Flip for Free Pancakes!
February 28, 2012
Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes.* In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© and other designated local charities.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.

* There is a limit of one free short stack per guest. The offer is valid at participating restaurants for dine-in only while supplies last and is not valid with any other offer, special coupon or discount.

DETROIT (WJBK) - FOX 2's Taryn Asher and Jason Carr will host the Motorcity Undiscovered Talent Call at the Hard Rock Cafe in Detroit on February 23 from 7 - 11 p.m.

The event will feature local artists who submitted videos for a chance to perform live in front of talent industry leaders. The winner will receive consultations, a photo shoot and a mentored studio session.

Tickets can be purhcased ($25) and submissions viewed online at MotorcityUndiscovered.com .

Las Vegas, NV - January 14, 2012 - Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler from Kenosha, Wisconsin was crowned Miss America 2012 tonight at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The final night of the 2012 Miss America Pageant was broadcast live from Las Vegas on ABC.

Laura's triumphant walk across the stage was just the beginning of a journey that will take her to every corner of the country during her year of service as Miss America 2012. Miss America 2011 will promote education and the 2012 Miss America will s pend her year touring the country to encourage all young women to pursue a college education, and will focus on driving interest in the arts, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (also known as STEM) education. The Miss America Organization will work with national and community partners to create an unconventional approach to driving young women’s interest in STEM. Our efforts coincide with the national momentum to target female students who are currently underrepresented in STEM professions.

In addition, she will travel approximately 20,000 miles each month speaking to audiences about her platform Circles of Support - Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents and acting as the official National Goodwill Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children's hospitals, is the national platform partner of the Miss America Organization.

Laura is a graduate of Carthage College. Her scholastic ambition is to obtain a Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology and she ultimately hopes to become a speech therapist. Along with the title of Miss America 2012, Laura won a $50,000 scholarship to continue her education. For the talent portion of the competition, Laura performed an operatic rendition of "Il Bacio."

The first runner-up was Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson who earned a $25,000 scholarship. For her talent, she performed an Irish Step Dance to "Warriors" and her personal platform is MILK, It Really Does a Body Good! Betty was also the winner of ABC's America's Choice an online competition where viewers got the opportunity to vote for their favorite Miss America contestant. The contestant was announced at the beginning of the Miss America broadcast and became the 1st finalist to compete in the live finale.

Second runner-up honors and a $20,000 scholarship were awarded to Miss New York Kaitlin Monte. Her talent was a vocal performance of "Disneyland," and her personal platform is "That's Enough! Coming Together to End Bullying."

As the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation's leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs.

Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org.

To download photos of tonight's crowning moment, go to www.missamerica.org.

# # #

Press Contact:
Sharon Pearce – Sharon@missamerica.org

Las Vegas, NV - January 12, 2012 - At today's Miss America press conference during 2012 Miss America Pageant week, this year's Quality of Life award winners and the winner for the fourpoints Scholarship Award were announced.

This year's Quality of Life Award winner is Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton. Ann Blair  was recognized for her work on her platform, "Alzheimer's Awareness and Research" and she will receive a $6,000 scholarship. The announcement was made at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino during Friday's Miss America press conference, and marks the last day of preliminary competition for the 2012 Miss America Pageant.

Ann Blair has had the opportunity to call to action tens of thousands of Kentuckians this year with her platform work. As a teenage, in 2006 struggling with a beloved grandfather suffering from the disease, she discovered the need for Alzheimer's support groups for a younger generation and founded a teenage support group: ALZ Teens. In 2009, Ann Blair established a memorial fund honoring her grandfather, with an online donation component. She has lobbied Kentucky State Legislature to pass multiple bills promoting the Alzheimer's Association's efforts, teamed up with college students to raise over $25,000 for research,  and organized her hometown Alzheimer's Memory Walk, which raised over $172,000 for the Alzheimer's Association. As Miss Kentucky, she has gathered the names of people she has met this year who are currently battling the disease and those who have already lost the fight. One by one, she has sewn them to the back of her sash so that she will be continually reminded of her purpose.  

