As a contender in the Miss Kentucky United States. Erica Rhodes found herself using her crown to make a difference.Erica says, “The United States Pageants provide life changing experiences and empower delegates to become active in the community while also promoting causes that are meaningful. This system is truly a perfect representation of what I believe pageants are about: using your crown to do the most good and to change lives. This is exactly what I want to do as Miss Kentucky United States.”
In 2012 Erica started an organization called Gifts for Angels. She did this with a purpose to collect toys and funds for children at Kosair Children’s Hospital in memory of her brother who spent his life in the NICU there. She wanted to give back to the hospital who took such great care of her family during their time with her brother.
Erica knew how it felt to sit in the hospital with a family member not knowing what tomorrow will bring. She thought about how a girl in a crown with a wagon full of toys/ care package items can brighten the days of the children and their families during their rough times in the hospital.
Since 2012, Gifts for Angels has collected funds, thousands of toys, and hundreds NICU care package items for families who stay there.
The 2018 Miss Gifts for Angels Pageant
Feb 3rd, 2018
Gifts for Angels was founded in 2012 in memory of Jacobi Hager, Erica Rhodes brother. Jacobi spent his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Norton Children’s Hospital.
The Gifts for Angels pageant’s purpose is to collect toys and NICU care package items for children and their families at Norton Children’s Hospital in hopes of brightening their days. Gift cards can be sent in order to purchase items for the care packages.
If you live in the area where the pageant is held, you might want more information on how to become more involved.
For more information visit:
Welcoming Erica Rhodes to the We Survive Team
I began embellishing candles over 20 years ago at the request of my mother in law. She asked me to make a memorial candle for her daughter’s wedding to light in memory of her son. This was an honor for me to be considered for the task. After making that first candle, other requests poured in over the years. I have crafted candle sets for weddings and memorial candles for funerals. A year and a half ago, I gave a candle to my sister after her son’s passing. She shared with me how much comfort that this gift has brought to her as she continues to light it up each evening. Something I discovered through the years is that the lighting of memorial candles during family gatherings are also a wonderful way to remember our beloved and how powerful they can be in the healing of grief. 
I name my creations “Love Lights” as these creations touch my heart and are created out of love. Because I like to spread words of encouragement and meaning as well, I create candle sets for meditation , gift giving and home decor. Items are available for purchase at 
On a Beautifully Bright Autumn Day, LIGHTFEST Re-Ignited once again brought education and awareness to communities regarding issues faced by those vulnerable to poverty, hunger and homelessness while providing activities for all that attended.
Jeffersontown Christian Church (JCC) VBS 2017 was called Abundance Orchard. It was in coordination with The Society of St Andrews (SOSA). SOSA is an organization that promotes feeding America’s hungry by decreasing waste and gleaning fields.
The love and compassion that Moody and Sharon share always struck me at my core. Here were two individuals who had discovered some of the secrets of life. Simple secrets, that get lost in the hustle and bustle of life as we know it to be on this planet today. Some of the most important secrets ; to stop and take the time to breath in nature, to be grateful for and appreciate the beauty of our Earth and to share with one another. These simple truths are often forgotten by many, yet when these secrets are put into practice the results are amazing.
I met Sharon Cecil when I was on my first clinical rotation for the LPN Program at Galen College. She was my first ever clinical instructor. She was so knowledgeable and compassionate. As I continued with my studies I moved on to the RN program. Upon graduation I began working with Sharon on the Day of Hope event. I partnered up with Whole Foods as they donate fruit, snacks and drinks for everyone. I enjoyed being the nurse educator and would provide health and nutrition information. My favorite part was always hiking with the kids. We would also go down to the creek and explore, face paint and paint rocks. We would have a fire pit and make smores. It was always a great time for everyone involved.
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