#NY4Marriage

You've seen it on my twitter (@clairebuff) many times as I have retweeted and posted some of my favorite videos for Marriage Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.  Here's another....well and maybe a few more favs while I'm at it :)

Broadway Actors for Marriage Equality -- GO Broadway Impact! Jenny, Rory & Gavin!



Vanessa Williams - former Miss NY & Miss America!



Sean Avery - NY Rangers Hockey Player



And of course, every day New Yorkers -- 58% of them.



Oh yeah... and I did one too :)

Miss New York Announces Top 11!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Miss New York Organization is happy to announce that there will be a TOP 11 announced on Saturday June 18, 2011 in the final night of competition for Miss New York at The St. George Theater.

The contestant receiving the highest number of FAVORITE CONTESTANT votes will make this year's TOP 11 and have a chance to compete to become Miss NY 2011.

To Vote click here: http://missny.org/2011Pageant/votefav.html

Votes are only $1.00 each, but you may vote as many times or in whatever quantity you want! Voting will close Friday evening, June 17th, following the Miss NY Preliminary. Voting will be available at the St. George before and during intermission at the Friday night show. The 2011 favorite contestant will be announced at the Miss NY Gala where she will receive an additional scholarship for this award.

It will not be announced during the Miss NY finals, who the favorite contestant is.....this will add greatly to the excitement of the Miss NY Competition.

Spread the word and GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

Friday Night Preliminary

The energy in the room tonight is infectious! Each contestant brought it to the table this evening which is no surprise when they have all worked so hard. I would be amiss if I didn't mention How wonderful all of the entertainers did tonight...formers rock! Just wait till tomorrow when even more powerhouses join in the reunion! We have been truly blessed in this organization to have such an amazing sisterhood of former Miss Delaware's. Thanks for your continued support.

Let's cheer on Kayla as she continues to touch our lives with her grace and beauty inside and out. She did an amazing job tonight and we are very proud her!

So Any guesses yet on who will be the Miss Delaware 2011?

Friday Night Prelims....
Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - Maria Cahill
Talent - Steffi Holmes
Evening wear - Chelsea Lew Ray
Community Service Awards - Chelsea Lee Ray, 1st RU Kristina, 2nd RU Melissa
Congrats to Shaila and Maria too for receiving scholarships tonight as well!
Pictures to come tomorrow!

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

Yes it is.  I'm so happy to share with you my official Miss New York program book photoshoot by the awesome Andrew Werner.  I had a vision; he captured it and has given me the most beautiful gifts of memories from this year.   Enjoy!

 

 

 

ALL PHOTOS BY ANDREW WERNER PHOTOGRAPHY

NY1 Interview & Lambda Literary Awards

We are getting all sorts of amazing media and press on Staten Island with the Miss New York pageant week quickly approaching!  Thursday, May 26, I was joined by Amanda Alicea, Miss Richmond County and Maria DeSantis, Miss Staten Island for a promo filming at NY1.

Watch video HERE

Then later that evening, I was an awards presenter at the Lambda Literary Awards in New York City.  Hosted by Lea DeLaria, who was absolutely hysterical, the awards featured writers and poets from across the country who either are LGBT or write about LGBT characters.  Because they were all artists with their words, the acceptance speeches were in a different league of creativity.  With a bit of irony as a straight and now single person, I presented the categories of Gay Romance and Lesbian Romance. It was a very cool night, and I met some fantastic people!

Lambda Literary Foundation Executive Director, Tony Valenzuela

Mr. Gay USA Eddie Rabon

The hilarious Lea DeLaria

GLSEN Respect Awards & Great Neck MS

Monday, May 23 (I know, I'm way behind) I went to the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) 2011 Respect Awards.  This awesome event was hosted by one of my favorites, Wilson Cruz, and recognized country singer Chely Wright as the Inspiration Award Winner among other honorees - Read more HERE.  I had a great time just attending as a special guest with my +1 and fantastic date Kaitlin Davis.  We heard many inspirational stories of the night, but the release of the Think Before You Speak campaign and GLSEN’s “Changing the Game” initiative was one of my favorite parts.  Check out the PSA featuring Phoenix Suns’ Grant Hill and Jared Dudley.

 

We even had some fun crowning Wilson :)

Inspired by the Respect Awards, the next day I went out to Long Island to visit Great Neck Middle School North.  Great Neck MS South was one of my first schools as Miss NY, so it was fun to bring this year full circle.  After three presentations, lots of autograph signing and picture taking, the G/SA had me take a photo with their "Think Before You Speak" campaign.  

Preliminary Photos from Thursday