Chinah's Great Uncle, Harold Hall, was one of the first Veterans to arrive to the event. He enjoyed talking to Chinah and told her how proud he was of her.
Each year Miss Virginia is given the honor of the "Milk Toast" at the beginning of the luncheon. Chinah gave her toast in the form of a comedic poem.
From Left to Right: Pageant Coordinator Jennifer Leech; Virginia Dairy Princess Ashley Rubush; Chinah Helmandollar; former Virginia Dairy Princess Liz Leonard; and Pageant Coordinator Cecilia Moyer
Welcome sign at The Encounter
Tiffany and Robin Porter of Chrysalis
(l/r) Zee Ritter-Zee's Salon and Bill Howlett-Wheelers Cleaners
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Carl Rosen and Barbara at Henri Kessler and Charlie Page-Valley Cadillac
Debra Cochran-Finks Jewelry and Diane Elderberry-Elderberry's
Julie Moore-Roanoke Athletic Club and Keys to apartment at Pebble Creek
Signing papers at Pebble Creek and Sleeping beauty in her new apartment
Chinah was a celebrity server at CARITAS'
annual fundraiser for the homeless in Richmond. She is pictured with
her fellow servers, artist Judy Newcomb, and Richmond Fire Chief, Robert
Creecy. The event raised about $37,000!!
After filming the Public Service Announcement
about Caressa's Homecoming, Chinah discussed
weather with meteorologist Matt Ferguson, in the
News 13 Weather Center
Chinah with Wade Campbell of Channel 13.
Chinah was interviewed by Bob Grebe on Channel 7 Morning Show and she fit right in with the news team!
Chinah visited makeup sponsor Elizabeth Arden and enjoyed selecting LOTS of makeup!! A special thanks to Sue Perdue!
Chinah is interviewed by "Bear and Wolf" on internet radio station www.oldiesatthelake.com and she got to try her hand at radio by being a guest DJ!
Chinah is interviewed by Natalie Faunce and Jay Prater on Roanoke's newest talk show, "Our Blue Ridge".
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Chinah visited classrooms at Fort Lewis High School in Salem, where she gave the students advice on following their goals and making healthy decisions. She also answered questions from students about her job and what her life as Miss Virginia is like.
Chinah returned to her former high school, Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount, and spoke to students about her experience at FCHS and encouraged them to "keep doors open" to their future by staying away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. During her visit she stopped by the cafeteria, where Senior Brooke Williams (a former co-worker of Chinah's) visited with her and introduced her to other seniors. Chinah was suprised to find out the assembly was a celebration just for her! The band played as she was escorted in, a student sang a song from a musical, and the cheerleaders made a cheer especially for her! (Chinah was a cheerleader her Freshman year at FCHS)
Chinah encourages Patrick County High School (Stuart, VA) juniors and seniors to "stay on the path" to their goals and stay away from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. She is pictured with her entourage for the day, the SCA and ROTC cadets.
Chinah spoke to Holston High School in southwestern Virginia about staying "on track" by staying away from alcohol, drugs and tobacco. After her presentation, Chinah spoke with contestants in the Miss Holston High School pageant, giving them advice about competing, self-esteem, and sharing her own pageant experiences.
Chinah returned home to Little Town Players theatre in Bedford, where in 2006, she played the role of Judy in Perfect Wedding. She greeted guests of LTP's current show, Greater Tuna. She is also pictured with former director, Karen Hopkins (also director of Greater Tuna). Prior to the show, Karen introduced her to the audience and awarded her roses and a keepsake of the theatre. Chinah also visited with cast members backstage before the show.
Chinah was the Mistress
of Ceremonies at the Reflections Fashion Show in Harrisonburg to benefit
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. She also sold raffle tickets
for the cause during intermission. She is pictured with Miss Virginia's
Outstanding Teen, Courtney Garrett, and Jordan Davis who modeled in the
show.
After touring James River High, Chinah spoke to students about staying focused on their goals, and the hazards of drugs and alcohol. She spent the day with students including Maggie and Michael. She was treated to a VIP lunch with a few students!
Chinah visited Sinai Elementary to celebrate reading by reading Dr. Seuss's "Oh The Places You Will Go". After reading, Chinah was interviewed on the famous "Miss Virginia Couch". She visited with students during lunch, where she met another girl named Chyna! (There happened to be 3 "China's at this school!)
Chinah challenged sixth grade students of
Fairfax Villa Elementary School in Fairfax to
make positive choices while following their
goals.
