A New Look for V.I.P. C.H.I.C.

In the fall of 2009 V.I.P. C.H.I.C. was simply an idea, but by the following spring we went live! Since then we have been able to donate to several Arc chapters, participated in buddy walks, had a private tour of Morgans Wonderland, and even created a video public service announcement with the Arc of Texas! All of these things have exceeded my expectations for V.I.P. C.H.I.C. , and now I want to extend V.I.P. C.H.I.C.'s reach even further! One of the first steps to my plan, was to give V.I.P. C.H.I.C.'s website a a facelift, and I am happy to announce that this has been completed! Not only has the website layout and colors been changed, but there are many new features as well! I don't want to spoil the surprise so go check it out for yourself! And Don't forget to sign my guest book!

www.sydneydatcher.com 

Be V.I.P. C.H.I.C.,

Sydney

Autumn Is Here People!

Summer has officially come to a close and we will soon be trading in the swimsuits for sweaters and scarves. Keeping warm during the holiday season is a priority, especially here in Connecticut. Well, the Arc of Farmington Valley (Favarh) has your solution to staying warm, while cutting back on your electricity, all while supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Favarh is an Arc chapter in my area, that provides not only services, but job opportunities for people with "different-abilities". This particular winter program has members cutting and bundling wood to sell at local grocery stores and gas stations. The bundles are sold for $6 each, or $4 each depending on how much a store buys. In years past they have sold close to 10,000 bundles! This is an incredible program that benefits everyone involved. I love seeing organizations that allow these individuals to be active in the community and that help them be productive members of the society. It is because of special programs like this that give me hope for jobs for my sister, Simone, and those like her. Please support Favarh, by purchasing bundles of wood.    http://favarh.org

Stay Warm,

Sydney

April is Over, Awareness is Raised , Time for Action!

 As I promote my platform V.I.P.  C.H.I.C. ( Very Influential People Creating Hope for the Intellectually Challenged)  throughout my year of reign,  I will be advocating for individuals and their families who are differently-abled.   Since April was National Autism Awareness month, I can’t think of a better topic to cover in my first official blog than Autism. 

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. Autism spectrum disorders are caused by combination of genes and environmental influences.  Did you know that 1 in 88 children (1out of every 54 boys) will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? That’s one child every 11 minutes. In the last 6 years the prevalence of autism has increased by 78 percent. This diagnosis is largely due to the increased awareness of the disorder and early testing.  Children one year old or younger can show signs of autism. Research shows that the early diagnosis and intervention, yields the greatest hope for treatment. The single most important thing you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the signs of autism as well as understand the typical developmental milestones your child should be reaching at different ages.  Signs and symptoms to look for are:

·         No big smiles or other warm, joyful expression by 6 months, or thereafter

·         No back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months, or thereafter.

·         No babbling by 12 months

·         No back and forth gestures, such as pointing, reaching or waving by 12 months

·         No words by 16 months

·         No two word phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months

·         Any loss of speech, babbling, or social skills at any age.

 

If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor about screening your child for autism. You can also find more information regarding autism at www.AutismSpeaks.org.  Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism.  So, now you know some of the signs of Autism, I bet you would be surprised and encouraged to know that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Hans Christian Anderson, Lewis Carroll, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein and Bill Gates are all alleged autistic!

Miss Texas International 2013!

Hello Everyone!

I don't want to keep any of you in suspense's any longer... So I am proud to announce that I am the new Miss Texas International 2013! It seems like just yesterday I was crowned Miss Teen Texas International 2010! I am so excited to continue to promote my platform and organization V.I.P. C.H.I.C. with this new title and can't wait for what this year has in store for me! I just want to thank all of you who supported me and helped me get to the Miss Texas stage! I really appreciate each and everyone of you. I will now be competing in Chicago for the title of Miss International 2013 in July. I also want to congratulate the new Miss Teen Texas International Kylie Boyd and Mrs. Texas International Michelle Berndt!  Pictures to come soon!

Seeing Blue !

As some of you may know, I am a student at Texas Christian University and an advocate for disabilities. So naturally when I heard about the Autism Speaks U group on campus , I had to check them out. Autism Speaks U at TCU is the college segment for the Autism Speaks organization that promotes campus and local community awareness, advocacy and fundraising efforts to help individuals and families affected by Autism. On April 5 in honor of National Autism Awareness Day (The actually day, April 2, got rained out), the group painted a giant blue puzzle piece in the commons of TCU for the event Light It Up Blue. Then on April 7th they held an awareness race with fun games and a raffle. It was such a great weekend and I am very proud to say they raised $225.69 at the Light it Up Blue event and almost $3000 at the race! Way to go TCU! I feel so blessed to attend a school that not only is so welcoming to everyone, but feels as passionate as I do about inclusion and awareness !

