Wendi Russo 
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May 21st  Mrs. Minnesota United States 2011 Pageant

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I am looking forward to crowning my successor at the Lakeville Arts Center in Lakeville, MN.  I have had a wonderful year with many incredible gifts and the honor of having been named first runner up at the National pageant.  If you are interested in learning more about this pageant,  feel free to contact me.

For tickets go to Futureproductions.com and call Libby to order.

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AVA Live Radio show interview with Jacqueline Jax and Yasmine Ryback, Mrs. MN America 2011

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Today I was interviewed along with Yasmine about pageantry, what it takes to be a winner and to prepare for the different systems.   Yasmine did a great job on her first radio interview!  Jacqueline Jax is an amazing and talented woman and she also sells a beautiful line of clothing called Jax Couture which you can find on Facebook!  To hear the radio interview, go to : ttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/americanvocalacademy/2011/05/15/ava-live-radio-with-wendi-russo-and-yasmine-ryback

International Justice Mission fundraiser    St. Paul         May 18, 2011

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Human trafficking is the second highest income producer in the world next to drug sales and is one of the greatest injustices in the world.  IJM raised money to support their freedom mission to free men and women from sexual slavery and employment slavery.  Recently they helped free 500 men, women and children from a factory in India where all of them were held against their will.   Sarah Groves sang while a talented Christian artist painting a painting of a little girl's face crying and thinking that she is alone...he crossed out all of her negative messaging and wrote "I AM LOVED".. it was a very powerful piece of performance art and evoked emotion from everyone.  2 young girls told their stories of having been raped for years and then saved by IJM, currently in recovery and transformed by the work of IJM and its supporters.  www.ijm.org for more information.

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America's Perfect Miss Pageant     May 1st in Edina

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The first ever Minnesota's Perfect Miss and Teen pageants were held in Edina at the Westin Galleria.  Yasmine Ryback, my client, Mrs. MN America 2011 was a judge and looked as beautiful as ever!  The girls all did a spectacular job modeling and working that runway!  Carl and Faith Schway are the directors and their son did a top job at choosing the runway music!  It was a fabulous show and will soon become a top pageant here in Minnesota!  Congratulations to the winners ,  Gianna Capuzzi, MN Perfect Teen and Delaney Neal, MN Perfect Miss.  Below is me with Yasmine's 2 adorable little girls!

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Beastly Ball ---  Minnesota Zoo April 30th

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Brittany Thelemann and I helped sell raffle tickets to raise money for the new African Penguin exhibit that is due to come out in July '11.  Each ticket was $100 and we hoped to sell them all out.  As the night progressed, one man kept coming back for more tickets and finally decided he would buy them all--to the tune of $4500!  Each "pull" had a gift so he went home with a treasure trove of jewelry for his wife...lucky girl!  We also had so much fun talking to the couples at our table that we ended up staying until almost midnight!

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Judge for the Fitness America Competition    Mall of America    April 23rd

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The most inspirational thing you can do to get yourself ready to get into shape is to attend a fitness competition!  I judged bikini, modeling and fitness portions of the competition and was struck by these women's dedication and physiques!  The over 45 group was indeed the most impressive of all!  Our bikini winner is to the left.  Loved her costume too...she was a Victoria's secret angel with wings!  

Below is Jason Young, my fitness guru from youngquest Fitness in Eden Prairie and Maddy Thoele, fellow judge and former fitness winner for Miss MN International 2009.

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Co-Host of the Children's Hospital Television show with "The Dude"  April 19th

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I was the co-host for the weekly in-house TV show for the Childrens' Hospital in Minneapolis which is also broadcast to the St. Paul Children's Hospital.  We played games like "guess what I am" to " Mystery house theater" and beat the clock.  Children called into the show from their hospital beds and many came to see the live performance.  "The Dude" is always a ball to work with and I hope to have many more appearances on the show, to spread goodwill and happiness to all of the children who are cooped up in the Hospital year round.