The first-runner up is Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley whose personal platform issue is "Stand Up: Bullying Awareness in Our Community."  During the past three years, Regan has spent more than 2,000 hours working to combat bullying: by educating others on the subject of bullying, encouraging open discussion between educators, parents and children, and serving as the spokesperson for numerous anti-bullying efforts. She has lobbied for passage of New Hampshire's first modern bullying law, House Bill 1523 in June of 2010. She has also spoken to children about the importance of treating yourself and others with respect.  

The second runner-up is Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger, whose personal platform is "Continue to Dream - Giving Hope to Children with Chronic Illness. Being diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis inspired Elizabeth to make her platform a life-long mission to inspire other children dealing with the disease. Elizabeth has encouraged people to join her at the Annual Arthritis Walk, bringing over 100 people to walk with her. She has spoken to the Juvenile Arthritis Association, telling her personal story to groups, so that children who suffer from the disease do not feel that it defines how they should grow up or develop.

The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service. The awards are available to each of the 53 contestants competing for the title of Miss America 2012. In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must have submitted an application describing their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue.

An honorable mention goes to the remaining five finalists: Miss Arkansas Kristen Glover, whose platform is "Second Chances Through Mentoring;" Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape, whose platform is "C.A.R.E.: Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone;" Miss Minnesota Natalie Davis, whose platform is "Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece;" Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, whose platform is "Anti-Bullying Through Youth Leadership;" and Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan, whose platform is When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors: Promoting Lightning Awareness." 

The fourpoints Scholarship Award is a $2,000 award offered to all of the 53 contestants. Each of the contestants had to write an essay describing how THEY represent the Four Points of the Crown which are Service, Scholarship, Success and Style. The winner of this award is Miss Idaho Genevieve Nutting. 

Be sure to watch as a new Miss America is crowned at the 2011 Miss America Pageant airing live on ABC, Saturday, January 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT tape delayed.

Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org. 

###

Press Contact:
Sharon Pearce – Sharon@missamerica.org

Las Vegas, Nevada - January 12, 2012 - Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape was named Thursday night's preliminary Talent winner for her jump rope routine performance to "Hawaii Five-O," during the third night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Lauren will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Monte Carlo Kompliqué swimsuit. Kaitlin will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

In addition to the Talent and Lifestyle and Fitness Award winners, Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2012 Elizabeth Fechtel and 14 of our 2012 Miss America Contestants won Duke of Edinburgh Awards, presented by MAO Board Chairman, Sam Haskell, III and National Executive Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Young Americans’ Challenge, Josh Randle.

To see videos from the awards ceremony and behind-the-scenes interviews from tonight's preliminary winners, visit www.facebook.com/missamericaorganization tomorrow morning! 

As the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation's leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs.

Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found atwww.MissAmerica.org 

To download photos of tonight's preliminary winners, go to www.missamerica.org.  Photos will be available for download, starting at 9:00am ET the morning following the preliminary competition.

For tickets to attend the Miss America Competition, call Ticketmaster at 1-877-307-8667 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

###

Press Contact:
Sharon Pearce – Sharon@missamerica.org

It's Detroit's own mini-version of the Golden Globes, complete with dignitaries, foreign and local press, along with lots of tuxedos, gowns, and sparkle. With the industry enjoying record sales and recovery, the Detroit Auto Dealer's Association has decided to take the glamour of this year's event up a notch by adding the area's own version of royalty.

Shelby Gardiner, Miss Wayne County, will be on hand to do exactly that Friday evening at the North American International Auto Show 2012 Charity Preview at Cobo Hall in Detroit. “I am so excited to attend the charity preview,” said Gardiner. “As a member of the Detroit Tiger's DTE Energy Squad, I have learned that the most enjoyable part of life is community service. The charity preview embraces that philosophy by supporting so many area non-profits.”

