#beHEROIC

I was asked to join in as visiting royalty and volunteer at the @missbroadwaylightspageant today by my amazing former director. Fun fact: it was on this very stage that I #sang for the very first time publicly when I was just 7 years old! I had the opportunity to once again entertain the audience with a #broadway favorite, #poorunfortunatesouls. I was able to talk all about @internationalunitedmiss , what the #ium system represents, my favorite part about this phenomenal #iYOUm system, and what opportunities pageantry has given me.

Congratulations to all the amazing queens I had the pleasure of crowning today! Thank you Ms Allyson for having me!

Miss Broadway Lights

Fostering Family Hope

I'm Maddi Ruggiero your #internationalunitedmiss #Connecticut Jr Teen It is #WarriorWedbesday and I want to talk about Fostering Family Hope, and my fundraiser to collect items for kids in foster care.
@fosteringfamilyhope is a foundation that puts backpacks and duffle bags together for foster kids so they are not carrying their belongings around in garbage bags, filling them with necessities like personal care items, clothing, and toys.

We are in need of bags (most important part of this), lovey's, clothes, and personal care items. If anyone would like to donate, it would be greatly appreciated! THANK YOU!!!

I have linked the Amazon wish list below, but some items that we need to fill the bags are...

Duffle bag or backpack
Shampoo/conditioner
Body Wash/soap
Tooth Brush/toothpaste
Underwear
Socks
2 pairs of Pj’s
2 or 3 outfits
Diapers/wipes (baby bags)
A fun little toy or lovey

Fostering Family Hope Fundraiser - Amazon Custom Gift List - https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/1MXIDO8BHS9FR/guest-view

#ium
#iumctjrteen
(Edit to add: you may notice I am not wearing my crown nor sash in this video. I felt it was more important to share the message of the foundation and focus on the children in foster care.)

Fostering Family Hope Update

Wow is all I can say! Donations are already pouring in for my fundraiser for @fosteringfamilyhope I'm so excited to put these bags together for foster kids!
The voice that the @internationalunitedmiss system has given me is indescribable!
This is just the beginning of what was purchased. In just 2 days. We had 22 people purchase items off our #fostercare wishlist for these bags!

#ium makes a difference
#heroic is a lifestyle

Your community needs you. Be the #voice for those who don't have one.

Thank you everyone who has donated so far! We cannot thank you enough!!

Updates to come!

Donald Carter Fashion Show

I represented @internationalunitedmiss #iumctjrteen today and #donaldcarter walking in the @donaldcarter729 fashion show in Hamden, CT. Donald is amazing and truly made me feel like royalty. I cannot wait to work with him again!

Check out that #IUM teal cape attached to this ivory tea-length gown. It was my favorite part!

Reading to the Elementary School

#ThriveThursday Even though I homeschool now, I wasn't always. I went back to my old elementary school and read to the second graders for #readacrossamericaday I read one of my favorite Dr Seuss books, there's a wocket in my pocket in honor of #drseussday .
We talked about how all of the teachers in the story were different, and what makes them different? What are the things that they like about themselves that may be different from someone else. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to visit again!

For the safety of the students in the classroom I have decided that even though they were backwards and you could not see their faces, I covered them.

St Patrick's Day Parade

With my #iYOUm #sistersbysash @iumctpreteen Amara and @num_newengland_teen Kaitlyn in the Greater New Haven St Patrick's Day Parade. @wtnh8 covered us! How cool is that!?!
@internationalunitedmiss live on TV!!

Fostering Family Hope Update

#WarriorWednesday
I'm #HEROIC and you can be too!
The honor of being your #iumctjrteen, I have been given a voice to help children who don't have one.
Update on my @fosteringfamilyhope fundraiser: look what we've done!
I couldn't have done this without the countless hours of work, phone calls, messages, and help from family, friends, and my community!
We are still accepting donations and are in need of clothing socks and underwear, comfort items for teens, children's books, and hygienic items such as shampoo and conditioner.
Planning to donate just in time for Easter.

No child deserves to carry their life around in a trash bag.
Help make a difference ❤️

USAA Southern New England

#welcometomyhouse the #BradleySheraton the pageant epicenter of the northeast!
This has been a home away from home since I was 3 years old!
I had the amazing opportunity to support and cheer on my #sistersbysash at @usaambassador Southern New England pageant today.