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Announcer for the Aquatics Spring Special Olympics  April 17th  Minnetonka

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Every year I volunteer for the special olympics and this year I chose to announce the team members before each race.  During the race, I cheered on the swimmers who were lagging behind by getting the audience to rally behind them and cheer for them, rooting them on to the finish line!   There were so many inspirational moments of tenacity, perseverance and good sportsmanship!

Host of the Kinship of Greater Minneapolis Fundraising Gala   April 15th

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I hosted the very successful Spring Gala for Kinship this year and was a speaker, telling the audience about my experiences in mentoring 2 little girls through Kinship.  I brought home two huge goodie baskets for my daughter from their silent auction and enjoyed working with the auctioneer during the live auction.  Over $35,000 was raised at this event to help support future mentoring matches.

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Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011      April 11     Forest Lake, MN

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I was honored to judge the first Ms. Wheelchair America pageant to be held in Minnesota.  Choosing a winner was not easy, but there was one young woman who stood out from the beginning.  Jenni Taylor,  a beautiful 24 year old who had become paralyzed after a car crash when she was 16 years old.  She had to learn to cope with her new life, the occasional tremors. assisted breathing, coping with life in a wheelchair, etc.  One of the factors we were to judge on was the woman's attitude in dealing with her disability but also her life transitions in coping with her new life in a wheelchair.  Jenni was inspirational and has a goal of speaking to young people across the state about distracted driving and how to communicate and interact with people who are in a wheelchair.  I know this amazing young woman will do well at nationals and help educate all of us on how to better integrate our lives with those who have suffered such trauma and experience their lives from a wheelchair.  

Pageant Bingo a-go-go   April 9th at the Hyatt in Minneapolis

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A hilarious bingo event  hosted by 'Miss Ridgefield 1981', a fabulous drag queen with a sharp wit and quick banter.  It's bingo with a pageant theme raised over $30,000 for the Claire Housing and Park House, homes which provides services and care for those with the AIDS virus.   I donned sash, gown and crown and joined the revelers in the Bingo fun!  Joined by our Miss MN USA, we helped greet everyone and needed to answer the question many times "yes!  we really are the real deal!"  

Below is my bestie, Brian Kessler and Lynn Rogers who donned a tiara and sash--also my sweet boss from Shop NBC!

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The coordinators of this amazing fundraising event and Miss MN USA, Brittany Thelemann

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Below is a group of handsome West Point men who were attending a party next door and stopped me for a photo..!

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Send off party at Boulevard for Yasmine Ryback, my client who won Mrs. Minnesota America 2011 and placed top 6 at Mrs. America !

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Yasmine had never done a pageant before in her life but she decided to compete and chose to work with me to prepare for her for the Mrs. Minnesota America competition.  She did amazingly well, winning the title of Mrs. MN America 2011!  I'm so proud of her for all of her hard work and I'm so thankful that she trusted me to help her succeed and find her inner Queen!  I'm so excited that she placed in the top 6 at Mrs. America which will be televised on Mothers' Day!  Her pictures are just gorgeous!

With Bill and Tawnja, former Mrs. MN America

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Yasmine and her Crown cake

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Above is Gary Ebben her hairstylist extraordinaire from Hair District in Edina--he also did her winning hair at state and nationals!

Reading to the children at the Crisis Center Nursery in Golden Valley, MN     April 4th

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Anyone can donate their time and do an enrichment activity for the kids in the Crisis Nursery --you can do a craft with the children, read to them or do something musical.  These activities may be the only "fun" they have just for them in a day where they are escaping from abuse .  Today I am reading to these children ages 2-6 years old.

I was the Host of the 16th Annual Taste of Chocolate Fundraiser and Midwest Dessert Competition to benefit the Bloomington Arts Center  March 13, 2011

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I hosted this delicious event and tasted my way throughout the entire Arts center!  Three seasoned judges chose Chef Kevin Lindee, Chocolatier, pictured below as the winner of Best Chocolate Confection Award!  He is darling and very talented!  One of my favorite booths was the Moose Droppings booth where it featured chocolate covered fruit, nuts, etc...they were tasty and clever as gifts!  I also loved Thomasina's Cashew Brittle--yum!  Actually there wasn't a dessert I didn't love!  

