Making a Difference in Vancouver in Style

Tai's "soul sister" Gloria Cuccione is the founder of The Michael Cuccione Foundation (formerly known as Make a Difference Fnd). Tai met Gloria and her precious son Michael when he guest starred on a Baywatch episode called "Charlie." Michael was a cancer survivor who passed away in 2001. After his Baywatch episode he went on to star in the MTV series 2gether. He and his mom and whole family are like Tai's second family. Each year she attends their fundraiser for childhood cancer. Marissa went with Tai this year and was happy to be part of such a touching night. 

"Tai by the Sea" photographed by Dave Keffer...

We Miss You Debi...

After a two month visit -- Debi left us to head back east! We love and miss you!!!

Melt Your Heart...

Ke'Andre sings Man in the Mirror and melts our hearts...

ACFC Partner School Honored

Kudos to the Principal, Sherri Williams and all of the kids at the 99th Street Elementary School in Watts for increasing their test scores for the school at-large by 54%. This is a time of cut-backs and a neighborhood that tests low is a great achievement. We were so thrilled and proud to be a part of the celebration! And Marissa got the meet the mayor (Antonio Villaraigosa) of "ALL of Los Angeles!"

Marissa, Mayor Villaraigosa, Tai

Shapiro Event Photo Booth Fun

Under the Stars Gala

Every year we are happy to take part in the Brent Shapiro Foundation Fundraiser. There is no way to describe this wonderfully elaborate event. It is an amazing foundation founded by Robert Shapiro and his wife Linell on behalf of the son Brent. The foundation strives to educate youth on drug and alcohol awareness.

Marissa, Tai & Debi

100 Miles for A Child Bike Race Success!

A Chance for Children was so excited to be a part of the 100 Miles for a Child Bike race that raise almost $100 thousand dollars to bring over 400 children to Canyon Creek Sports Camp during the school year. Through The Harold Robinson Foundation, hundreds of inner city youth will have the opportunity to spend a weekend focused on team-building with their parents, teachers, and principal. It is a touching experience for everyone -- just to be free to run and play on grass and face their fears...
Hurray to sponsors and Jeff, Daryl & David for making this possible!

More Dodgers!

Tai & Marissa took 50 children from A Chance for Children to the Dodger game. They were hosted by the Dodgers for their game against the San Francisco Giants.

Marissa Takes Kids to Dodger Game As Ned Colletti's Guests

Italian Pizza Making...

Tai makes AMAZING brick oven pizza with Tony Montouri at New York Pizza in Vinton.

Back to Roanoke...

...another hotel...

Now This is a Party!

Tai is in love with this painting and inspired to have a fun fundraiser party that is an elegant ball by the sea like the old days! To dress up and dance by the sea...coming next June to a beach in Santa Monica...

The Woman Who Changed Tai's Life...

Way back when...when Tai decided to enter the Miss Virginia USA Pageant, a life-changing event, it was Beckie Harris who believed in her and sponsored her to be in the pageant. It was a touching time to reconnect after many years...

Norma's Birthday Celebrations Continues...

Tai's Hotel Tradition continues...

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And then is search of a Bikini-Wearing-Time...

It's Tai's mom, Norma's birthday!  So they headed to Virginia Beach for a few days to celebrate! They stayed at the Cavalier Hotel. And the celebrated with Norma's dear friend Lynn...but no bikinis because it was drizzling...

Tai Goes to Virginia for Her High School Reunion...

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Tai w/Patrick Henry Championship Football Team

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Pageant of the Masters

 After spending the day going into art galleries teaching the kids about art, we ended the evening as guest of my dear friends -- artist Tom Swimm and his wonderful wife Rosemary. they host our foundation kids every year to the pageant. It was a thrill exploring the exhibits and then sharing in the wonder of the show.

Mariss, Tom Swimm, Robin & Ka'Jayne

And then came M & M's...

We tried EVERY M&M flavor -- pretzel (not so much), coconut (nuh-uh), peanut butter (LOVE), peanut, plain, dark, almond -- oh my!

Hotel Beds are for Jumping

Tai had a tradition when it comes to hotels -- the beds are for jumping! So jump we did!

Never a Dull Moment - Laguna Here We Come!

Camp ended on Friday, Sunday we got 25 kids off to Canyon Creek Sports Camp and Monday we picked up two girls and hit to road to Laguna Beach for The Pageant of the Masters. 

Debi, Ka'Jayne, Tai, Robin & Marissa

We started the day having lunch at the Cliffside Restaurant.

Saying Goodbye...

Tai & Marissa's Favorite Part of Camp!

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Camp Day 5 - Pacific Park

For our last day of camp we got to share a day of laughter and fun on the Santa Monica Pier at Pacific Park.