International Women's Day!

Julie Hullinger, a true girlfriend, was recognized

by elan woman for her charitable work and enormous

heart!

Zhane Richer and Celine Dion, both amazing givers!

Cindy McCain, who graced our Sept/Oct 09 cover,

a true humanitarian and advocate for things that

aren't necessarily "fashionable"

Annie Frehner, our courageous Fall 08 covergirl,

whose personal beauty is beyond skin deep.

At elan woman magazine, we honor International Women's Day today - a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In honor of this, we will celebrate our own evolution with our 4th Anniversary Party! Thank you, to ALL of the women and men who have supported our our journey!

So many photos, so little space

The anniversary issue of elan woman will feature the event, Project Gratitude. But we had so many photos, we wanted to share a few of our favorites here...

More Project Gratitude Photos...

The women, who refer to themselves as the “widows,” are bound by a single moment that changed the course of each of their lives forever. I had the privilege to be in their presence and experience their undying commitment to their country, their families, and the memory of their husbands.

And so, if only for a brief moment, a generous group of partners came together to lay down the red, white, and blue carpet, and offer up a five-star experience to honor these women.

FOX News & Project Gratitude

FOX News co-anchor, Gretchen Carlson, tells the story of Project Gratitude, an event created by Sharlene Hawkes (Remember My Service) and Darci Hansen (elan woman) to honor and celebrate 22 widows and daughters of fallen soldiers.

From Las Vegas, Gretchen shares their stories and catches a glimpse of the surprises planned for the ladies leading up to attending the 2010 Miss America Pageant.

Catch the story Friday, Feb. 5th at 8:15am Eastern on cable FOX News.

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 

Holiday Inspiration...

While at a holiday gathering, my friend, Dawn McLain, was telling me about Mike Cass, owner of Tunex, in southern Utah. He is just one of the faces that make up the charitable landscape of people who are always looking out for others first. His gift to a family in need was selfless and I thought appropriate to share his example, especially this time of year:

"Inspiration, is what Mike Cass and the staff at Tunex in southern Utah are all about. In these tough economic times, he feels like everyone can use a little bit of it in their everyday life, and he’s more than happy to be the one to share it. Tunex presented a young couple and their two daughters with a vehicle that they were in great need of in their First Ever Tunex Car Giveaway. Team Tunex distributed nomination forms at local businesses throughout are area for people to nominate people they felt were deserving of a vehicle and why. Once the nominations were collected, the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors evaluated them and chose the winners – Brett and Teryl Davis, who received their car on 11/11/2009. For Mike, giving the car away was just the right thing to do. “As a business owner, I feel a responsibility to the community. With the economy today, people are scared. Business owners need to step in and help out, and to promote positive change so that we can get out of the negative cycle. Sure, we could have sold the car and made some money, but we thought we’d change someone’s life instead. It’s a no-brainer.”
I asked Mike what spurred his interest in cars. “…My Mom was a single parent working 2 jobs to feed her kids. We really didn’t have money for a new car, or to maintain the old one we had. As the car became less and less reliable, we worried more and more about her safety coming home late at night. The fact was, there were plenty of times that us kids ate, but she didn’t, so that she could save money to get her car repaired. Many of the repairs we needed were because we could not afford the proper maintenance on the car. It was then that I decided that no one should be in that position, no less a single parent. So, I educated myself, and have been in the car business all my life. I look at our customers the same way I look at my Mother, as family. I want to keep them all safe.”

Willa Shalit Makes Appearance on Martha Stewart

VIDEO: The women weavers from the Village Kiyombi, Rwanda, provided Lee Lysne and myself with a passionate welcome that I will never forget.

Today the lovely Willa Shalit, Founder of Fair Winds Trading, will make an appearance on the Martha Stewart Show. Her relentless efforts to connect the Rwandan women weavers of Gahaya Links with global partners is changing lives from all perspectives. Not only are the women receiving educational assistance on issues like financial sustainability, health, and personal hygiene, but Willa's injection of the entrepreneurial spirit has empowered village weavers to provide their families with a level of confidence and security they hadn't known before.

The footage you will see on Martha Stewart was shot during my journey to Rwanda with Willa this year.

To learn how you can participate in supporting the efforts of these amazing and talented weavers, tune in to Martha Stewart.

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/rwanda-peace-baskets

BELIEVE!

The holiday's provide a magical opportunity to gather our loved ones and create some much needed quality time. Thanksgiving offers the brilliance of the fall, the celebration of the harvest, and the excitement of the Macy's Parade!

From the time I was old enough to wear black patent shoes, my mother and grandmother had me toddling through the doors of Macy's on that long awaited Friday morn. Traditionally, it was then and not one day sooner, that one's eyes would catch the first glimpse of Christmas. The lights, the colors, the Santa's, the sales! For as long as I can remember, Black Friday was always a day spent with the most splendid ladies in my life taking in the magic of the holiday.

