Amanda Mason

As excited as I was to attend the Children’s Miracle Network annual telethon it turned out to be a crazy day. My day started in St. Petersburg, Florida recording the Theme song for the movie “A Fonder Heart”, as soon as I finished there I jumped on an airplane in hopes of arriving at the telethon in time to work the phones. Yes, I made it!

The event was great and it was nice to see several of my sister Queens. I met some really nice volunteers there who were also handling the phones. I spoke with the representatives that were responsible for organizing the telethon. It is such a wonderful cause and I’m not sure how much money was raised, but as soon as I find out, I will let you know.

Remember, you can donate to the Children’s Miracle Network throughout the year.  Check out their website in my links section.

She raised over $600 by herself!

One of my favorite places to go is to Regalia’s Magnificent Apparel in Orlando. Owned by David Long and Carry Oneal, it is the dress shop to go to for pageant and evening gowns, business suits, and swimwear. What’s really fun, is that even my dad loves to go. It’s usually a big family event and of course we always leave with some fabulous dresses.

If you haven’t been to Regalia’s you need to go. It’s easy to make a fun filled day, by visiting their store and then going across the street to some wonderful restaurants to have lunch. You may even meet someone you know. It’s certainly the place to be.

Carry and David

I have to admit that I am very humbled by having a fan like Ola.  She is so sweet.  We email regularly and she is always extremely positive about everything.  She knows all of my songs and actually sang one at her school’s talent show.  She keeps up with everything that I am doing and is always telling her friends about me.  I know that the first person who will be calling me after the Miss New York Pageant will be Ola to see how things went.  Not only is she like a sister to me, but I tell her she is a Minnie Me.  

On my recent trip to Florida to record the song for the movie “A Fonder Heart”, I had to take time out to surprise her at her school.  I was so excited to see her and she was excited to have me meet all her friends.  I wanted to take her a present, so of course I took her a T-shirt that read “New York Princess”.  Ola is the reigning Miss Jr. Teen Florida Galaxy and she will be competing for the National Title in July.  Of course, I will be encouraging her just as she encourages me.  

Ola, I love you and you are a wonderful person.  Thank you for your devotion, but most importantly, your friendship.

Ola Guza, My Minnie Me

Ola's Wonderful Friends!

Sharing My School Lunch Stories! Peanut Butter Sandwiches!

“A Fonder Heart” Movie Producer and Writer Jim Fitzpatrick, Song Writer, Corn Austin from LA, Pinky, the Music Sound Producer, and I gathered for five days to work on the theme song for the upcoming movie at the Big Three Entertainment Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since part of the movie is being filmed in Clearwater it made sense to record close to the where the action was taking place.

A FONDER HEART is based on a true story about Joey Boone, a 15 year-old boy, and Craig Thomas, a 59 year-old self-made multimillionaire developer. Joey and Craig became hospital roommates in 1974. Joey believes that he is simply being looked at for a minimal knee surgery due to a basketball injury, while Craig fears the worst…that life and old age have finally caught-up with him, and that he is dying. The two eventually develop empathy for each other’s personal problems and issues, as well as life’s similar hardships.

The music and lyrics are a beautiful mix of love and compassion.

Jim Fitzpatrick, Producer & Writer

Having Some Fun!

I wanted to share with you just a portion of the pictures Deb took for me.

She is truly an amazing photographer. I’m still in a state of disbelief that she is my photographer. She was great to shoot with. She has such a gift for bringing out the best in you.

We did some photos for my sponsors’ ads for the Miss New York America program book. She put so much life in the pictures. One set of photos was with apples for Lamont Fruit Farms in NY, and we had a basket of apples. She had thought about the shoot ahead of time and actually brought a dress I could wear that was perfect. We did a photo for my school, The Manhattan School of Music and others we are using for the Ads. I can’t wait to do another shoot with her.

Manhattan School Of Music Ad

70"s "A Fonder Hear

To see Deb’s amazing work go to www.debknoskephotography.com.   To view the beautiful pictures of Katie Stam, Miss America go to www.fourpointsmagazine.com

Deb, thanks so much for the beautiful pictures.

While my mom was in New York, we attended a fundraising meeting at The Ronald McDonald House where she shared some information that could help in a new fundraising idea they were debating.  She was asked if she would like to serve on the committee.  She agreed and is excited to help.  

If you don’t know much about what services the Ronald McDonald House provides, their website is posted in the link section.  It is a wonderful place.

Today was great! I went to the NY Conservatory For Dramatic Arts to work with Jay R. Goldenberg, the schools Artistic Director on my upcoming role in “A Fonder Heart”. I wanted to be very prepared since my scene is with Burt Reynolds.

Working with Jay was truly an enriching experience. I have attended the New York Film Academy, School for Cinema and Performing Arts and the Television Institute and I have to say I learned so many new techniques from Jay that I had not experienced before.

We talked in depth about my character, Gloria (formerly Deidra) and the content of the role. I honestly don’t remember analyzing a role this much. I play a hospital receptionist and my scene takes place when Burt comes to check in. Mix in fun humor, sassy dialogue and unexpected off script comments it is sure to be a successful scene.

I do have to admit, I’m am really excited to work with Burt. I keep coming up with ways to call a friend during my scene or even take a picture of him while he is talking to me. I’ve heard he’s great to work with so maybe he won’t mind….. If you see a picture of him looking bewildered at what appears to be a shoot then you know I actually did it.

I’m also excited about having the opportunity to attend the summer program at the New York Contervatory.

Jay Goldenberg, Artistic Director

Check out the school at:

• info@sft.edu
• 888.645.0030
• 39 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
  
  

Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. provides a temporary “home-away-from-home” for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The House is a supportive and caring environment which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. is the largest facility of its type in the world.

I have been fortunate enough to be involved for a second time with the Kids R People Too Fundraising Event. I was honored to be a guest speaker and to have the opportunity to teach children about self-esteem, dreams, and accomplishing one’s goals. After my speech, I sang one of my favorite songs, “Where The Heart Is” from Titanic.

The event was held May 17th in Brooklyn by MVC Productions. This was their fourth production fundraiser showcasing these talented youth through their original artwork, music, and fashion. Kids Are People Too! (KRP2) provides youth with a unique opportunity to support a variety of organizations that make a difference to the children and families within our communities. “It’s really a pleasure and honor to work with such amazing kids by providing them with a platform to showcase their work”, said Tai Chunn, founder of MVC Management Productions.

Proceeds will benefit various children’s charities such as the “Make a Wish” Foundation, The Children’s Aid Society, The Ronald McDonald House, and The Francis Paola School for Special Needs.

This eclectic event was hosted by Dee Vazquez, of Hot 97, and Fuse Network.  Featured at this event were several new designers or youth clothing as well as young singers and performing artists.

Dee Vazquez, Hot 97 & Fuse Network

I was so excited to get her Autograph!

Producer Tai Chunn, MCY Management Productions