club Assembly at Skyview Middle School 1:00 PM
Sparrow: Daniel C.
Sponsors Carpet One and Bank of The Cascades
May 27, 2010
Parkrose Middle School Celebrating "Three Small Sparrows" 1:15 PM
Sparrows from the last three years will join in the closing ceremonies for Ethan L.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Cancer Research is Our Future!
Ms. Blough's Story:
George Blough received the worst news she could hear in 1990 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thankfully she had a team of great doctors and a treatment program that would help her recover. However, when she was told her cancer had returned seven years later, she was filled with fear about her future. But, thanks to continued investments in cancer research, a new lifesaving drug and treatment had been developed since her last diagnosis. George fought back with this new treatment and is once again cancer-free. Now she is excited about what her future will bring thanks to cancer research. America’s investment in cancer research has saved countless lives, allowing for millions of cancer survivors, just like George, to experience life’s special moments. Yet there are far too many lives still lost to cancer every year. ACS CAN has made it a priority to increase the federal government’s investment in cancer research. Learn how you can get involved in this lifesaving campaign to find a cure for the most deadly cancers and discover new ways to prevent cancer altogether.
ACS CAN Fights Discrimination Against Cancer Survivors. Ms. Fink's Story:
Ms. Fink is an elementary school art teacher who had her esophagus removed after being diagnosed with cancer. Following her surgery, she was unable to keep up with the young, active children in her classroom and requested a transfer to a local high school art teaching position. Although the position was available, the school district ignored her transfer request and did not even allow her to apply. Instead, she was assigned to be a substitute teacher with lower pay and responsibility. ACS CAN’s Judicial Advocacy Initiative filed a brief with the court on behalf of Ms. Fink. The brief makes clear that because cancer patients are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations must be made to allow for cancer survivors to continue working after their treatment is complete.Surviving cancer brings new life and new hope. It should not lead to workplace discrimination.
George Blough received the worst news she could hear in 1990 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thankfully she had a team of great doctors and a treatment program that would help her recover. However, when she was told her cancer had returned seven years later, she was filled with fear about her future. But, thanks to continued investments in cancer research, a new lifesaving drug and treatment had been developed since her last diagnosis. George fought back with this new treatment and is once again cancer-free. Now she is excited about what her future will bring thanks to cancer research. America’s investment in cancer research has saved countless lives, allowing for millions of cancer survivors, just like George, to experience life’s special moments. Yet there are far too many lives still lost to cancer every year. ACS CAN has made it a priority to increase the federal government’s investment in cancer research. Learn how you can get involved in this lifesaving campaign to find a cure for the most deadly cancers and discover new ways to prevent cancer altogether.
ACS CAN Fights Discrimination Against Cancer Survivors. Ms. Fink's Story:
Ms. Fink is an elementary school art teacher who had her esophagus removed after being diagnosed with cancer. Following her surgery, she was unable to keep up with the young, active children in her classroom and requested a transfer to a local high school art teaching position. Although the position was available, the school district ignored her transfer request and did not even allow her to apply. Instead, she was assigned to be a substitute teacher with lower pay and responsibility. ACS CAN’s Judicial Advocacy Initiative filed a brief with the court on behalf of Ms. Fink. The brief makes clear that because cancer patients are protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations must be made to allow for cancer survivors to continue working after their treatment is complete.Surviving cancer brings new life and new hope. It should not lead to workplace discrimination.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Proceeds of Book Sales go to Support Sparrow Clubs
Go to www.sparrowclubs.org to order singed copies by Jeff Leeland author and founder of Sparrow Clubs. These are amazing books!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Daffodil Days and The American Cancer Society!
Daffodil Days! The first flower of spring. The flower of hope.
The American Cancer Society’s brightest event of the year is Daffodil Days, when we deliver bright daffodils to businesses, churches, schools and homes in March. Ordering daffodils is a great way for individuals and corporations to show appreciation to employees, customers, clients and friends.
Gift of Hope
You can also anonymously order bouquets in lovely glass vases to be delivered by American Cancer Society volunteers to patients at local hospitals or treatment centers on your behalf. The Gift of Hope cannot be delivered to specific patients, nor is your name attached to the bundle. They are truly anonymous gifts of hope.
For more information about Daffodil Days, please contact us via email, call your local American Cancer Society office or call us anytime, 24 hours a day at 1-800-ACS-2345.
The American Cancer Society’s brightest event of the year is Daffodil Days, when we deliver bright daffodils to businesses, churches, schools and homes in March. Ordering daffodils is a great way for individuals and corporations to show appreciation to employees, customers, clients and friends.
Gift of Hope
You can also anonymously order bouquets in lovely glass vases to be delivered by American Cancer Society volunteers to patients at local hospitals or treatment centers on your behalf. The Gift of Hope cannot be delivered to specific patients, nor is your name attached to the bundle. They are truly anonymous gifts of hope.
For more information about Daffodil Days, please contact us via email, call your local American Cancer Society office or call us anytime, 24 hours a day at 1-800-ACS-2345.