Today I carry on this tradition with my own daughters. However this year was truly exceptional - we spent Thanksgiving in New York City. The entire family enjoyed the 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. A year hasn't gone by that I haven't caught at least a glimpse of this historic event on television. While sitting along Central Park Ave. watching the thousands of people marching, dancing, twirling, singing, and jump-roping down the street, I couldn't suppress the excitement of being a part of something as historical as the Macy's Parade.

Black Friday was no different. We lined up at 4:45am in Herald Square, on Broadway and 34th Street. Here stands NYC's most iconic location for shopping - Macy's Department Store. Built in 1902, Macy's Herald Square is their flagship department store and one of the last turn-of-the-century department stores in existence. As we entered with a few other thousand, we were welcomed by yet another icon of NYC...the Rockettes!

The experience was similar to playing out a movie, or living a dream - much like the splendor of being a child during Christmas. While flying home I was able to search the net (wifi at 37,000 feet is a technological miracle) and discovered that Macy's has put together a holiday program for children, "Believe," benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation. Based on the response from a letter to the editor of a New York paper, the everlasting expression, "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause," Macy's created a variety of charitable and educational components via their website to allow children the experience of giving, creating, and celebrating this magical time of year.

www.macys.com/believe

This holiday, make your own magical moments with your family and friends. Make memories. Make a difference. Do both. But whatever you do, "BELIEVE" that dreams can and do come true!

Photos:

Top: "Believe" balloon from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Middle: My daughter's Amy and Kylee with the Rockettes at 5:01am on Black Friday.

Bottom: Terry Lundgren, Macy's President & CEO, speaks to the press.

Savvy Hour - TONIGHT

Join us for Savvy Hour, Tuesday,Oct. 27th, 4pm-7pm, at the new Dixie Applied Technology Building (100 S/1000 E), St. George. This is an Open House. Stop by, bring your laptop, and receive assistance to complete your social media set up (LinkedIn, Twitter, FB, Blogs).

This is a follow-up event to Socially Savvy.

elan woman is proud to be in the forefront of connecting So.UT/So.NV women with social media to promote their business, promotional needs, charitable endeavors, or just keeping pace with new age communication.

It's Savvy Hour! Refreshments provided. For more information call 435.680.3272.

Let's Get Socially Savvy!

It’s time to get…Socially Savvy
Wednesday, October 7th, 5pm (NV Time)

Eureka Casino Banquet Room

Everyone’s doing it. If you’re not, you’re getting left behind. Who’s using it?• 200 million+ active Facebook users• 6 billion video views on YouTube a month• 12 million regular Twitter visitors by the end of the year

SOCIAL MEDIA
- Create new connections both professionally and personally
- Launch a new product or idea
- Promote your business, events, groups, or organizations
- Reconnect with friends and family

LEARN
- What social media is and the 4 major networks: Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, LinkedIn
- Proper etiquette
- Which social network is right for you &/or your business
- Bring your laptop and set up YOUR account that night (No laptop? Share with a friend)

$25
Includes dinner, training and a night that only elan woman knows how to put on!

REGISTER
Reservations Required! Call 435.627.woman (9662); or email elanwomaninfo@aol.com for Registration Form.

Rwanda

While spending time with some girlfriends, I had the opportunity to relive Rwanda. Its been almost a month since my return and I continue to process what I experienced. What I know is that the people are strong and courageous. The women are evolving to learn of themselves, their worth and value, and their talents. The children are a promise of new light, providing the past can escape them. The Sept/Oct issue of elan woman will reveal not only my journey, but the stories of a few heartfelt US companies lending support in the rebuilding of the country. You will also meet women of the southwest who have traveled beyond the seas to illuminate the entrepreneurial spirit across The Land of a Thousand Hills.

The photo above is from my special visit to a rural village. It was the highlight of my trip. The children at first did not know what to think of my white skin, blond hair, and free spirit. Although we spoke a different language, our heart connection was universal...I cried for the four hour drive home, dreaming of when I could be with them again. Read all about it and ALL the inspiring stories in our fall issue of elan woman, on stands September 1st.

Africa here I come...

My passport was pure - never stamped. I am on my first trip out of the country, not including Canada and Mexico. My destination: Rwanda. Yes, Africa. Many minor moments of anxiety along the way, but none worth documenting. What I know on day one is that nothing is familiar. I also know that I have a heart full of gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for a few things: first of all, soap! I don't think many around here use it (ugh). I am grateful for hot water (to which is not readily available). I am grateful for drinking water, diet coke, and ice! I am grateful for electrical outlets that WORK with my blowdryer (nope, don't have um here-yikes! getting a converter). And I am grateful for not having to apply insect repellent twice a day as lotion. More importantly, I am grateful that I never have suffered such traumatic loss of family. EVERY Rwandan here lost a spouse, a child, a mother, a brother, and in most cases, lost MANY during the genocide, which, would have been about 2/3s of the way through only fifteen years ago today. If I had been here exactly 15 years ago this town would have been COVERED in blood. I still cannot comprehend it and am sure it will only feel more complicated as we head out today to visit an orphanage.