Mrs. MN International Pageant     March 13th

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It was fun to meet with my friend and client, Yasmine Ryback, Mrs. MN America 2011 at the Mrs. International pageant.  Below is Brittany Thelemann, Miss MN USA and Miss Teen MN USA , Hannah Corbett.  Ultimately MIndy Urzua won Mrs. MN International.  She did a wonderful job and certainly looked the part!

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Feed our Starving Children Food Packing event  at Christ Presbyterian Church          March 12th

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My family  and I volunteered and helped pack over a million packages of food for children starving in Asia and Africa today.  My daughter had fun helping out with several stations and danced to some amazing Christian music played during the packing event.

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Beat the Odds Fundraiser for the Children's Defense Fund --- March 11th

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This impressive Gala was held at the Depot to raise money for college scholarships for 4 incredible kids with dreams who have been left on their own with noone to take care of many of their basic needs.  To the left is one of the scholarship recipients, his family was originally from Somali and he has dreams of becoming the President of Somali.  His intelligence, drive and outgoing, positive personality leads me to believe that yes, he will one day become the President of Somali and help them as he has been helped here in America to succeed.

Thank you to Brian Kessler,  Kristine Kvanie, Jennifer Kline & Jeremy Keippela for helping out with the raffle tickets to raise thousands for this event!

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Mrs. Wisconsin United States pageant   March 19th 2011

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I'm so proud of my clients!   Andrea Drab did an amazing job at the Mrs. WI United States pageant.  She won the   award.  My  other client and a seasoned competitor , Coral Reineckwon the pageant and did a spectacular job with the final question!  To left, Andrea Drab and her trainer Mario.

Tim Kretschmann was one of the judges at the Mrs. WI United States pageant and I was thrilled to meet him!  He is the host and producer of Pageantcast. He recently interviewed me for his podcast about Pageantry and has an absolute passion for Pageantry!
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The Pageant of Hope in Brooklyn Park at the Earle Brown Heritage Center     March 26, 2011

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The pageant for hope was created to celebrate our young women who have special needs and challenges that make them incredibly special.  Every girl received a crown and many amazing prizes related to their own special needs or interests.  It was an inspirational pageant watching these girls rise up and participate in ways that may have been difficult for them, but they managed to complete the pageant, their final answers and stay up late!
The winner of the Ms division was Molly Maxson so amazing on stage : graceful, incredible posture and poised!  Below is Gracie Theis, an adorable and  self-possessed 6 year old who loved blowing bubbles on stage!  Below Gracie is the winner of the 6 year old division...a very happy Izzy Gehrke who received the bike she was dreaming of!

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Judge for DECA at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis  March 6th.

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The mission of DECA is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, public speaking, finance, hospitality and management.  I judged the students in the area of public speaking and found many outstanding students who have a promising future in sales and public speaking!  What a wonderful organization to support young people today to build confidence and life skills!



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Mrs Minnesota America 2011 Pageant.  March 5th         My client, Yasmine Ryback won Mrs. MN America 2011 and was voted as Most Photgenic! 

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It was Yasmine's first pageant and I worked with her for 3 months straight to prepare her to the best of my abilities.  A very close race, Yasmine won Most Photogenic and the title of Mrs. MN America 2011!  I was thrilled!!!  Yasmine's platform is Family Literacy and she is from Chaska.  My Wisconsin client, Andrea Drab won MIss Congeniality and 1st runner up for Mrs. Wisconsin AMerica.  I am so proud of both of them!   Chloe was a junior queen and can be seen hamming it up here with Ava Ernst.  Can you believe they're the same age?  Below is my client Andrea Drab in a most gorgeous silver sequined dress from Bessie's Boutique.  Towards the bottom I'm with Ava Beilke, America's Perfect Miss 2010.