March Madness !!!

The month of March has always been a special month in my family. My mom, grandmother, and several cousins celebrate their birthdays in March. And, if you are lucky enough to live in Texas, you know that March is Spring Break for students!  However, it wasn’t until my sister Simone was born that my family realized that the month of March would be special for a very different reason. If you are not aware, the month of March has the honor of being National Disability Awareness month and World Down Syndrome Day. Thanks to social media like facebook, twitter and instagram, the word is out and the level of accepting people for their “potential” rather than their “inability” is rising. I couldn’t be happier.

This month I would like to challenge you to embrace others differences. I promise that when you do, you will receive something more valuable than an open mind. You will gain a compassionate heart, new friendships that transcend prejudice, and you will fully understand what it means to be authentically accepted just as you are!

May I ask just one more thing? Please consider donating your resources (whether it’s financial or a few hours a month) to worthy organizations like Special Olympics, Down Syndrome’s Buddy Walk, Autism Speaks, or your local ARC chapter. They make it their mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for those with disabilities that otherwise would not exist.  It’s hard to believe that some of the most basic human rights still have to be fought for. 

I hope everyone had a great spring break and please check in frequently for blogs about appearances and updates on my journey to the Miss Texas International Pageant in April!

 

 

The Arc's national office participated in Lots Of Socks on March 21st, which is a fun way to raise awareness of World Down Syndrome Day!

Hello Everyone!
Since the last time you all have seen me, I have started attending Texas Christian University in pursuit of my Bachelors in Psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience, and now I am also excited to announce to you that I have come out of "Pageant Retirement" to compete in the 2013 Miss Texas International Pageant. I am representing my home town as the new Miss Fort Worth International! With this honor, I will be continuing my efforts with V.I.P. C.H.I.C. to educate and advocate on behalf of the special needs community. For those who are not aware of V.I.P. C.H.I.C., it is a fundraising initiative that raises awareness and funds for organisations that share my passion for those with special needs.
I appreciate everyone's support in my new endeavors and can't wait to start documenting my new reign ! Look back frequently for updates and please visit my website www.sydneydatcher.com for V.I.P. C.H.I.C. merchandise and ways you can help! Also, If you would like me to be apart of your event , please contact me through my website!

Love ,
Sydney Datcher
Miss Fort Worth International 2013

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Splash" Water Balloon Fight for Children's Cancer

Thank you to all of the "Splash" volunteers!

Me with Mike Stevens, event organizer

In the blistering 100 degree Texas summer heat, I always look forward to cooling off!  A day at the lake or a dip in our backyard pool usually do the trick. When I heard about a water balloon fight being held at Tarrant County Community College, I knew I had to check it out.  The 1^st Annual Water Balloon Fight was the brain child of Mike Stevens. His idea was to help raise money for children fighting cancer, by hosting the world’s largest water balloon fight.  I loved this idea so much, that I brought my whole family with me.  My family is very competitive, so I knew they wouldn’t say no to a chance to throw balloons at each other. Especially if it were for charity!  Let me say it was pretty fun throwing water balloons at my dad without getting in trouble! According to Guinness, the actual record for the biggest fight is 3927. Sadly, we didn’t break the world record that day, but we start a new tradition and had fun trying! All money raised was donated to Cook Children’ Hospital’s Oncology Department.  If you want to help children fighting cancer and want to participate in the next  balloon fight, check out www.balloonfight.org .  See you there!

Tasti D-lite Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

June 18th, 2011

I have a very busy schedule and eating healthy has always been a challenge for me. Let’s just say that I have a serious sweet tooth!  There is only so much fruit that I can eat, so I am always on the lookout for delicious AND healthy treats.  My prayers were finally answered a few weeks ago when I met a very nice couple, the Capetillo’s at an event that I was attending.  During our conversation, the Capetillo’s asked if I would like to come to the Grand Opening of their new business, “Tasti D-lite” a frozen dessert shop that is a healthy alternative to ice cream and yogurt!! Of course I said YES!!!   “Tasti D-lite” has been featured on TV shows like Sex in the City and 30 Rock. This dessert is made with natural ingredients like real dairy and real sugar and most flavors are gluten free.  It also has less calories, fat, carbs, sugar and sodium than ice cream or frozen yogurt. You can get over 100 Tasti flavors any time, any day and you can even get antioxidant –packed super fruit smoothies and blended coffee & tea drinks.   The Grand Opening was a huge success as everyone enjoyed free samples, face painting and balloon animals made by the most talented clowns!  I didn’t get my face painted, but I did get a turtle balloon animal for my sister, and a frozen dessert cake for my Dad for Father’s Day.

