Ms. Senior Arizona America Brings Joy and Entertainment to Phoenix VA
Ms. Senior Arizona America, a community partnership for the Phoenix VA, re-established after being on a four-year hiatus made a grand return! The event, held during Women’s History Month on March 27, 2024, at the Carl T. Hayden VAMC, brought together over 50 Veterans, staff, and supporters.
This event was also live streamed on Facebook and reached over 120 viewers.
The variety show at the Phoenix VA had impersonators, dancers, and singers all gracing the Canteen patio to deliver an hour of pure entertainment. The audience participated by dancing, singing along, and engaging with the entertainers. Lynda Foy, a Navy Veteran in the audience said, "What an awesome event, I hope we have more events like this in the future.”
At the heart of this incredible initiative are the remarkable women of Ms. Senior Arizona America, who celebrate the "Age of Elegance" with grace and talent. Take Christina Robinette., for instance, who portrayed Marilyn Monroe and shared her journey of fulfilling a promise to herself after her mother's passing. Winning the title in 2023 was not just a personal triumph but a testament to her determination.
Ms. Senior Arizona America comprises dedicated volunteers who have graced the stage of the Ms. Senior America Pageant. After completing their journey in the Ms. Arizona Senior America Pageant, contestants earn the opportunity to join the esteemed Arizona Cameo Club. Here, members are welcomed to showcase their talents, with performances extending to a variety of venues. From nursing homes to Veterans' and children's hospitals, clubs, schools, senior centers, fairs, assisted living facilities, and various community and charitable organizations, these remarkable women spread joy and inspiration wherever they go.
Debbie Blanchett, a singer at the variety show, boldly declared, And it's not just about age; it's about passion and purpose. "It doesn’t matter that we are over 60 years old, we can still entertain and perform." Jean McCurdy, a singer, MC, and Ms. Senior New York in 1999, echoed this sentiment, expressing her joy in reestablishing the connection with the VA. For her, it's about the love for performing and the connections forged through musical shows.
Mike Kunz, the music coordinator and a singer at the show, proudly served in the Army, embodying the spirit of service both on and off the stage. Marcie Kunz, the administrator of Ms. Senior Arizona America, shared her deeply rooted military family history, highlighting her unwavering commitment to giving back to Veterans.
Marcie shared, "If we can give back to our Veterans by putting a smile on their faces through our entertainment, that is the least we can do to give back to them for their service and sacrifice, keeping us safe at home." And Jean reminds us of the importance of honoring Veterans, referring to them as our heroes and sheroes, deserving of our utmost respect and gratitude.