The lovely Willa Shalit, with whom I am traveling with, is a gentle force in Rwanda. The people love her and know of her good works. The orphanage we are visiting today was assisted in creation by her hands, and prior to beginning her company, Fair Winds Trading. It was about 6 years ago that she was visiting Rwanda. She met two men, both of whom survived the genocide by playing dead under a pile of bodies. These two men met while working at a hotel and both had vowed that they would do something for others if God spared their lives. In walked Willa. She was inspired by their courage and assisted in raising the money to build the orphanage to which I will visit today. This was done on her own, at the will of her heart, and not with any other organization (I will visit another orphanage later this week). One of the men is now married, and recently had a baby, to which he lovingly named, Shalit, in her honor.

Best of State

Here she is... Darci in SLC representing elan woman at Utah's Best of State Awards!!! Thank you all again for your wonderful support!

2009 Utah Best of State Award

It is our privilege and honor to share with you that elan woman has received the 2009 Utah Best of State Award, Arts & Entertainment: Publication.

This particular award has great meaning to all of us at elan woman. First and foremost, it recognizes the tireless hours spent on each issue by our team of women (& a few guys) working on every issue delivering meaningful stories written by talented individuals. It is a tribute to the AMAZING designers who have worked with us from the very beginning to bring to life the visions dancing around in my head (causing potential drinking problems to which I make no apologies at this time j/k). This award symbolizes the excellence of our photographers who share their abilities to capture the essence of each story through their lens in a way that connects the reader on an intimate level. And this award says thank you to our supporters who have shared their very souls in our pages to elevate the spirit of another.

What also makes this award deeply meaningful is that it honors our publication intertwined with our events, humanitarian awareness, social media efforts, sponsorships, and our connection with our advertisers that solidified elan woman as the winner of this award.

So with the utmost of sincerity, thank you - thank you for being a part of our world. Thank you for assisting elan woman in its infancy to be recognized in this very big way. Thank you for believing in the vision of elan woman and being an actual part of a grass roots concept that is constantly evolving into something better every day. And on a personal note, I thank you for giving so much, then giving more.

We've Been Getting Around!

above: girlfriends Kayla and Martha hanging out with Barrack (well, sort of)

 

So much going on and like many of you, treading hard to keep a good hair day above water. elan woman has been outta control on the go! Our reader base has flourished and we THANK you for that. Going to take the time to update you on the latest, but I am desperate for a good night's sleep. So in the words of Arnold, "I'll be back." 

elan woman escapes to Springdale

Ladies: During the community potluck, those of us from out of town will be heading to dinner at Bit & Spur. Join us! Email elanwomanoffice@aol.com or call 435.627.woman 9662 (click on image to enlarge)

www.earthhour.org

Here is your chance to make a conscious effort to honor our earth. From our eco-centric girls, Margi La Porte & Jessie Kidder:

Earth Hour, 2009, is setting the stage for a global call to action and awareness on climate change. Vegas is a flagship city! On Saturday, March 28, 2009, Las Vegas will stand in solidarity with the world to raise awareness about climate change. For one hour beginning at 8:30pm, casinos and hotels on and off of the iconic Strip will dim or turn off neon and flashing lights creating an historical viewing event.

March/April Issue; Healthy Women

The March/April issue of elan woman is out, "The Power of OPPORTUNITY." We saw this as a great theme to counter balance the negativity in existence today. This issue is driven with ideas to engage in your own life, your own career, your own future. Yes, we know it's tough out there - on the other hand, the beauty of living in a free country is that we are free to choose our destiny. Although working for the dollar is much harder earned, there is a hidden joy in elevating yourself and the others in your world to appreciate what you have, and honor what you can accomplish. We at elan woman love the fact that our level of creativity is being pushed to the limit to assist elan woman and her supporters. It really is all about relationships. Some seem to grasp this concept; most often feel their capitalist point of view is each for his own. Hurray to all making the shift and realizing that we CAN work together, co-habitate and collaborate, WITHOUT feeling threatened. There is endless abundance to go around people!

One effort that fully understands this is the people at Mesa View Hospital in Mesquite, NV. Each month they host a program called, "Healthy Women." Although the name implies health topics, this gathering of estrogen talk about finances, travel, relationships, and even fashion (specifically shoes for Administrator Sue Conelly), all of which lead to personal happiness and wellness. Today is their one year anniversary event at the Casa Blanca including an expo and sit down dinner. Join us, if you're in the area, and see what the people in the southwest are doing to support this great endeavor.

Let's keep on keepin' on people. Are you breathing? Have a place to sleep? Food on your table? GRATITUDE, GRATITUDE...