The quest for the perfect gown led to B-Ella Bridal of Northville which is donating Shelby's black tie show-stopper.

“B-Ella Bridal let me try on whatever dresses caught my eye,” said Gardiner. “We decided on a strapless black satin MacDuggal gown with a lace bodice and pink underlay. It's very ‘red carpet' with beading along the entire hemline and a contrasting pink lining. I love it!”

First time
Gardiner, a sophomore at Oakland University majoring in elementary education, looking forward to seeing the auto show.

“I've never attended the auto show, I know that sounds strange considering I was born and raised in the Metro Detroit area, but I just never had the chance,” said Gardiner. “I'm looking forward to actually being there and taking it all in for the first time.”

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association Charitable Foundation Fund was established in 1998 at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. It supports programs and activities that assist children and youth in the seven-counties of southeast Michigan.

Gardiner will represent Wayne County at the Miss Michigan pageant this June in Muskegon. The Miss Wayne County Scholarship Program is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Miss America Organization.

For more information about the Miss Wayne County and Miss America Organizations, visit www.misswaynecounty.org and www.missamerica.org.

Source: Hometownlife.com

Las Vegas, Nevada - January 11, 2012 - Miss Oklahoma Betty Thompson was named Wednesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Irish Step Dance performance to "Warriors," during the second night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Betty will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss Texas Kendall Morris, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Monte Carlo Kompliqué swimsuit. Kendall will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

To see videos from the awards ceremony and behind-the-scenes interviews from tonight's preliminary winners, visit www.facebook.com/missamericaorganization tomorrow morning!

As the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation's leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs. Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org

To download photos of tonight's preliminary winners, go to www.missamerica.org.  Photos will be available for download, starting at 9:00am ET the morning following the preliminary competition.

For tickets to attend the Miss America Competition, call Ticketmaster at 1-877-307-8667 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

###

Press Contact:
Sharon Pearce – Sharon@missamerica.org

Las Vegas, Nevada - January 10, 2012 - Miss Wisconsin Laura Kaeppeler was named Tuesday night's preliminary Talent winner for her Operatic Vocal performance of "Il Bacio," during the first night of competition of the 2012 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Laura will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Also in the spotlight was Miss Utah Danica Olsen, who was the preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness winner in a Deaville Kompliqué swimsuit with 18K gold and Swarovski crystal accents. Danica will receive a $1,000 scholarship. To see videos from the awards ceremony and behind-the-scenes interviews from tonight's preliminary winners, visit www.facebook.com/missamericaorganization tomorrow morning!

As the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women and one of the nation's leading achievement programs, the Miss America Organization last year made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of nationwide community-based programs. Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org

To download photos of tonight's preliminary winners, go to www.missamerica.org.  Photos will be available for download, starting at 9:00am ET the morning following the preliminary competition.

For tickets to attend the Miss America Competition, call Ticketmaster at 1-877-307-8667 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

###

Press Contact:
Sharon Pearce – Sharon@missamerica.org

2012 QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

All 53 contestants competing for the 2012 Miss America Pageant debuted in their EXPRESS fashions at the annual arrival ceremony at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The arrival ceremony was hosted by one of the stars featured at Planet Hollywood, Josh Strickland. Returning to the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for the seventh consecutive year, the contestants’ arrival kicked off a week of preliminary competitions (interview, lifestyle and fitness, talent and evening wear), culminating in the live telecast on ABC, Saturday, Jan. 14 at 9 p.m. (EST)/tape delay (PST). On hand to welcome and introduce the 2012 Miss America Contestants were Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Tom Collins, Commissioner and Board Chair of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; David Hoenemeyer, Regional President of Bally's, Paris and Planet Hollywood; Sam Haskell, III, Chairman of the Board of the Miss America Organization and Art McMaster, President and CEO of the Miss America Organization. This year’s Quality of Life finalists were also announced at the ceremony.