Nathans RDS Celebrity Golf Classic

June 15th, 2011

For the millions of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, cognitive learning can be a lifelong mystery and challenge. Thanks to the Research Down Syndrome Organization hope is on the horizon.  A team of highly skilled scientists from universities and research labs across the country are testing a new drug that could potentially improve cognitive learning and memory retention.  They have also discovered that the 16th chromosome in mice is very similar to the human chromosome 21.  Why is this significant? Each human has 2 sets of 23 chromosomes, one from the father and one from the mother. Babies born with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome 21, also known as Trisomy 21.    You may wonder how this research is funded; well a special group, Nathans RDS has made it their mission to raise money for the continuing efforts in the advancements of this research. One way Nathans RDS raises money is their highly anticipated annual dinner and Celebrity Golf Classic tournament.  This year I was asked to be a guest speaker, and I was extremely honored.  I shared my family story and explained what this research means to me personally. On behalf of my sister, and others with intellectual disabilities we support and approve of this research and wait anxiously for a successful outcome. I would like to thank Patty Watson and her family for their tireless efforts and passion for this organization.

 For more information please visit www.nathansrds.com

Elite USA 2011 National Pageant

June 12, 2011

Me with Taralyn and Tracy Eschburger

San Antonio, Texas is known for many attractions such as the Alamo, Sea World, The River Walk, Morgans’ Wonderland and is also now the new home of the Elite USA National Pageant! On May 12^th,, 2011, my mom and I traveled to San Antonio to support many of my “pageant
family” members who were competing.  By the time I arrived in San Antonio, the contestants had already spent the last 2 days competing in many events like ”Red,White & Blue” wear, Talent, and “State Costume”.  The last day of completion was Evening Gown and the Fun Fashion portion of the pageant.  With so many beautiful girls in gorgeous gowns and fun Fashion Wear, this was one pageant that I was happy not to be judging!  Congratulations to the new 2011 Elite USA title holders! All of the contestants did an amazing job representing their home states. Attending the pageant reminded me I am just 52 days away from competing in my own National pageant… But who’s counting?

Summer and I

2010 Elite USA Queen's portraits

Queens for a Cure

June 11, 2011

A few months ago I accepted an invitationfrom Ashley Smith, Miss International 2010 to join her “Queens for a Cure” race team and participate in the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure. As yo might guess by our team’s name we are pageant girls, but what you might not know is that Ashley’s mom, Becky is a 17 year breast cancer survivor! Congratulations Mrs. Smith!

Me, Ashley Smith and her mom Becky Smith

 When I joined the “Queens for a Cure” team I had no idea just how personal this journey was going to get for me.  Breast Cancer struck our family this spring and my dad’s cousin Stacy had a double mastectomy.  I look forward to the day that our cousin Stacy can also say that she is a 17 year survivor just like Ashley’s mom!    



Elizabeth's garden Display

 Garden message of hope

One the most meaningful moments for me at the race event was the Elizabeth’s Garden display. The “garden” a place set up in honor of survivors and those who lost their fight with breast cancer. Family and friends decorated pink wooden flowers with words of encouragement, memories, and hope and planted them in the “garden".

The walk/race started bright and early at8:00, but that didn’t stop over 10k people from participating even in the 100 degree Texas heat! Armed with lip-gloss and bottled water we finished the walk and still managed to look FABulous as we stopped at the sponsor’s tents and visited with other runners, walkers and volunteers.  The day was a huge success and the money raised brings us one step closer in finding a cure so that no one needs to lose another mother, sister, wife or friend to breast cancer.

Balloon entrance

Me with the adorable Isabella Keother

The Queen team and a few race volunteers

Rose L. Hardy Middle School, Washington, D.C.

May 26, 2011

As the spokesperson for The Arc of Texas and Miss Texas Galaxy 2011, I have had the opportunity to travel all over the state of Texas. Because Texas is so vast, it’s not unusual for me to travel more than 300 miles round trip for an appearance/event.  But on May 26, 2011 I didn’t even have to leave home!  I sat at my kitchen table and used modern technology to “visit” with Mrs. Kimberly Hughes’ 6^th grade Language Arts class from the Rose L. Hardy Middle school in Washington D.C.!