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American Girl Fashion Show to benefit the Junior League --March 4th 

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The American Girl fashion show was absolutely adorable!  All of the little girl models carried a doll that looked and dressed like them!  MOthers and grandmothers looked on while their daughters took to the runway, modeling and twirling around--and just feeling special!  Chloe and I had lunch and a cupcake cone with frosting on top for dessert which was her favorite thing.  I announced the guest models and a little about each little girl as they brought their own American girl doll out onto the runway.  As no surprise to me, Chloe loved it and said "This the best day ever MOmmy!!!"  A must-do next year as well!  

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Chloe at the American Girl Fashion show at the Edina Country Club for the Junior League

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We are both matching her doll by dressing in red.

Juvenile Diabetes Walk on February 26th at the Mall of America

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What a turn out this early Saturday morning!  Teams of families, friends and children with Juvenile Diabetes banded together to support their friend or family member and raised several million dollars during this annual fundraiser.  Miss Teen Minnesota, Hannah Corbett  and Miss Minnesota USA Brittany Thelemann  and I were on hand to take  pictures along with the mascots of the Vikings and the Twins  TC!  

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Wishes and More Valentine's Ball at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis

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Wishes and More helps raise money to support the wish of a child with a life threatening illness and helps contribute to their future college education.  They gave 2 children their wishes--one a trip to Duluth with her family and another his dream of a 4 wheeling ATV!  I helped to raise money through their raffle to win a diamond in a small bottle that looked like it had been washed up on the shore.  I helped raise $2800 that night.  I met some amazing families who have been supported by Wishes and More and hope to do more with this organization in the future.  This Island themed event was sponsored by M & M so of course I had to have a picture with her!

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Kidgits Book Blast at Southdale Mall in Edina  February 19th

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Every year the Kidgits club has a celebrity reader come in and read stories to the children and the kids can win books.  Today I read some of my daughters' favorite books like "Llama Llama Red Pajama" and "Fancy Nancy".  I eventually started including the kids in a question/answer segment so that they could come up with words starting with a certain letter.  So many smart children here!

Hands on Twin Cities Volunteer Expo at the Mall of America 

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This morning i helped garner interest and answer questions about the mentoring program at the Kinship of Greater Minneapolis booth.  Over 350 children are waiting for mentors across the state and we are looking for men and women over 21 who want to be a friend to a child 5-15 years old by doing simple activities like art projects, playing at a park outside of their neighborhood, going to the zoo, baking cookies, fishing, etc.  This time spent can mean the world to a child who is stuck at home watching TV all day, without the resources to do other things.

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Salute to Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center   February 14th

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To honor our veterans who are recovering from medical issues or in physical therapy for their disabilities,  I visited the Veterans Medical Center in Minneapolis to pass out Valentine's to the former soldiers.  They had such amazing attitudes and honor for their country and made it clear that our country was worth the sacrifice , wearing hats, shirts and pins signifying their unit showing they were proud to have served.    These students were volunteering at the hospital this day and wanted a photo--

Pay it forward Fundraiser for Breast Cancer  Feb. 4th in Medina, MN

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Women who are going through chemotherapy or who need time to recover from their illness often need to quit their jobs and find themselves struggling to pay for basic bills like electricity, rent/mortgage, etc.  Pay It  Forward gives needed funds to cancer patients with the expectation that one day they will pay it forward.  I was a celebrity Blackjack dealer and learned to deal with an expert dealer by my side.   What an inspiring evening of huge fundraising with many stepping forward with huge donations of thousands of dollars.  My table was never empty with a fun group of attendees who were the last ones to leave!!

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St. Paul Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade-- January 29th

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It was a balmy 23 degrees today as we joined the festivities to kick off the  Coolest Celebration of the Year, the St. Paul Winter Carnival Grande Day Parade!  My daughter and I felt like princesses in our own carriage with a gorgeous black Clydesdale horse pulling us.  We saw clowns, royalty- MIss Mn USA and Miss Teen USA, the Oktoberfest  float replete with music, steins and shorts!!  By the end of the parade, I was definitely feeling the chill and ready to get warm inside at Cosetta's Italian Deli.   I was thrilled to be included in this parade and to see the pride of St. Paul and the largest Winter Carnival in the Country.

