Mrs Kentucky 2007

Dream Factory Event at Six Flags

2008-05-28T07:23:00.001-07:00

Performance for USA Dance

2008-05-28T07:22:00.001-07:00

Kosair's Children's Hospital

2008-05-28T07:20:00.001-07:00

Photo shoot for The Wedding Center (sponsor)

2008-05-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

Raffling tickets for "The Dream Machine"

2008-05-28T07:16:00.001-07:00

Dancing With the Stars for Austism

2008-05-28T07:06:00.001-07:00

Speaking with the Stroke Club at St. Mary's Hospital

2008-05-23T06:33:00.001-07:00

Speaking with 5th Wheel Women's Club

2008-05-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel at the annual Colonel's BBQ.

2008-05-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

On the red carpet at Jenny McCarthy's Party

2008-05-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

With Miss Kentucky USA

With Jenny McCarthy
With Tara Conner

Scott and I
With the owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studio

Dancing With the Stars for the Minority Scholarship Fund

2008-05-07T08:41:00.001-07:00

professional dancer, Anton Sidorov

Oaks Derby in the Derby Museum

2008-05-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

WLKY interview with Monica Hardin
With Monica Hardin, Miss Kentucky 2001
Nice hat -huh?

Oaks Eve Dream Factory Blast

2008-05-07T08:36:00.001-07:00

Mrs. South Caroline at work.
Mr. Kentucky

Judging Mrs. Kansas 2008

2008-05-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

With Frankie Simmons - friend and coach.
With Mrs. Kansas 2008, Kimberly McDowell
With Erin Claycamp, Mrs. Kansas 2007
With Mrs. Oklahoma 2007, Missy Soto
With judge, Austen Brown---future Miss Texas America

Hats for Hope Model

2008-04-22T12:33:00.001-07:00

Necole's Place Fashion Show

2008-04-22T12:32:00.003-07:00

Necole's Place Fashion Show

2008-04-22T12:32:00.002-07:00

Mrs. Kentucky Workshop

2008-04-22T12:32:00.001-07:00

Slippers from Runaway Rabbit- aren't they cute!

2008-04-22T12:31:00.001-07:00

Me with the Queen Mom---isn't she a doll!

2008-04-22T12:29:00.001-07:00

St. Patrick Day Parade

2008-03-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Kentucky 2004, Julie Dorsey, and me, as I emceed the Phillies Fashion Show.

2008-03-25T07:47:00.001-07:00

Crystal Heart Gala

2008-03-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Even though it was 31 degrees out, I was warm and toasty as I judged the costume contest for the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge.

2008-03-25T07:45:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed emceeing the Miss/Mrs. Capital City pageant and crowning the new Mrs. Capital City, Amanda Fowler.

2008-03-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

Adair County Elementary

2008-02-19T09:03:00.001-08:00

Kosairs' Children's Hospital

2008-02-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

These kids were so excited to have a wonderful Valentine's Day party!

Girl Scout Troup 968

2008-02-19T08:57:00.000-08:00

Smile Kentucky

2008-02-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

February is Children's Dental Health Month and I had the opportunity to treat children at the University of Louisville for Smile Kentucky. We saw some great kids and provided gratis dentistry!

Smyrna Elementary

2008-02-19T08:50:00.001-08:00

2008-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

I was thrilled to speak with some awesome Girl Scout Troops in Indiana! These girls were so sweet and respectful. I had the honor of crowning them for their Contribution to Society for Courage, Confidence, and Character.

Mrs. Kentucky Queen's club held their annual Christmas party.

2007-12-03T12:03:00.001-08:00

On Saturday December 1 the Mrs. Kentucky Queen's club held their annual Christmas party at Directors Jo Ann & Gordon Petersons' home. Everyone had a great time with lots of food and fun! Julie Dorsey, Mrs. KY 2005 and the 2008 Pageant Producer, gave us a sneak peek at the what we might see in June (sounds like it will be VERY cool!).

If you wish to have a chance at being a member of this exclusive club, enter the 2008 Mrs. Kentucky pageant. Contact Jo Ann at japeterson@insightbb.com

The Queen's Club had their annual Christmas Party and surprised Kelly Brengleman, Mrs. Kentucky 2004 with a baby shower. She is expecting a little boy

2007-12-03T11:07:00.001-08:00

I served as a Celebrity Host for the March of Dimes Signature Chefs event with many local tv personalites and celebrities.