The eight finalists and their personal platform issues are: 

Miss Arkansas Kristen Glover - Second Chances Through Mentoring

Miss Hawaii Lauren Cheape - C.A.R.E. - Collegiate Athletes Reaching Everyone

Miss Kentucky Ann Blair Thornton - Alzheimer's Awareness and Research

Miss Michigan Elizabeth Wertenberger - Continue to Dream - Giving Hope to Children with Chronic Illness

Miss Minnesota Natalie Davis - Autism Awareness: The Missing Piece

Miss New Hampshire Regan Hartley - Bullying Awareness in Our Community
 
Miss New York Kaitlin Monte - Anti-Bullying Through Youth Leadership

Miss Ohio Ellen Bryan - Promoting Lightning Awareness - "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors"

The Quality of Life Awards were introduced in 1988 to recognize contestants who excel in their commitment to community service.  In order to be considered for the Quality of Life Award, contestants must submit an application describing their involvement with Children's Miracle Network, the national platform of the Miss America Organization, and their own personal platform issue. 

The winner of the Quality of Life Award will receive a $6,000 scholarship, the first runner-up will win a $4,000 scholarship, and the second runner-up will win a $2,000 scholarship.  Winners will be announced at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on January 14 during the 3:00 p.m. (PST) press conference.

Additional information about the Miss America Organization can be found at www.MissAmerica.org.

For tickets to attend the Miss America Competition, call Ticketmaster at 1-877-307-8667 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

###

Press Contact:
Sharon Pearce – Sharon@missamerica.org

Mark Ballas, ABC’s Dancing With The Stars; Raúl de Molina, Univision’s El Gordo y La Flaca; Mike Fleiss, Executive Producer of ABC’s The Bachelor; Kris Jenner, E!’s Keeping Up With The Kardashians;  Teri Polo, ABC’s Man Up;  Chris Powell,  ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition; and Lara Spencer, ABC’s Good Morning America

LINWOOD, N.J. (Dec. 7, 2011) – The 2012 Miss America Pageant promises to be a vibrant, colorful and exciting event, and the esteemed panel of national judges provides a diverse team from the worlds of entertainment, beauty, fitness and journalism. Lara Spencer, Lifestyle Anchor for Good Morning America revealed the panel of judges on this morning’s show. This year’s group of seven judges includes an accomplished dancer and musician, an international journalist, a talented reality TV producer, the matriarch of one of the most recognized families in Hollywood, a successful actress, a fitness pioneer, and a popular journalist.  Each judge will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition, which will broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT)on ABC.

The contestants vying for the title of Miss America exemplify all that is best in today’s modern woman. Miss America must be talented, intelligent and well-spoken, she is a leader with a strong commitment to her community, she understands the importance of health and fitness, and she is a role model for millions of women not only for her spot-on sense of style and fashion, but also because she has become a relatable “it girl” who can connect with today’s contemporary woman. This year’s panel of judges is comprised of experts who focus on all of the categories in which each of the young women must excel to be named Miss America. 

From the Field of Performing Arts- Mark Ballas – A lifelong dancer and musician, Emmy nominated Mark has wowed viewers on ABC’s, Dancing with the Stars, for nine seasons, winning two mirror ball trophies (Season 6 with Kristi Yamaguchi and Season 8 with Shawn Johnson). Mark’s debut solo album HurtLoveBox was released by Hit Play Records – Sony Red. His first single “Hotwire” won Best Freshman Video on MTV and has been put in rotation on the network. Born in Houston to a family of international dance stars, Mark moved to London as a child; he attended the world-renowned Italia Conti Performing Arts School. Here, he not only danced, but also was required to sing, act and play an instrument. By age 12 he was writing and performing his own music, playing guitar, drums and bass. As an actor, Mark has played the lead in the musical Copacabana and took on roles in the UK tour of Maria de Buenos Aires, and The Buddy Holly Musical. In television, he has guest starred on Melissa and Joey and Samantha Who?  When Mark isn’t performing, he is passionate about speaking to school-age kids about acceptance, sparked by his Uncle David’s suicide nine years ago. Through the grieving process, Mark and his mother Shirley began to align themselves with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. They formed The Ballas Foundation and are committed to removing the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide.