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The Ultimate Pajama Party to benefit "Dress for Success"  January 22nd 

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The girls-only Pajama Party was a blast with Gretchen Rossi,  the Housewife of Orange County from Bravo Channel as my co-host ; we auctioned off gay and straight men during our "date" auction--it was a hoot to say the least!  Gretchen was there with Slade who was helping her to sell handbags.  She was as gorgeous as usual with peacock feathers as a "tail"  and a peacock lingerie bustier.  Throughout the evening there were beauty stations, pyschics, tarot card readers; pet psychics, botox stations, ice cream sundae stations and Bella Diva sang fantastic pop music in lingerie.  Everyone had a ball with their girlfriends, mothers and daughters.  www.theultimatepajamaparty.com for more pictures and information.

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Gretchen Rossi, Me and Slade at the Pajama party

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Our big Live Bachelor Auction winner was Natalie Hagemo!  Thank you for your support for Dress for Success!

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Queen of the Snows  St. Paul Festival Fashion Show January 22nd at noon 

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The Queen of the Snows is part of the 44th St. Paul Winter Carnival, the coolest event on earth--Every January, a new Queen to King Borealis is crowned.  All of  the potential candidates participated in a Fashion show featuring fashions from Dress Barn, Lillians on Grand and Alaskan Fur company as well as Mestad's prom and dress shop.  I co-hosted with John HInes, WCCO Radio anchor of the Hines-sight show who entertained the crowd with his sense of humor --what an amazing radio voice he has!  Rosanne Kruse planned the beautiful event where it was clear that the royal family is just that, a family.  They looked back onto the year and shared their special memories with the audience.    Next week, a new Queen will be crowned and one woman's life will be changed for this next year!  Exciting!  

The Belated Christmas party for our Military Police Families--  January 11, 2011--- Fort Snelling

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With "Santa"...Joe Eagan who always makes the holiday's something special for our military's children.  I was thrilled to be a part of this event that had been delayed by a snowstorm before the holidays.  but Joe doesnt miss a family when it comes to spreading the Spirit of Giving at Christmas time.  He had presents waiting for the children and brought me along as his special guests.   The girls were especially happy to take photos with us and everyone left with a smile on their face of the reminder of Christmas on a January afternoon.

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Fashion show for "Beauty is Power" Event  January 2011

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Pageant Dress Designer Gionni Straccia is incredibly talented, he has designed Miss Universe Gowns and many titleholders from a variety of countries--I spoke a little Italian with him since his native language is Spanish.  I wore an incredible blue gown not pictured here during the successful fashion show.  His dresses can be found at the Pageant Shop in New Brighton.  Below is me with the other models and Sarah Moses.

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Christkindlemarket in Excelsior and parade

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It was cold, but it's such a charming tradition that we braved the cold to be a part of this traditional event!

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Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Southdale Mall at the Holidays with  the Captain of the Aquatennial Festival

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Below I'm with Brittany Thelemann, Miss MN USA 2010 who was also bell ringing that day!

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Model and Publicist for "Calendars for Conquering Cancer" to be Launched on December 8th at Santorini's in Eden Prairie

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I'm so proud to be included in this fundraiser to benefit cancer research.  The women featured in this swimsuit calendar have all been touched by the deadly disease of cancer and are in their "Fabulous Forties".    Please support Cancer research by buying a calendar for 2011!  Photos by Momento Images

http://calendarforconqueringcancer.com/

My team "Queens for Kids" came in second place in fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters!

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We all had so much fun bowling in our cocktail dress and crowns!  Many pageant systems were represented from Miss MN Teen Int'lt, Miss MN International, America's Perfect Miss and Minneapolis' Perfect Teen.  We raised $2,130 for Big Brothers and came in second place, winning a silver bowling pin!  We also won some fun Vikings superbowl goodies in their raffle!  So happy that we are able to fund more than one mentoring match!

