Donny & Marie host Project Gratitude

Despite the bad weather conditions across the country, all 22 mothers and daughters of Project Gratitude arrived safely in Las Vegas yesterday - a group of women who are incredibly strong, courageous, and inspiring.

Last night we were the guests of Donny & Marie. In a touching moment on stage, Donny honored the women and the ultimate sacrifice they (and their husbands) have paid. Marie, literally in tears (who was also very ill but insisted on performing for the women) spoke directly to the ladies, sharing her perspective of the peace that must exist in knowing their children had fathers of integrity and commitment. We all were in tears.

After the event, Donny invited us all backstage where he spent an amazing about of time with each of the little girls, took photos (including my famous 'ta da' shot - photos coming), and created the additional time to simply console one of the daughters whose emotional loss was a bit much to bear last night.

I haven't slept now in about 48 hours, my brain is busy processing every minute of my time with them to make it exception, but also playing out the scenarios of their lives. I have been blessed to have a life full of diversity and variety not only of opportunity, but of people. I have beautiful friends whom serve our military. But I have never experienced the profound bond of those wives of fallen soldiers...the "widows" as they refer to themselves. They encircle each other with a cloak of love and compassion that I just can't describe. What a gift to be with them this weekend!

Today, its off to Macy's for a shopping spree, make-overs, and lunch by the Capital Grill. elan woman will also shoot our March/April cover today! I will post photos later today....

Project Gratitude

Here is the press release that was developed by TAPS for the event 'Project Gratitude.' Las Vegas here we come!

Military widows and daughters to be honored at

Miss America Pageant

TAPS/GYBN families offered royal treatment via ‘Project Gratitude’

Twenty-two bereaved widows and daughters of fallen military members will attend the Miss America pageant this weekend courtesy of a new initiative called Project Gratitude.

The women will travel from around the country courtesy of American Airlines to take part in pageant festivities at Planet Hollywood as well as a number of special events planned specifically for the mother-daughter affair. Activities will include attending the Donny and Marie show with backstage passes to meet the celebrities; make-over's and a shopping spree courtesy of Macy's; and attending formal affairs affiliated with the Miss America Organization.

The event was the idea of Sharlene Hawkes, 'Remember My Service' president and a former Miss America. With the assistance of Darci Hansen, Founder/Editor-In-Chief of Elan Woman magazine, the friends created 'Project Gratitude.'

"This is all about remembering the great service and ultimately, the great sacrifice that so many families make to preserve our way of life, and defend our liberties," said Hawkes. "Giving these women a royal weekend is the very least we can do for America's greatest treasures. I hope that we can make this a tradition."

The weekend will also include a full day at FINO, courtesy of the owner Alejandro Hormechea, and premiere stylists Andeen Rose-Clark and Zhane Richer (Celine Dion's personal hair stylist). Donating their time and space, all 22 moms and daughters will receive manicures, pedicures, make-up, and hair styles in preparation for the televised segment of the Miss America Pageant.

"I have been asked who is the official sponsor for the event and my response is, 'Two blondes with big hearts and generous friends.' said Hansen. "We simply wanted to do something to honor our military families. Our partners have enabled us to provide a fairytale event loaded with surprises and a lot of bling!"

Taking part in this type of experience is part of a long road of recovery which TAPS facilitates for any person who has lost a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstances of the death. "The Project Gratitude organizers reached out to TAPS knowing our military survivors would benefit from a weekend of bonding and sharing a fun experience," said Elizabeth Kreft, TAPS Director of Communications. TAPS is a network of more than 25,000 mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers who have lost loved ones in military service.

Got Your Back Network provides children of fallen soldiers the opportunity to interact with our country's most talented leaders.

Do Something...

The winter issue of elan woman, our annual Tribute to Men, features inspiring stories of gentlemen whose creative talents and generous hearts make the world a better place. Our cover, Barton Brooks, is one of those men who, where ere he roams, he does something...no matter great or small. What are you doing?

In a time of need, Barton, along with others like him, are finding ways to assist those in Haiti. We all may not have the means or ability to hop a plane, but we can support the endeavor. Might we suggest, if you are wanting to assist the thousands of people crying for help in Haiti, that you take a moment and donate to a worthy cause? BE CAUSE 

48 hours after the quake 12 year old Louigene gets her first medical care for lacerations.. the hospital staff operating outside for fear of aftershocks. (Photo by Ann Curry)

"There are three kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask, 'What happened?'"
              --Casey Stengel