From the Field of Communications – Raúl de Molina - Raúl is the multiple Emmy award-winning co-host of Univision networks #1 rated entertainment news show El Gordo y La Flaca, which has more viewers on its time slot than ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX combined. He is the author of the bestselling La Dieta del Gordo and one of the original contributors to the Huffington Post’s Food and Latino Voices sections. Raúl  continues to write regular columns. Raúl was born in Cuba, grew up in Spain, and arrived in the United States at the age of 16. After graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Raúl worked for the Associated Press as a freelance photographer during the 1980’s. His photographs have been published in Time, Life, Newsweek and Paris Match, among others. In 2008, he was chosen by People en Espanol as one of the most influential Hispanics in the United States.

From the Field of Star Power – Mike Fleiss - Mike is founder of Next Entertainment and executive producer of The Bachelor franchise, which also includes The Bachelorette and Bachelor Pad, and will serve as executive producer of H8R. His credits include High School Reunion, The Cougar, There Goes the Neighborhood, Hitched or Ditched, More to Love and Leave it to Lamas. With a multi-year deal with Warner Horizon Television to create original series for network, syndication and cable, Mike is a leading producer of reality programming. He has created over three dozen series and produced over 300 hours of primetime television. In addition to his work in TV, he co-directed the documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, and received a Best New Director nomination. Mike shares a producing credit on the upcoming feature Shark Night 3D. He also produced the remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, as well as Poseidon for Warner Bros. and the Hostel movies. He was recently awarded the Reality Rocks Humanitarian Award for his contributions and charitable efforts, including “Bachelor Gives Back,” which supports various nonprofit organizations that enrich and empower communities around the world. He actively supports the Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Mike has authored Sports with an Attitude: The World’s Most Irreverent Sports Quiz Book and Show Biz with an Attitude: The World’s Most Irreverent Entertainment Quiz Book.

From the Field of Beauty – Kris Jenner - Kris is the Star, Creator, and Executive Producer, along with Ryan Seacrest, of Keeping Up With the Kardashians for E!. The show wrapped its sixth season, and enjoys the title of, “Highest Rated and Most Watched Telecast ever on E!.” Kris also produces Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Khloé and Lamar. In her new memoir, Kris Jenner And All Things Kardashian, she writes about her relationships, her kids, and her intimate connection to the O.J. Simpson trial. She is the president of her own production company, Jenner Communications, and for the last 20 years she has been manager for her husband and Olympic Gold medalist, Bruce Jenner’s motivational speaking tour. Kris also manages the careers of her six children. Kris has enjoyed success as a host and correspondent on The Insider, and has appeared on numerous television shows. She is an avid spokesperson and supporter of numerous charities including the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Awareness, Make-A-Wish, and serves on the board of The Dream Foundation. Kris owns and operates numerous businesses including PerfectSkin and QuickTrim, and develops many successful brands for her daughters, such as the Kim Kardashian Fragrance, Unbreakable by Khloe and Lamar, and a Global Lifestyle Line for Sears. Kim and Kris are the spokespersons for Skechers Shape-Ups. Kris and all of her daughters have their own line of nail polish for Nicole by OPI called Kardashian Kolor. The widely successful line has sold out in several major retailers.  For Kris, her favorite role will always be wife and mother. Along with her six children, Kris also enjoys spending time with her grandson, Mason. Kris lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two youngest daughters Kendall and Kylie.