Walk for Wishes

To all of my #sistersbysash that live in the New England Area! I’m reaching out to you all to invite you to join the group that we have created for a walk with the organization MAKE A WISH. On Saturday, May 13 Make-A-Wish will be hosting their annual walkathon in Trumbull, CT. If you are interested in joining us, go onto the Connecticut Make-A-Wish webpage and you can register in our group. Our group name is SISTERS BY SASH. Everyone is welcome to walk with us regardless of their pageant system or if people would just like to join us regardless. If you are unable to walk but would like to donate that would be great too! Should you have any questions please reach out to me. I look forward to seeing you on May 13th.
https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR/WalkForWishes/Make-A-WishConnecticut?team_id=41307&pg=team&fr_id=4822

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

I was actually able to fundraise ANOTHER $71 for @makeawishct today while I volunteered at our Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the East Haven Senior Citizens Center today.
SO EXCITED!
I have now fundraised a total of $281!!!

Thank you to all who have donated!

Walk for Wishes

#MyWish is to be able to grant as many wishes as I can to kids suffering from illness. I am in the top 10 leaderboard!
@makeawishct @makeawishamerica is so near and dear to my heart.
I will be walking on May 13th in honor of Christine Consiglio @crcstyles.official
And in memory of Arianna Ramirez and Alicia Pekari.
❤️
Please consider donating!! I'm 3/4 of the way to my first goal!!
And I hope to have more #sistersbysash
Walk with us! (That's our team name!)

Tiny Warrior Project

I am thrilled to introduce the Tiny Warrior project, a complimentary portrait experience for kids with terminal/chronic illnesses done by the amazing @ashliesteinauphotography

The last thing parents are thinking about when their child is ill is paying for portraits. It isn’t until the moments they hold dear become just a memory, or their children grow up and that point in life is just a memory, that they realize how truly important portraits are.

The Tiny Warrior Project began in 2020, in loving memory of a beautiful little girl, and client of hers, named Kayleena, who passed away from cancer. The program services families of terminally ill children, as well as children suffering from lifelong chronic illnesses.

It serves to educate the public about their illness, but most importantly, gifts a beautiful portrait experience and piece of artwork to a deserving family, free of charge, so they can hold those memories in their hands and in their hearts and cherish this time forever.  

Importance of Volunteering

#volunteering is so important in your community when you have the ability. only you can make change. it doesn't matter if you are working with another organization, or creating a foundation of your own, you have the power to #giveback and make a huge #communityimpact. #beHEROIC be the difference.

The Baby Bird

A baby bird fell out of the nest in our doorway. Of course we had to pick it up and put it back with it's siblings.
#beHEROIC always

Walk for Wishes Update

#warriorwednesday #iumctjrteen #ium #internationalunitedmiss #beHEROIC #iYOUm
Thank you to everyone who has donated to my #walkforwishes fundraiser. I am so very close to my $500 donation goal, having raised $426 so far to help grant a child's wish! With just 2 days left, I know we can do this together!!
If you'd still like to join, walk with our team: #sistersbysash
Hope to see you there!!

Walk for Wishes Day

#MakeAWish #WalkForWishes
@makeawishct put on an amazing walk today! I'm honored to have been able to take part.
I was able to fundraise over $500 to help kids' wishes come true, got to tour the make a wish house, and meet a few wish children!
Such an amazing day!

Don't Drink and Drive

#warriorwednesday

#dontdrinkanddrive🚫
Drunk driving claims thousands of innocent lives every year, leaving families shattered. Beyond the immediate loss of life, it leaves lasting emotional scars, physical injuries, and financial burdens that can never truly be remedied. But amidst this darkness, there is hope—hope in our ability to make a difference and save lives.
Each time someone chooses to drink and drive, they put their life and the lives of others at risk. It's a decision that can never be justified!
Let's ensure that every individual understands the consequences and has access to accurate information regarding responsible alcohol consumption and alternative transportation options.
Pledge to NEVER get behind the wheel while under the influence, and to speak out against this dangerous behavior whenever you see it. Together, we can save lives, protect our loved ones, and make our roads safer for all.
Remember, the power to prevent drunk driving lies within each one of us. By making responsible choices, spreading awareness, and supporting effective measures, we can create a society that values human life above all else. Together, let's raise our voices and work towards a future free from the tragedies caused by drunk driving.

My #sisterbysash @jaceyleigh.pageantry , POA Miss Cornhusker State, asked me to help her raise awareness against drunk driving!
Her best friend sadly lost his life to a drunk driver.
Stand up against drunk driving. Jacey is asking fellow #sistersbysash to put on their crown/sash, draw a red ribbon on their hand and send a photo to her so she can make a collage of titleholders around the world and create an educational program with it and send it to his family.