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With a few of the Little's from BBBS

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake Presented by Dairy Queen

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Our team "Queens for Kids"  is now assembled!  I have 5 title holding Queens from Minnesota with hearts for children and we are in the process of raising $1000 towards Big Brothers Big Sisters which will go to support one mentoring match for a year.  Please help support us and donate so we can reach our goal!
http://www.firstgiving.com/wendirusso   Our bowling team will play on October 30th in our cocktail dresses and crowns/banners at AMF Southtown Center in Bloomington.

Aces E-Mentee Job Shadowing   August

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My mentee through ACES (Athletes Commited to Educating Students) came to visit me at SHOP NBC to see where I work everyday and what I do.  She was amazed that I didnt have a script and that I had so much to say about each product.  Jenny is more of a shy personality and dreams of working with animals in the future.  Her real love is wolves.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowling Fundraising Meeting  August 19th

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I'm excited to be a part of the fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters' Annual Bowl for kids, sponsored by Dairy Queen on October 30th.  I'm trying to create a team for local royalty called "Crowns for Kids"...to support mentoring.  My goal is $1000 for our team.  I'll keep you posted on who will be on my team!  My fundraising page is located at :   http://www.firstgiving.com/wendirusso  Please donate so that one match can be funded!

Children's Hospital Annual Golf Benefit , sponsored by Santorini's

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It was a very humid and hot day at the Olympic Hills Country Club in Eden Prairie as we checked in all of the golfers, but we all knew it was an important cause we were all working towards--raising money for the Children's Hospital.  The President of the Hospital is here pictured with me and Miss Teen Minnesota International, Jenna Rourke.

Domestic Violence Awareness Walk   August 15th at 10am

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A great turnout at Lake Calhoun this morning to support Domestic Violence Awareness.  Dogs and their owners as well as the Hopkins Raspberry Festival newly crowned royalty!  It was an honor to be there to support the cause!

Excelsior Girls' Night out    August 12th

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Had fun helping the gals learn how to walk in heels for this event at the ever-posh, Avanti Shoe Salon in Excelsior.  The theme of the night was 50's and many gals in costume came, looking adorable!  The shoes in this salon are so ladylike and even some great evening shoes!  Thank you for making this event so fun!  So many women (and little girls) learned how to shine in heels and be confident!

Mrs Minnesota United States 2010 pageant   May 22nd in Lilydale, MN

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  The first ever Mrs. MN United States pageant and I'm so excited to be the first winner under new directors, Future Productions!  Denise, Craig and Libby are all so incredibly kind, supportive and professional.  I am proud to be a part of this successful pageant team!  Now Future Productions has Miss MN Teen USA; Miss MN USA and Mrs. MN United States.  We will all be making appearances together starting with the Delano Parade on the 4th of July!

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Kinship Spring Gala  April 23rd at the Golden Valley Country Club

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Kinship's largest fundraiser of the year.  I donated a bag full of beauty products to be donated for their silent auction.  Hopefully they'll raise lots of money to support the 100+ matches they still need to make!

Mangia for a Mission for Smile Network at I Nonni   April 25th

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Minnesota based non profit, Smile Network  Charity dinner and 100% of the proceeds went to the Smile Network surgeries to repair the smiles of infants and children around the world.  I Nonni in Lilydale has the  most amazing Italian food!  My friend and fellow host, Brian Kessler won a mission trip with Smile Network which will be a life-changing experience for sure! 
Smile Network International is a global, non-profit humanitarian organization that provides life-altering, reconstructive surgeries and related healthcare services to impoverished children and young adults in developing countries.