From the Field of Talent – Teri Polo - Teri currently stars as Theresa Hayden Keen on ABC’s Man Up! She is best known for her role as Pam in the Meet the Parents theatricals. She recently starred in The Little Fockers, the third installment of the movie franchise, and has completed production on Beyond to be released in 2012. Currently she is shooting the Lifetime movie Jayne’s Story, which will air in early 2012. Teri was seen in the Hallmark movie, Taste of Romance, and has been recurring on Law & Order: Los Angeles. Other film credits include, The Hole, and the miniseries, The Storm, both released in 2010. Earlier credits include Beyond Borders, The Unsaid, and Domestic Disturbance. She also co-starred in Meet the Parents, for which she won a People’s Choice Award, and its sequel, Meet the Fockers. Originally from Dover, DE, Teri began her performing career as a dancer. By age 13 she was attending New York’s School of Ballet. The summer before her senior year, she was signed to a modeling contract, which led to a role on Loving. Teri made her primetime debut in the series TV 101. Television audiences may remember her as Michelle Capra in Northern Exposure. She also starred in the comedy series I’m with Her, as well as David E. Kelley’s The Wedding Bells. Other TV credits include Hallmark’s Love Is a Four-Letter Word, the original film Second String, and the television movie Straight from the Heart. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her role opposite Jimmy Smits on The West Wing. Teri currently lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her family.

From the Field of Fitness – Chris Powell - Chris is the host and transformation specialist on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, which debuted last May as the number one show on TV.  Returning for Season Two this spring, Chris will again travel the country, where he uses his innovative techniques, education and expertise to guide extremely overweight individuals as they shed hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. Unlike others in his field, Chris takes an extra step as he guides the participants through their transformations by moving into their homes. By assuring that they have the proper nourishment and exercise movement, he provides a fresh perspective to individuals whose lives have become unmanageable because of their weight. Chris exploded onto the fitness scene with his unorthodox approach, becoming a pioneer for a new hybrid of fitness professionals. He has captured national attention with the largest and fastest natural weight loss ever documented, transforming the life of David Smith who lost 401 lbs in 26 months. It was Chris’s unyielding dedication to another that captured the heart of America as he shared his story on such national shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show, 20/20, The View, as well as a one-hour documentary for TLC. Chris holds a degree in Exercise Science, with concentrations in biomechanics and physiology and the training accreditation: The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).  He has been the Transformation Pro on KTVK’s Good Morning Arizona for the last eight years – delivering fitness tips to the largest news viewing audience in Arizona.  This January, Hyperion will release his first book entitled Choose to Lose.

From the Field of News and Entertainment - Lara Spencer – Lara was named lifestyle anchor for ABC’s Good Morning America in March 2011. She was previously the show’s National Correspondent from 1999 to 2004. In 2004, she began hosting The Insider. During her seven seasons there, she interviewed the industry’s biggest stars and traveled the world for exclusive interviews. She also hosted three primetime TV specials for CBS. Lara began her career in the NBC Page Program. Her first reporting job was at WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, TN. From there, she began reporting on her home turf for News 12 Long Island. From 1995 to 1999, Lara was a reporter and anchor for WABC-TV’s “Eyewitness News” in NYC, where she covered breaking stories and hosted a nightly feature, “Life Around Here with Lara Spencer.” She moved full-time to GMA the following year. In 2003, Lara became host of PBS’ Antiques Roadshow, while working for GMA, and then The Insider. It was a dream job for Lara, who is an antique hunter and interior designer. She decorated her friend, Kathy Griffin’s home, featured in her upcoming book, I Brake For Yard Sales, out in April 2012 from Abrams Books. Lara also created and executive produces two HGTV shows, and is the creator and EP of It’s Worth WHAT??, which aired in August. She holds charity “Taste Maker Tag Sales” of her vintage finds on the website One Kings Lane and donates all profits to Housing Works. She is an advocate for Greenwich Adult Day Care in Connecticut, which helps seniors living with Alzheimer’s.  She is married and a mother to a son and a daughter, Duff and Kate.

#   #   #