Granting a Make A Wish

The Make A Wish Foundation is such an amazing organization that grants wishes to children suffering from long term and terminal illness.
It's an organization very close to my heart and I'm super excited that I'm actually going to be able to participate in helping grant a wish!!
Details to come! But it's a dream come true! I've been fundraising for Make A Wish for my entire life. And now I get to experience the other side with my mom. The wish granting!

What an amazing honor!

Fostering Family Hope Ribbon Cutting

#warriorwednesday
Welcome to @fosteringfamilyhope 31 Hall Ave in Wallingford, CT
Over the last 3 months, I have been working diligently to fundraise for backpacks/duffle bags, personal care items, toys, and more to help foster kids and their foster families.

I'm so excited to have been invited to their grande opening/ribbon cutting today!

Congratulations on your opening I can't wait to do more with you!

For the full story visit Fox 61
https://www.fox61.com/article/features/foster-kids-closet-offers-chance-dress-success/520-b745e2bf-ada8-440b-812a-a85dbf704270

You Can Do Anything

Today on #WarriorWednesday, I want to talk about the incredible power of #perseverance and why it's important on the journey towards achieving goals. 💪🏼

Life is a series of ups and downs, twists and turns, but it's during those challenging moments that perseverance is important. It's the determination that fuels our spirits and makes us go forward, even when the path seems crazy.
Every great success story is made with moments of struggle and resilience. It's in those moments that we find our strength and find out what we're truly capable of achieving.

Our dreams are worth fighting for, they're worth the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, and the tireless effort we pour into them. With perseverance by our side, there's nothing we can't achieve.
So let's rise above the challenges, stay true to our passions, and keep chasing our dreams with unwavering perseverance. Together, we can achieve anything we set our minds to!!!

The Holy Trinity Fair

Had an amazing weekend representing #internationalunitedmiss as your #iumctjrteen at the Holy Trinity Fair!

Lyman Orchard Strawberry Festival

Come visit @lymanorchards at the strawberry festival today!
I met up with my #sistersbysash @iumctteen and we had some amazing food and ice cream (mmmm cannoli gelato), I supported the fundraiser to help the Ukraine by purchasing a beautiful handmade sunflower bracelet, and we even picked our own strawberries.
Lyman Orchards is one of my favorite places, being very close to my home, we shop at the Apple Barrel often. Pick pumpkins, apples, strawberries, and more each session. Oh and their apple cider donuts are to die for!!

Make sure you come down and have some fun!!

Prayers for Ocean Gate Titan

It is my job as your #iumctjrteen and a representative of #ium #internationalunitedmiss to be a role model and to #beHEROIC and ensure to use my social media platform to reach out for good.
I would like to use this time to say... Regardless of your religion, please join me in prayer, or thoughts of positivity for those lost on the Titan.

I pray for strength for their families. I pray for calmness for those trapped. I pray they find them quickly, and that there is enough air to last until they do. And I pray they are found alive, and don't suffer too much trauma from this horrible experience.

Please be respectful. While many cope with humor, these are people... Living people with families. There is a 19 year old on board with his whole life ahead. Please remember to think of them, their families and friends, and be optimistic and positive about a good outcome.

There is power in positivity, thoughts, and prayers.

Interview on iHeartRadio

I had the amazing honor of interviewing with @iheartradio this morning as your #iumctjrteen with my amazing sister queens #@num_newengland_teen and @iumctteen
I had the opportunity to speak about @internationalunitedmiss and the #ium system, my platform, and so much more!
It was such an incredible opportunity and Im so thankful to have taken part in this!

Hartford - Our Capital Visit

went to visit the #Capitalbuilding in Hartford, Connecticut with my #ium #sistersbysash Kaitlyn the #numneteen
We had an #IUMazing time together seeing all of the amazing history this building has to offer. We were even invited back any time to take portraits in our gowns which is super fun and amazing!!

Kaitlyn @num_newengland_teen and I have been #sisterqueens since I was 11. love you Kaitlyn! Thank you for always being a big sister to me!
Thank you CT State Capital for having us.
@internationalunitedmiss represents!


John and Maria's Pizza

hank you @johnandmariaspizza for hosting our IUM send-off party. Pizza was delicious!

Anthony's Ocean View

We went as sisterqueens to the beach over at Anthony's Ocean View.  They have created such an amazing spot that looks as if you are actually somewhere tropical.  With palm trees, and white sand, and everything!!  Living in CT we don't get that here, so they make it a paradise at home!