Every year thousands of children are born in developing countries with facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates and suffer the humiliation and embarrassment of their disfigurement. Often times these children have difficulty eating, drinking and speaking. As a result, many are malnourished, underdeveloped and lack energy, strength and confidence. Without the surgeries,these children would suffer rejection, social injustices and frequently are hidden away from the mainstream of everyday life.  The Smile network completely changes the future for these children and allows them to live the life they could only dream of before.

Twins Game with Aces Mentees on  April 15th

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Tonight I met my two mentees at the game and took them to eat and get to know them better!  We enjoyed seeing the new field although it was kind of scary being up in the high bleachers...and windy!  The girls were very shy but loved my imitation of their favorite song!

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Special Olympics Basketball Awards Cermony  April 11 at 12:30pm Minntetonka

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Last year I had a ball announcing the winners of the awards at the Basketball game for Special Olympics, and got my husband involved this time!    An energetic and enthusiastic group of contestants reminds us all about the power of teamwork and a positive attitude!  One of the teammates even thanked all of us volunteers!                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Eden Prairie Foundation Ball  --Head of Production/Video March 27th at Marriot

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The Eden Prairie Foundation Ball was a HUGE success! I was on the planning committee to help with the production preparation.  I had contact with all of the charities the EP Foundation has supported over the years to create a slideshow and video explaining the Eden Prairie Foundation's positive impact in the community  The fundraiser is their largest of the year and helped raise over $40,000! 
Here is the video I helped plan that tells the story of the Foundation:   https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/4sTy5mNSBx10n4

 Attendance was at an all-time high and the live auction was a success with Shop NBC's Vice President, Marvin Segal picking up the Twins Live auction prize to throw out the first pitch!! Joining me was Mrs. Minnesota America 2009, Heather Hall and her husband Joe Hall (see below). 

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My Hubby Corrado & I at the Eden Prairie Foundation Ball

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Kinship of Greater Minneapolis Ladies Tea at the Marsh in Minnetonka;  March 13, 2010 at 1pm

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Current Mentors and women interested in mentoring came to learn more about Kinship.  I brought fellow host, Lynn Schacher with me to consider becoming a mentor.  We ate scones, blondies and drank tea & lemonade while listening to local Psychologist, & author, Mary Olk speak about what we can do to create more joy in our lives.

ACES: Atheletes Committed to Educating Students-- February 10th

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I met my e-mentee Jenny for the first time today.  She is 12 and in a downtown school that  teaches children from a wide variety of backgrounds with limited resources.  English is a second language for many as their families have migrated here from another country.  Jenny's mother was deported back to Guatemala when she was 5 and she now lives only with her father and his girlfriend, helping her to take care of her children when she is not at school. 

Jenny chose to be involved with ACES because she wants to have opportunities she doesn't have now and wanted encouragement that her home environment doesn't provide.  Her dream is to become an animal trainer and she has a strong desire to work with wolves.

Pajama Party to benefit the Junior League
January 15, 2009 at 8pm

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Held at the Westin Galleria, I am helping to sell raffle tickets and announce the winners for this fun all-girl event! 

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8th Project Homeless Connect at the Minneapolis Convention Center
December 7, 2009

Hundreds of volunteers helped the Minneapolis Homeless to find healthcare, employment, shelter, vision care, shoes, clothing, dental services, legal services, haircuts, access to voicemail, and a hot meal today.  This very unique event is held twice a year as a one-stop-shopping event for those who normally do not have access to the basics and need help getting back on their feet or to improve the quality of their lives.

I worked with a 31-year old gentleman who wanted to get some legal help, created a voicemail so that he could find a new shelter which he was on the waiting list for, and ate lunch with him.  He was very polite and religious and had been staying in a shelter for 3 years.  What was most disturbing to see was the number of young children who are growing up in our state without housing.  I dont know how these parents and single mothers do it!

This event is a wonderful opportunity to create awareness for the plight of many in Minnesota and grant them  free access to services they would have to have the money to afford.  The next event will be held in May 2010.
host, shop, wendi, russo, wendy, mrs minnesota, mrs minnesota america, mrs minnesota 2008, mrs mn, kinship, mentoring, shop nbc