Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving Blessings

This has been an emotional week for me, and I am incredibly thankful of many things.

Earlier this month, my family welcomed a child born to my cousin Becky near Boston. We are planning a 2012 summer family reunion, and it will be wonderful to meet the new member of the Eilers Clan!

A few days later came the news that we lost my uncle and Godfather Craig near Dubuque, Iowa to a heart attack. He leaves behind 4-year old daughter Hannah, who he adopted from Guatamala. An accident several years ago left Craig paraplegic, yet he still lived with graciousness and pride, strong and determined to live a life full of meaning. He taught me to be a Green Bay Packers fan and even took me to a game at Lambeau Field in 2009. He has been a wonderful supporter of me through my endeavors, coming to Kansas City to watch me cheer, attending graduations, and always checking in on my relationships. He even asked me to be in his wedding and to be his daughter's Godmother. His brother and seven sisters are celebrating his life now and truly understanding the impact he had on them.

This sequence of events reminds me that as good things come in one's life, you must often sacrifice to make room for God's blessings. That is the circle of life. We all must allow mother nature to move us forward to experience what lies ahead.

During this past year, I've been very blessed. Craig once told me he thought I had no time to cherish my blessings. I was bombarded with success and sacrificing my sleep to reach my goals, which to me, was no big deal! But he was right. I recently vowed to "stop and smell the roses" more often, to have a lazy Sunday, to carve out time for myself and my loved ones. And that is truly what Thanksgiving is all about.

I wish everyone time this week with your family and loved ones, whether it be in person or by phone. Say thank you not just today, but every day. Let others know they are special and that you are proud of them. Take time to let your blessings sink in - the gift of life, of education, work, love and so much more. If times are hard, keep pushing forward and believe in the circle of life and happiness. Your best day is yet to come.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Ms. United States Laura Eilers Returns to Kansas City November 13-14

On Sunday, November 13, Ms. United States 2011 Laura Eilers will appear during the 8:00am morning show on Kansas City's KSHB-TV NBC station. She and morning news anchor Najahe Sherman will discuss the Let's Move initiative to curb childhood obesity.

A native of Lee's Summit, Mo., Sherman and Eilers share a common bond as former high school cheerleading teammates, followed by both cheering at the professional level for the NFL Kansas City Chiefs. Following the morning news program, Eilers will appear at the Kansas City Chiefs game throwing the ceremonial first pass with alumni football player Kimble Anders. Over 100 Chiefs Cheerleaders are expected to attend the game for their annual reunion.

On Monday, November 14, Eilers will represent Let's Move and the American Heart Association at Nieman Elementary in Shawnee, Kan. She will present the school with their award for completing the Jumprope for Heart campaign.

"It's very important for fitness professionals like myself to speak directly to kids about eating right and exercising," says Eilers, a certified personal trainer. "If a child does not receive this influenced at home, they most certainly must receive proper education and motivation at school and in the community."

Eilers will round out her visit to the Midwest with a visit to her alma mater, William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. Eilers will be a special guest at her sorority chapter meeting. Eilers was an active Delta Zeta during her four years at Jewell, serving as secretary, vice president of recruitment, and Homecoming chair. This summer, Delta Zeta Sorority featured Eilers in their national magazine, The Lamp.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Ms. United States to Appear at Kansas City Chiefs NFL Game

On Sunday, November 13, 2011, Ms. United States Laura Eilers will throw the ceremonial first pass at the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football game. Kick off time is 12:00pm CST, and pregame is scheduled to begin at 11:45am.

Laura was a Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleader for five seasons from 2003-2007, served as captain, choreographer, fitness leader and teen cheer program coordinator. She appeared in two swimsuit calendars and was the Pro Bowl Cheerleaders first runner up in 2008. Laura and her teammates, led by then director Elaine Hart and current director Stephanie Judah, created the Chiefs Cheerleader variety show, performed for the first time in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2004. Laura visited seven countries on behalf of the Chiefs with Armed Forces Entertainment. Nearly 100 Chiefs Cheerleader alumni are expected to attend the game on Sunday versus the Denver Broncos.

Laura remains active in professional cheerleading today. She became a 2008 semifinalist for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and cheered one season for the 2009 St. Louis Rams. In 2010, Laura created the "Lady Raiders Dance Team" in support of indoor professional football in Richmond, Virginia. The squad was named the league's best dance team and recently launched the 2012 swimsuit calendar.

Additionally, Laura is on the administrative team of two major businesses associated with professional cheerleading and dance. She is the national sales manager for Angela King Designs Go Wild! Wear, creating costumes and attire for performers. Laura is also the founder and executive director of Going Pro Entertainment, LLC, an international agency offering events, consulting, choreography and other services in support of the professional cheerleading and dance industry. In August 2011, Going Pro launched the inaugural Pro Football Cheerleaders Alumni Reunion in Las Vegas, and serves as the creative production team for the USA Science Cheerleaders.

Ms. United States to Present to Virginia Health & PE Professionals

On Friday, November 11, 2011, Ms. United States Laura Eilers will present to attendees of the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annual national convention in Washington, DC. The VAHPERD convention brings together approximately 900 health, physical education, recreation, and dance professionals from throughout the state. 

Laura's platform is supporting "Let's Move!" the initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama aimed at solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. As an NFL cheerleader, dance and fitness instructor and certified personal trainer, Laura is passionate about teaching America's youth how to make healthy choices. Laura is a spokesperson for the city of Richmond's "Healthy Richmond" campaign and is launching a local chapter of "Girls on the Run." 

Following Laura will be the convention keynote speaker, Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN), an advisory committee of volunteer citizens who are charged with educating, engaging and empowering all Americans to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Ms. Pfohl leads the Council’s efforts to support Let’s Move! 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Upcoming Appearances

ABOUT MS. UNITED STATES 2011
Ms. United States Laura Eilers will dedicate her year to promote healthy, active lifestyles through the "Let's Move" initiative. She is a former NFL Cheerleader, current certified personal trainer and fitness/dance instructor. She has a degree in public communication, is a small business owner and believes strongly in women's empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Invite Ms. United States Laura Eilers to appear at your event, present to your group or school, or endorse your organization. Email Ms. United States

UPCOMING APPEARANCES

Thursday, November 10, 2011, 7:00pm
Bridal Fashion Show
Pippinhill Winery, 5022 Plank Rd., North Garden, Va.

Friday, November 11, 2011, 7:00pm
"Let's Move" featured presenter
Hyatt Regency, Reston, Va.

Sunday, November 13, 2011, 8:00-9:00am
Kansas City, Mo.

Sunday, November 13, 2011
Kansas City Chiefs Game / Cheerleader Reunion
Throwing the ceremonial first pass!
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.

Monday, November 14, 2011
Nieman Elementary School Fitness Pep Rally
Shawnee, Kan.
 
Monday, November 14, 2011
Delta Zeta Sorority - Zeta Rho Chapter
William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo.


Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 5:30-7:30pm
Mosaic Bar & Grill, 6229 River Rd Ste A, Richmond, Va.
Celebrity Bartender to raise contributions for Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN)


Saturday, November 19, 2011
Going Pro Cheer & Dance Workshop
Teach the "Let's Move" dance to current and former professional cheerleaders 
Philadelphia, Pa.


Saturday, December 3, 2011
West Broad Street, Science Museum to Downtown, Richmond, Va.



Saturday, December 10, 2011
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Okl.
Judge - Oklahoma State High School Dance Team Championship



Sunday, December 18, 2011
Going Pro Cheer & Dance Workshop
Teach the "Let's Move" dance to current and former professional cheerleaders 
Kansas City, Mo.