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.

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.

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! 

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

Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Convention 

"Let's Move" featured presenter

Hyatt Regency, Reston, Va.

Sunday, November 13, 2011, 8:00-9:00am

NBC - Kansas City Morning Show

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

Richmond Holiday Parade

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.

Confessions of A St Louis Cardinals Fan

I'm a native Missourian, and I'm just so excited for St Louis today! The Cardinals baseball team rallied to win in the 11th inning of game 6 in the World Series, forcing a game 7 playoff, which will be played tonight in St. Louis. They'll be playing the 2010 World Series 2nd place team the Texas Rangers.

Many people know that I lived in St. Louis and was a cheerleader for the Rams NFL Football Team. St. Louis is the most beautiful sports city, and it thrills me to see such excitement coming to the city where I lived.

... but I have some confessions.

1) I grew up in Kansas City and am more of a Royals fan, who in 1985 beat the St Louis Cardinals to win the World Series. We haven't been very good since then, but fair weather fan I certainly am not! Have you seen my KC Royals first pitch from September this year? 

2) Just about 3 weeks ago I was whining about my boyfriend wanting to watch the MLB playoffs on TV. I think my exact quote was, "Baseball is soooooo booooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrringggggg." The truth is that I LOVE going to baseball games, but can't we all admit that watching the game on TV is dreadfully painful at times?

3) I only lived in St Louis for 10 months.

4) I've never been to a Cardinals game although have gotten lost driving past Busch Stadium many times (it's a beautiful stadium!). I think I have been to a Royals game when they played the Cardinals, but I'm sure I was wearing blue.

5) I do own ONE piece of Cardinals apparel - a red logo tank top. It's about 45 degrees outside today in Richmond, Virginia, but I'm wearing it proudly.

6) I am really afraid of squirrels but for some reason love this rally squirrel. Kinda looks like me in this photo, do you think?? If you haven't heard of Buschie the Cardinals Rally Squirrel, check out this Newsy.com video (which, on a side note, is produced out of University of Missouri - Columbia award-winning journalism department, and I developed their online marketing while I lived in St. Louis. Love me some Newsy.com!)

Whew, I feel much better. I was feeling somewhat like a bandwagon Cardinals fan, so I had to get that off my chest!

What I'm learning about the 2011 MLB World Series is that we can all benefit from a resurgence of energy, no matter where it roots - you just have to open yourself up to let it happen. And if it comes from a city 2,000 miles away from you, who cares!?! If it comes from sharing in the happiness of your friends who are TRUE Cardinals fans, well that is just as exciting. Celebrate. Take time off from work. Watch the game, eat a hamburger, and enjoy the journey - win or lose.

Good luck tonight Cards!

Let's Move is Coming to Richmond VA!

Let's Move is coming to Richmond, VA - hometown of Ms. United States 2011 Laura Eilers. Stay tuned to learn more about initiatives in 2012!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Mayor Jones Announces Healthy Richmond Campaign

Mayor Dwight C. Jones introduced the Healthy Richmond Campaign today during the City’s Employee Health and Safety Fair at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The Healthy Richmond Campaign is a new City initiative designed to promote the improved health of City employees and residents by addressing the disparities affecting access to health care and health resources in the city of Richmond.

Mayor Jones stated that, “Launching the Healthy Richmond Campaign internally during the City’s Employee Health and Safety Fair presented an excellent opportunity to promote this initiative which includes a comprehensive workplace health promotion program. A public kick-off event is currently being scheduled for next spring. The goal of the Healthy Richmond Campaign is to promote healthier lifestyles and behaviors that will improve individual health and help prevent many of the chronic diseases and illnesses that affect far too many youth and adults in our city.”

The Healthy Richmond Campaign was proposed by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Policy, which was established in 2010, to address Mayor Jones’ concerns of the disparity in health outcomes across the Richmond community. The Blue Ribbon Commission researched many factors affecting health in Richmond, and proposed five focus areas to help improve the health and well-being of City residents: Healthy Richmond Campaign to promote healthy lifestyles to the community; health and social equity; behavioral health; medical homes for uninsured; and support for healthcare providers.

Members of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Policy are working on strategies to impact the identified focus areas. At the same time, several departments within the City’s Human Services division are moving forward in implementing the Healthy Richmond Campaign by engaging the community and encouraging the public to proactively embrace the Healthy Richmond concept by improving and maintaining their health.

The Healthy Richmond Campaign is preparing to conduct various activities and to participate with community events. The campaign involves current City initiatives, commissions, and task forces consisting of: Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Commission; Breast Feeding Commission; Active Seniors and Special Populations; Food Policy Task Force; and the Richmond Lets Move! Initiative.

For more information or to find out how to get involved in the Healthy Richmond Campaign, please call (804) 646-5823.