 The students had been encouraged to find an organization or worthy cause that they were passionate about, and  to find creative ways to raise funds for that organization.   When I learned that the students were using my story and website as an example/model and wanted to “meet” me, a computer was set up in the classroom so that we could “skype”.  We talked about how and why I started VIP CHIC, my future plans and what it’s like being Miss Texas Galaxy.  During my “virtual visit” with the kids, I even got a chance to say hello to Assistant Principal, Mr. Sah Brown, so cool!

It is truly uplifting to know that because of my passion to raise awareness and funds for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, I have inspired other young people to reach out and give back to their own communities in many different ways.  This was definitely a “Green” appearance and hope to have many more in the future!

Students In the skype picture are;  Bryant, Elijah, Shadijah, Taylor, Tamara, Rachel, Vaughn, Llana, Carolyn.  Thanks guys for taking time out your studies to chat with me! Good luck on your project and keep in touch! 

Texas Perfect Pageant

May 22nd, 2011

Me with Michael Galanes

One of the most challenging and rewarding parts about competing in pageants is shopping for the “perfect” competition wardrobe. Each pageant system is known for the specific style of wardrobe that they prefer for each area of competition.  For example, some pageant systems prefer conservative gowns and fashion wear for their Teen contestants, and some pageants use aerobic fitness wear in place of swimsuits.  Sometimes it’s hard to find exactly what you think the judges will like or what they have been told to look for. Everything I thought I knew about pageants was thrown out the door when I attended the Texas Perfect Pageant on May 22^nd, 2011. In this pageant system the contestants have free reign to choose whatever they feel is “perfect” to wear in each phase of competition. The contestants are encouraged to express their own sense of style.  At the National Perfect Miss/Perfect Teen pageant expect the unexpected because you just might see wild and fun outfits onstage as well as props such as exotic live animals! I must admit that this was the most fun I have ever had watching a pageant. One might even forget that this is a pageant and not a supermodel runway fashion show!

The creator and National Director behind this high energy pageant system is the charismatic Michael Galanes. Mr. Galanes emceed the Texas pageant, and moments before the new winners were crowned he invited me onstage to introduce myself and my title as Miss Texas Galaxy. As visiting royalty I was asked to remain on stage and help crown the winners!  Congrats to all the girls who won their age divisions and good luck as you travel to Florida in August to compete at Nationals.

Me with Laura Lucart

Me with Paige Elkins

Dudes and Diamonds

May 13th, 2011

If you are from Texas you know that cowboy boots go with EVERYTHING! That includes diamonds and cocktail dresses! So when I was asked to attend the Arc of Greater North Tarrant County's annual "Dudes and Diamonds" dinner and awards banguet, I  dusted off my silver cowboy boots, put on a glitzy cocktail dress and headed to the Ridglea Country Club in Fort Worth. 

Highlight of the evening was the recognition event sponsors and the following individuals who where honored for thier outstanding service to The Arc of Greater Tarrant County. Congratulations to;

President's Award- The Sandoval Family
Volunteer of the Year - Tree Rabold
Self Advocate of the Year - Kate Funk
Business of the Year - TCC Stepping Stones Program
Garnett Leadership Award - David C. Swallow


Also a very special thank you to all of the event and advertising sponsors who help make this wonderful event possible. Your involvement with the Arc is valued beyond measure.

Miss Dallas/Miss Dallas Teen USA

May 8th, 2011

I had a great time at the Miss Dallas/Miss Dallas Teen USA prelim pageant on Sunday May 8th. It was special because it was Mother's Day, and my mom and I got to do something together that we love - attend pageants!  It was also really nice to see make-up artist Terry Snyder and my successor Miss Teen Texas International 2011, Lora Chowdhury and her mom there.  

Lora Chowdhury and I

Me with the FABulous Terry Snyder

The pageant was held at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX. and was hosted by 2009 Miss Texas USA Brooke Daniels and 2010 Miss Dallas USA Sarah Boehner and featured 2010 Miss Teen Hailey Spathias. Congratualations to the newly crowned Miss Dallas 2011, Shannon McAnally and her sister queen, Miss Teen Dallas 2011 BreAnna Young. Dallas will be well represented at Texas USA this year!! Good luck girls!