2007-12-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

I served as the emcee for the Mrs. My Old Kentucy Home Pageant

2007-12-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

Levian Jewelry Show @ St. Mathews Mall

2007-12-03T10:59:00.000-08:00

2007-11-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Mom's Closet" Gala--I had the opportunity to meet Pat Day as well as all the moms who benefit from this wonderful program held the Kentucky Derby Museum.

JAMfest for Ava Perryman

2007-11-03T11:34:00.001-07:00

Hospice Walk and Ribbon Cutting

2007-10-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

2007-10-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Animal Crusade held a Fashion Show where I was a model (escort) for the true stars of the show, the pets:))
My model was a papillon named Isabella, who wore dresses that valued $700!

2007-10-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

It was a rewarding experience to be a part of the benefit dinner for Necole's Place and the Women's Resource Center. First photo is with Angie Watson, director of Necole's Place.

2007-10-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 12th: Caufield's Annual Halloween Parade---Did you know I "transform" this time of year? Check out the choppers! All I can say is, black lipstick makes your teeth look really white----even if they are vampire-like:))

2007-10-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 10th: I helped with and spoke at the opening of The Armadillo Classic sponsored by Texas Roadhouse to benefit Special Olympics at Quail Chase.

"Queens Night Out" Party

2007-10-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

I think I want to be Mrs. Kentucky forever! Another reason to have a party arose as Mrs. America aired on WE Network. I supplied all the lady guest with real crowns and banners so we could all be "Queens for the Night" as we watched the airing of Mrs. America. We had so much fun and the show was great! Hope you got to watch and enjoy the show too!

Me with Make-up Artist "Extraordinaire", Gaspar Cruz. He was awesome!!!

2007-09-17T06:57:00.001-07:00

2007-09-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

The experience that I had at Mrs. America was incredible! I met 50 women from across the country that were real, approachable, accomplished, beautiful and outstanding representatives from their states. I just had the chance to review all the photos again and just can't believe all the fun we had and the amazing things we were able to do in the two weeks we were there. I was honored to be chosen as a Top 10 finalist amongst such an elite group of women. Also, I feel blessed to be able to represent the great Commonwealth of Kentucky for the next year as Mrs. Kentucky. God has been so good and generous to me and has provided me with such friends and family.
Much love to you all! Denise

2007-09-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

2007-08-31T02:47:00.000-07:00

2007-08-30T06:59:00.001-07:00

What an adventure we had today! We crossed the border and went to Nogales, Mexico. They gave us a "homecoming" welcome as we had a walking parade. We, then, went to this incredible ranch where we entertained by a Mariachi band, painted ostitch eggs, made tortillas, and had a fabulous lunch. The trip consumed most of the day, as we didn't get back until 8:00pm. Thanks for your comments and emails! I can "feel the love". I really need all the support and motivation I can get right now. Interviews are on Saturday! Love to you all, Denise

2007-08-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

2007-08-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Another busy day in Tuscon. Our days have been going from 7am-10pm. We went to the Tucson Desert Museum, then to Old Tucson to the Tucson Studio where many western movies have been filmed. The food has been incredible here. We eat three times a day! Also, half of us got our swimsuits tonight! My suit is purple. We will wear one pieces for prelims. and there will be an option for top12, either one or two piece suit and it will be red. The competition games start tomorrow!!

2007-08-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

2007-08-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

2007-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

2007-08-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today started bright and early for me, as I woke up at 4:30 am and could not go back to sleep----guess I'm still on EST.
We had a little more free time today. I was so proud of myself for being able to nap today. THAT is a rarity for me! I do feel so much better and think it is helping my acclimate to the three hour time difference.
There were several exciting events today..............I had my interview taping for the telecast and it went very well:)) I wore the blue dress for that.
Also, we met Frit and Frak tonight, the choreographers who were GREAT! Yeah, yeah-----as they say. We started working on the dance numbers, which I love! Julie Dorsey would be sooooo proud!
Then..... we got boots, pink cowboy hats, clear shoes, and nice pink (my favorite color!) dress for opening number. It is going to be a great show. Thanks for viewing and I love the nice comments!!

2007-08-23T06:34:00.002-07:00

It has been another great day in Tucson. I started the day with a work-out in their nice gym. Then headed to the pool to join Mrs. South Carolina and Mrs. Oregon for a little (very hot) sun and lunch. We then decided to make it a REAL girls day by going shopping before the festivities began tonight.
We had a great dinner and were able to hear where everyone was from and how long they'd been married. Mrs. Texas was recognized for her 15 attempts at the Mrs. Texas crown----remarkable!!!
Then we heard the rules, etc., and got our agenda for tomorrow. We start at 7am with a Health Walk, then yoga, horseback riding, home decor/design, animal petting, or golf. They will also be taping our interviews for tv (the ones you see during the telecast---not the judges interviews. Rehersals end at 10pm, so its going to be a fun-filled day!

