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Being a small, family owned business means that we keep our communities close to our heart. It is important for us to be active in our community and to support the people in our towns the best we can. Here at Brilliant Bodywork there are many different ways that we strive to be involved in our community and to do what we can to make a difference. For example, we regularly donate to the La Crosse Police Professional and Sheriff’s Deputies Association, we also make a annual sizable charitable donation to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. We set up a booth at Steppin' Out in Pink and make a donation to the event for local breast cancer research. In the past we had a rummage sale benefiting New Leash on Life animal rescue as well. These are just a few examples of ways that we try to give back to our community. Most recently though we supported the unique, talented, young women of the La Crosse community as they competed in the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Scholarship Pageant. As a local sponsor of the pageant we decided to provide an opportunity for two of the contestants to win a scholarship totaling $1,000.00 or $500 per contestant by writing an essay about the spirit of community. Here is a little bit more about the scholarship and what the requirements of the essay were:
Spirit of Community Scholarship Fund- Sponsored by Brilliant Bodywork Massage Therapy & Skin Care
Goldeane Andresen was an important part of my life. She taught me to mind my manners, act like a lady, most importantly to keep a humble heart and to give back to others whenever you can. She spent over 30 years of her life dedicated to leading the Shriner’s Hospital for Children Shrine Auxiliary and volunteered at numerous volunteer organizations throughout of community. She was a dedicated member of P.E.O, a philanthropic organization that helps to encourage women to achieve their highest aspirations. She truly believed in inspiring others through education and mentorship. My grandmother inspired me to grow outside of my own comfort zone and to always lift others up along the way.
Eunice Stevens was a dedicated volunteer and active member of her congregation. Eunice believed that staying active in the church was the greatest way to give back to our community. She offered many hours to enhance the lives of others sometimes during the most difficult times in their lives. She believed in being kind and using proper etiquette at all times. Grandma Stevens was a true lady by every definition of the word and the only thing that she loved more than her community was her family.
These scholarships are to honor these two brilliant women and their spirit of community. In 500 words or less, tell us how you have enhanced our local community through volunteerism. What have you learned though volunteering? Who has inspired you to give back and enhance our spirit of community? (2) $500 scholarships will be awarded to two contestants.
As you can see the scholarship is in honor of two amazing women who gave selflessly to their communities and families. Are goal was to reward two young women of the same caliber who believe in community service and involvement. Of the essays we received two stood out from the rest in their composure and in their service and those were the essays of Mattie Mae Krause and Sydney Marsh. Both girls demonstrated through their essays the commitment they have to their communities and their involvement in different charitable organizations such as WAFER, the Gundersan Lutheran Teddy Bear Clinic, teaching at Good Shepard church for Sunday school with the children, raising money through the Miss American organization for the Children's Miracle Network, coordinating blood drives through the American Red Cross and Wisconsin Blood Center, organizing food drives for WAFER and the Hunger Task Force, and creating the first annual La Crosse Park Cleanup. These are just a few of the things that our essay winning contestants are involved with in our community. We think their actions show the true spirit of the community, reaching out to help others because it's the right thing to do. We are truly inspired by these young ladies and their efforts in our hometown.
We are also very proud to announce that one of our essay winners also took home the title of Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest 2016 and that young woman is Mattie Mae Krause. We are so proud of Mattie and excited to be one of her sponsors for this upcoming year. We can't wait to see what Mattie will accomplish, she already does so much for our community, truly going above and beyond in all she does. We know the future holds great things for this young lady. Way to go Mattie, from the staff at Brilliant Bodywork congratulations on your accomplishment! Here are some photos from the pageant night and the following first few days as Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest:
...and just for fun here are some images of Stephanie and Adam in their German garb fulfilling their duties as grenadiers and myself, Lindsay , from when I ran for the 2006 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest pageant.