Chinah spoke to sixth graders at Willow Springs
Elementary School in Fairfax about the importance of staying away from
alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
Chinah met the troops of Achievable Dreams Academy in Newport News, where they greet students each morning as they come into school. Chinah spoke to the students about perseverance and staying focused on their goals, while staying away from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. She also met with girl's group, the "Precious Pearls" of which Chinah was made honorary member.
Chinah attended the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Pageant weekend in Fishersville, an organization which she has volunteered with annually for four years. Prior to contestant interviews, Chinah spoke with contestants about her experience competing and why she chose "Serving Virginians with Disabilities" as her personal platform. Joan Manley, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2009, spoke to the contestants as well. Chinah is pictured with Rose Williams, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2008 before the pageant. She was co-emcee of the pageant, and along with local Miss Virginia titleholders, assisted the contestants onstage during the awards. See http://www.mswheelchairva.com/ for more pictures and information.
Our new Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Niki Swann, will spend her year traveling the state advocating for people with disabilities as well as speaking about her platform, "Breaking down stereotypes to build opportunities." Niki and Chinah attended the Queen's Brunch Sunday, where contestants were pampered with gifts and breakfast.
Chinah was welcomed back to her former elementary school, Dudley Elementary in Franklin County. She was welcomed with open arms by secretary Ms. Kathy, and her former principal, Mr. Hollingsworth, who returned for the special event. She was surprised to find a collage made of pictures from her time at Dudley. They even had a slideshow presentation of Chinah's elementary school pictures playing to the tune of "Pretty Woman" to show current students Chinah's history at Dudley. She spoke to students about her time at Dudley, and how positive decisions helped her become Miss Virginia.
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Later that day, Chinah spoke to another Franklin County elementary school, Boones Mill Elementary.
Chinah spent some time on the lake with The Smith Mountain Laker Magazine crew, as she posed for photos for the May/June Magazine cover!!! The magazine, out May 1, will also feature full length article on her.
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Chinah attended Westside Elementary's Career Day at Interactive Achievement in Roanoke. She spoke to students about the importance of following goals and took pictures with students. Students showed Chinah their artwork - pieces of a mural that described their career goal. Chinah met the creater of Healthy Stuff Cakery, Mr. Hubbard, and enjoyed sampling his cakes, which are made with healthy ingredients and are sold in downtown Roanoke.
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Chinah attended and completed the Dale Carnegie "High Impact Presentations" class! She is pictured with her instructor Bob Sweet, Dale Carnegie staff, and classmates. A special thanks to J.J. White and the Dale Carnegie company for sponsoring this valuable class for Chinah.
At the Apple Blossom Festival, Chinah
enjoyed meeting Virginia's first family, Governor Bob McDonnell and his
lovely wife, Maureen. Their daughter, Rachel, was crowned Queen
Shenandoah.
Chinah was interviewed on the B99 morning
show.
Chinah attended the Humanity Helping Sudan fundraising event, created by Manyang Reath, a "Lost Boy" from Sudan. Manyang escaped from Sudan, to Ethiopia, to America, where he is attending college and organizing this charity to fund his efforts to provide a careers and improved quality of life to other boys in Ethiopia. Chinah encouraged others at the event to support Manyang's cause, while speaking with other "Lost Boys" of war-torn nations.
Chinah attended the Roanoke Valley Apartment Association's Annual Golf Tournament benefitting the Ronald McDonald House. She traveled the course handing out refreshments and selling raffle tickets to golfers. Thanks Pebble Creek!
Chinah visited Jane Leizer's Special Ed P.E. Class for a day of fun and fishing at Smith Mountain Lake.
Chinah attended the Paralyzed Veteran's
Golf Open, sponsored by Agility Defense and Government Services. Chinah
and her golf cart driver, Jack, got lunch while on the course visiting
the teams!
Chinah enjoyed her visit to Cedar Forest where she debuted her new song "Sara Lee" and spoke to the entire student body about making positive and healthy decisions.
Chinah returned to the place of her first job, Bridgewater Plaza. She visited businesses in the plaza, fed the fish with visitors, and promoted United Way Day.
Chinah attended the UVA Children's Hospital telethon that raised over 1 Million dollars!! She appeared on television, asking people to donate and reading pledges, then hit the phones to take pledges!! UVA Children's is a CMN hospital.
Chinah was the keynote speaker at Glade Hill Elementary's Fifth Grade Graduation in her home county of Franklin.
Chinah visited with the
mentoring group, D.I.V.A.S with Promise, to celebrate the
completion of their year. She spoke about the importance of
mentors and the importance of making good choices that will
lead to the completion of goals.