2007-08-23T06:34:00.001-07:00

2007-08-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Denise left today to begin her journey at Mrs. America. As you can see from the photos, she was surrounded by her office staff, friends and family. We are so proud of Denise and know she will represent us well!

2007-08-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

24 hours and counting!!! I can't believe that the day is finally here. On Friday, I resorted to calling the airline to see how much it would cost to bring an additional bag. I have literally been packing since June 10th (the day after winning Mrs. Kentucky)!
The two bags I had were about to explode and I still had to pack the costume (or ship it). So.......I have 3 bags now and will carry on my gown and interview suit, as well as the laptop. I definitely can't live without that!
This experience is going to be one that I will cherish for a life-time. My family is excited about the event and will arrive on Sept. 1st.
Tomorrow is going to be a great day filled with some surprises as I depart. Stay tuned for "the rest of the story"..........

2007-08-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

I appeared on WHAS television discussing the Mrs. Kentucky America pageant, as well as, my upcoming journey to Mrs. America. What a great opportunity to promote the program!

2007-08-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Well, Jo Ann and Pete hosted the BEST send-off party for me!!! It so much fun being with friends and enjoying some of Pete's awesome ribs and chicken from the grill. Some of the guests you see in the photos include:
Jo Ann Peterson, Scott Yates, Tony Pontoja (brother of Julie Dorsey Mrs. KY 2004---also present), Heather Hall--Mrs. KY 2005, J Scot Reid--Pageant Crown director, Mary Ann Vetter, Kelly Brengelman--Mrs. KY 2003, Daniel Ellis---Mrs. Ky director.

2007-08-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

What a fun "pageant " weekend this has been. I had an appointment with Elizabeth, from Miss Priss, to work on finalizing my competition gown.
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to be a part of the Pageant Crown event. What an awesome pageant J Scot Reid directs! He gave multiple crowns for women from Kentucky and Indiana. My involvement included being a part of the show, host of the open-forum interview (very unique option for interviews), and being an emcee.
It was a great chance to catch up with some friends that had competed in Mrs. Kentucky America in June.

The new Mrs. Kentuckiana, Kimberly King, will compete in the Mrs. Kentucky America pageant in 2008.

Photo from left to right:
Sarah Berger, 3rd RU and Congenialty; Angel Fulkerson, 1st RU, Kim King, Mrs. Kentuckiana and Contestants' Choice; Denise Yates (me:), Mrs. Kentucky America 2007; Laura Grant, 2nd RU, Ramonica Kellam, 4th RU

2007-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! My journey to Mrs. America is moving sooooo fast! My director, Jo Ann, has been so incredible. She is as excited about all this as I am and has been there every (high heel) step of the way:))
My gown arrived last week----a week early----at Miss Priss in Lexington. I quickly made time to go get it that very day!! Jo Ann was kind enough to work it into her schedule and go with me.
Another fun event that has made this journey so memorable was the "Bling Party." I feel very fortunate to have great friends that were able to help "bling" and "stone" the horseshoes that I will be giving the contestants as part of their gift from Kentucky.

Additionally, I have been a part of:
-Bearno's Grand Opening
-mock interviews
-a guest at Denny Crum's home for Meaghan's Mountain fund-raiser for cancer
-appeared at Miss Kentucky America
-emcee for the Henry County Fair Pageant
-have been on a live online radio talk-show with former Mrs. America---Andrea Pruess
-interviewed on live local radio talk-show, "All About You"
-my iVillage Live debut http://video.ivillagelive.com/player/?fid=25247#videoid=117553

My schedule for the next 18 days is rather full, as I will take part in the following:
-Emcee and host for Mrs. Kentuckiana
-Send-off party and cookout hosted by director (and Queen Mom), Jo Ann Peterson
-will appear on WHAS August 7th as Mrs. Kentucky and the journey to Mrs. America
-will appear on WHAS August 14th as Mrs. Kentucky and spokeswoman for the Kentuckiana Stroke Association promoting their "Tasting Extravaganza"
-will speak at Norton Audubon Hospital on Dental Care and Heart Health
-mock interviews

All of these events have been awesome opportunities to meet the people in my community and also prepare me for Mrs. America. My family has been behind me 100%------------which is truly a blessing for which I am grateful!