Elite Lone Star Pageant

May 1st, 2011

It’s no secret that I love everything about pageants. When I’m not on stage competing you can find me either in the audience cheering on my friends, or sitting at the judges table.  On May 1^st, 2011 I had the opportunity to travel to Austin, TX to judge the Elite USA’s Lone Star State pageant.  As a former Elite USA title holder I was thrilled to be invited back as a judge. In pageantry, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected, but competing in a venue that has just lost its air conditioning can be a girl’s worst nightmare! I must admit I was truly impressed with how the girls tolerated the very warm conditions. As my hair slowly lost its curl to the heat and humidity, each contestant competed with a big smile and never let it show how hot they must have been in their long dresses! Great job girls!

Congratulations to each of the winners and good luck to all of the girls who will be competingat Elite USA Nationals in San Antonio in June. I’ll be there to cheer you on!

Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show

April 29, 2011

My first official appearance as Miss Texas Galaxy is very special to me because I invited by The Arc of Greater Beaumont as a guest speaker for the “Star’s of The Arc Celebrity Style Show & Annual Dinner”.  The Celebrity Style Show is well anticipated by Arc members and by the community as well.
There were over 800 in attendance!

In true Beaumont style there was fashion, food and great company. The evening event was Emceed by none other than Bob and Kelli Phillips. Bob is known for his radio show “The Texas
County Reporter” and Kelli is a news anchor for Channel 6 in Beaumont.

Mayor of Beaumont, Becky Ames and me!

Before the “Celebrity models” could strut their stuff, The Arc of Greater Beaumont honored four community leaders for their outstanding achievements and dedication. The honorees included J. Coffy Pieternelle M.D. (Southeast Texas OB/GYN) , Becky Ames ( Mayor of Beaumont),  Cindy Bloodsworth ( One of the founding members of the Arc of Greater Beaumont), and Kirksey’s Sprint Printing. Sara Leonard and Matthew Bloodsworth were also honored with the Arc Excellence in Leadership & Self Advocacy Award. Congratulations to all Honorees.

Me with a few Celebrity models Brandi, Sara and Allison

 As the lights went down, the music was turned up and the fabulous Celebrity Style Show began! The celebrity models are Arc members and wore sponsored outfits from Dillard’s and Macy’s. Everyone really worked the runway, but I must say the guys really got into it! Once again I have to brag on the Arc of Greater Beaumont for putting on such a beautiful and fun event. I had the time of my life. Thank you so much for including me and for the wonderful memories that I took home!

Inclusion Video

April 11, 2011

A few months ago I took part in a filming of a PSA video on Inclusion for the Arc of Texas.  No other words needed. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to the Down Syndrome Society of Houston for sharing your beautiful families and facility for filming and a very special THANK YOU to Rob Cross for donating his time and talent in producing this video!

Love,
Sydney

Click Link below to watch the video.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fok_ppQhhyY

For the last time, I am your Miss Teen Texas International 2010, Sydney Datcher

March 14, 2011

Angelique Hoover, Natalie McLarty, Kelli Ansly, Kristin Koether,Ashley Smith,Lora Chowdhury, Sydney Dtacher

As you may already know, my reign as Miss Teen Texas International 2010 came to an end on March 14^th, 2011. I am so grateful to the International pageant system and to The Arc of Texas for such an amazing year filled with once in a lifetime experiences. It has been my honor to represent both organizations for the past year.  I am also truly humbled by the opportunities I was given and for the exposure my organization V.I.P.  C.H.I.C. received. It allowed me to spread my story and message of educating and advocating for the most vulnerable segment of our community.

Looking back, my year was full of events and special moments (I made over 40 appearances!). I will never forget the fun I had traveling the state of Texas with my mom and my sister queens! I’m often asked which appearance was the most fun. I can honestly say that I loved each and every one. But if I had to make a list, Morgan’s Wonderland, Arc of Greater Beaumont’s Holiday Card event, Deer Fest in Wichita Falls, the monthly dances hosted by the Arc of Greater Tarrant County and the Inclusion Works conference hosted by the Arc of Texas would be at the top.

Looking forward, this is going to be an exciting summer for me, so keep checking my blog and website for updates! Hint…new VIP CHIC t-shirt designs and a pageant or two is on the horizon!

I am so excited for the new International queens and the unforgettable year that awaits them. Congratulations to new Miss Teen Texas International 2011, Lora Chowdhury, Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley and to Angelique Hoover, your new Mrs. Texas International 2011. You are lucky girls…Kristin Koether is the most wonderful director you could ever have!  I wish all of you the best of luck at Nationals in July!

If you would like to sign up to compete next year at the Mrs., Miss or Teen Texas International pageant log on to www.Mrstexasinternational.com. You will have the time of your life, I promise!