Friday, March 19, 2010
The American Cancer Society~Health Care Reform
ACS CAN shattered its goal and collected 55,000 petition signatures in support of meaningful health care reform in just three weeks. Signatures are being delivered to lawmakers from both political parties. In a few days, the U.S. House will take an historic vote on health reform legislation. So in addition to sending our petition to Congress, volunteers are sending individual letters to House members, too. While the legislation is not perfect, it is an important start toward fixing the health care system for cancer patients and their families and saving lives. Will you write a note to your Representative, letting him or her know how you feel about this legislation and its impact on the lives of cancer patients? www.acscan.org/SpeakOut
More than 300,000 people suffer from and lose their lives to cancer each year because they don’t have access to preventive care and treatment. That’s 822 people who will die every day that Congress waits to pass a bill. For ACS CAN, meaningful health care reform has never been about Republicans, Democrats or Independents. It’s about helping those 300,000 people and the millions of others who cannot access the care they need to fight a life-threatening disease such as cancer. It’s about making sure no person is denied health care because of a preexisting condition like cancer. It’s about putting an end to yearly or lifetime insurance caps that force cancer patients to cut off their care. And it’s about taking away the desperate choice so many cancer patients have to make between saving their lives or their life savings. It’s time for our elected leaders to put aside politics and put patients first by reforming our health care system.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will keep fighting to make the health care system even better for cancer patients, and this legislation is an important first step. Will you help us by sending a message to your Representative? www.acscan.org/SpeakOutThe campaign for health care reform hasn’t been easy -- but we’ve come too far and accomplished too much to stop working for cancer patients.
More than 300,000 people suffer from and lose their lives to cancer each year because they don’t have access to preventive care and treatment. That’s 822 people who will die every day that Congress waits to pass a bill. For ACS CAN, meaningful health care reform has never been about Republicans, Democrats or Independents. It’s about helping those 300,000 people and the millions of others who cannot access the care they need to fight a life-threatening disease such as cancer. It’s about making sure no person is denied health care because of a preexisting condition like cancer. It’s about putting an end to yearly or lifetime insurance caps that force cancer patients to cut off their care. And it’s about taking away the desperate choice so many cancer patients have to make between saving their lives or their life savings. It’s time for our elected leaders to put aside politics and put patients first by reforming our health care system.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will keep fighting to make the health care system even better for cancer patients, and this legislation is an important first step. Will you help us by sending a message to your Representative? www.acscan.org/SpeakOutThe campaign for health care reform hasn’t been easy -- but we’ve come too far and accomplished too much to stop working for cancer patients.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Why Advocate For The American Cancer Society?
It seems as though most, but not all, of the Sparrow children that I have worked with over the years have cancer. My own family has been devastated by cancer. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, good Friends and even my Brother-In-Law have either passed away or are currently fighting for their lives. I decided to become an advocate and volunteer because cancer touches so many lives. Not only is the patient affected, their families and friends are as well. It is the second leading cause of death in the US and over 1,500,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. Cancer patients need people to advocate for them for health care, insurance, research funding, ETC. I believe in the cause of fighting cancer and finding a cure. If we all work together, we will succeed.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
An Overview Of How Sparrow Clubs Works
Sparrow Clubs works by matching a child in medical crisis with a school or similar organization. Sparrow Clubs finds a sponsor to provide funds for the child. The school is introduced to their Sparrow Child and the program through a customized assembly. Each and every child in the school is challenged to do community service and help the Sparrow Child. They record their hours and turn them into to the school. For every hour of community service a child completes, the Sparrow receives $10. This really adds up! Schools can also do their own fund raisers to supply additional funds.
The kids that help are empowered to make a difference. They feel good about themselves because they are helping others. Many times a child has never done community service, never helped another person and it is a new and wonderful feeling. I've found in high schools that sometimes the least likely child to help another, is the one that helps the most. I've had kids that are very poor, be so touched by the Sparrow Child and their battle to stay alive, that they've tried to hand me their lunch money after an assembly. I'm always moved to tears when these things happen. When kids are given heroic things to do ~ they will do heroic things!
The kids that help are empowered to make a difference. They feel good about themselves because they are helping others. Many times a child has never done community service, never helped another person and it is a new and wonderful feeling. I've found in high schools that sometimes the least likely child to help another, is the one that helps the most. I've had kids that are very poor, be so touched by the Sparrow Child and their battle to stay alive, that they've tried to hand me their lunch money after an assembly. I'm always moved to tears when these things happen. When kids are given heroic things to do ~ they will do heroic things!
Sparrow Clubs USA!
I first became involved with Sparrow Clubs USA when my sons friend was diagnosed with cancer almost 9 years ago. As my son's Cub Scout leader, I decided to help raise money for his friend through Sparrow Clubs. My den and I did community service and in return the Sparrow Clubs, through a sponsor, gave the family $10 for every hour we worked. The family received 100% of the funds raised! Overall, my scouts and our community raised over $100,000! I saw how this helped the family in their time of need. Not only the money, but the sense of support from the community was just amazing for the family. My son and his friends felt so good about helping another person. They were proud of their accomplishment! I was hooked and wanted to help others! I became a board member, volunteer, spokesperson, fundraiser, advocate and supporter of this great organization.
Starting A New Blog!
I'm excited to start a new blog. I had my previous one for over three years, but for some reason I can not access it anymore. I hope my friends and family can continue to enjoy learning what my immediate family and I are up to and how we, as a family, are hoping to make a difference in the world. I hope everyone who reads my blog can see the love and life that I share with my amazing husband and children. I am blessed beyond words in life and love and I hope I can return some of that to the world.
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