Red Carpet Correspondent at Eva Longoria's Casino Night to Benefit "Eva's Heroes" Charity 2013

With the Director of Eva's Heroes, Christianne Perkins Garcia

 Doing what I can to help foster awareness and funds for those with Special Needs is one of the causes I MOST champion.  I have been involved w/doing so for the past several years including attending my fellow Latina Actress & Producer, the beautiful & Talented Eva Longoria's EVA'S HEROES Casino Night Charity events, either as a "Celebrity" Guest or, in recent years, doing my work as a Red Carpet Correspondent: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Special+Needs , http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Eva%27s+Heroes.   Here's my candid Red Carpet Interviews for LATIN CONNECTION TV at last year's event, featuring interviews w/actresses from the Cast of Eva's Hit #Lifetimetv show, #DEVIOUSMAIDS and her on-screen hubby from #Desperatehousewives, Ricardo Chavira! 

 Eva's parents are the SWEETEST people, remind me so much of my own, Jim & Raquel:) They were among my 1st and biggest fans during my participation on the CBS Reality Show, #SurvivorFiji 

 As such, I was grateful and humbled to have gotten pulled aside, while doing my work on the Red Carpet, to be interviewed as a "Celebrity" at the event! I'm AMAZED and beyond grateful at the outpouring of continued admiration for my participation on SURVIVOR Fiji. It was w/o a doubt, 1 of the hardest things I've ever done, but so very, very worth it! If you scroll below this post, you'll see a very recent award that I was just given by the European SURVIVOR fans...SURVIVOR FAN FAVORITE & OVERALL Reality Show Fan Favorite 2014!   Back to the REAL stars (pun intended) of Eva's Heroes Casino Night, Eva's Sister, for whom Eva's Heroe's was founded, the sweet and very fashionable, Lisa and the "Boy of the Year," 

The event didn't let down, as usual. There were even water dancers!  Here I am w/Eva's mom and a dear friend a close family friend, Lettie Longoria & w/one of my dearest friends, my fellow Greek, Barbie Partalas who was my "date" for the event because my hubby who is usually doing double duty as Videographer and the most handsome date, was out of town:(   Nowadays, seem's nothing's complete w/o a group shot.  Here's one for you...Eva surrounded by the Vegas Style Showgirls. When Eva does something of her sister, she goes all out! When I say "all out" I mean with Penguins greeting you! Water dancers... Live Auction and Live Band! 

  To get the complete  "Celebrity" experience, I even got an autograph of one of the "Devious Maid's" Actresses, the very sweet & pretty Edy Ganem for one of my followers and friends, José Casteñeda:) 

I'm certain next year will have lots of surprises in store! For more information about Eva's Heroes programs and how you can get involved with helping the Special Needs Cause, please, click here:   http://www.evasheroes.org

"National Celebrity Spokesperson:" INSPIRE A CHILD Organization video to promote raising funds for Charity

 Several years ago, I had the #outoftheordinary experience of becoming a #castaway on the @CBS #RealityShow #SurvivorFiji. I often tell people who ask me "how was it?" that I sound Bi-Polar when describing my experience on there because it was as horrible as it was exhilarating. Most of all, it has been rewarding. I call it "the gift that keeps on giving" to myself & my family through wonderful opportunities for my career on television & acting ( a career I had started many years before being on Survivor (being a Miss Venezuela contestant in 1989 opened that door, which I put on hold for 10 yrs. thru my married life in Mexico City, but that's a WHOLE other story..LOL)   The experience on Survivor Fiji gave me many things, among them, I found that I could use the very powerful public image that comes w/being on an internationally renowned show like Survivor, to do positive things.  Thus, in 2007 was awakened a natural essence, energy, drive to help others.  I turned the public's desire to meet me into donating my services as #Emcee for many charities, locally & nationally: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Charity or I would offer to do #redcarpet coverage or #interviews on the webshow that I #produce and #host http://www.latinconnectionmag.com/#!lctv/c1w7z.  Recently, I was given the Blessing of being named "National Celebrity Spokesperson" for a wonderful organization that helps keep #innercitychildren off the streets and in #afterschoolprograms.    I Produced the following brief video to help them continue to raise funds so that they can implement/provide after school programs.  I know these programs work. The Founder of this organization is a Product of one such program that saved his life. In my native #Venezuela, a similar program ended up creating a world renowned orchestra from children living in the #favelas..the conductor of that children's orchestra is now the @LASymphony conductor, @GustavoDudamel.  Thank you for taking the time to have a look!  #ritaverreos

Coaching the Miss California USA 09 Contestants!

We are thrilled with our winners: Carrie Prejean, Miss California 09 and Chelsea Gilligan, Miss Teen California
Mr. Keith Lewis and I met, 5 yrs. ago as co-judges for the Miss Texas USA pageant where the current Miss USA, pictured here with me, was running. She did not win the title of Miss Texas that year, although she was both Keith's and my favorite. After the pageant, we gave her some advice which she has been so kind to recount, that she applied our advice and credits Keith and I, in some way, for helping her ultimately become Miss Texas and then go on to win her current, Miss USA title.

For the 5th year in a row, Mr. Keith Lewis bestowed his faith in my abilities as Walking/Poise Coach for the 2009 Miss California contestants. It was, as it always is for me, an honor and an immense pleasure to work with ALL the girls. I won't elaborate as my dear brother blogged/bragged (:-) about my work: www.nickverrreos.blogspot.com. It was wonderful to meet our new Director, Shana Moakler, who is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside. Her whole family, ex-husband, Travis, recovering from the airplane crash burns was there supporting her and helping her with their 3 beautiful children.
It was also a pleasure to meet Chris Judd who was one of our "Teen" Judges. My mother is a HUGE fan of his from his appearance on "I'm a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here," which he won $200,000 for his favorite charity.

Correspondant for Latin Connection web TV at The Ferrari Kids Charity Red Carpet event, 2014

Recently, at a fashion show benefitting an Abused Woman's organization, DRESS FOR SUCCESS, I met a gentleman, Manuel or Manny as he's affectionately know, Diotte,  who heads a wonderful organization, The Ferrari Kid (www.theferrarikid.org)Manny took from his very personal experience as a Child to come up with a simple, but extremely rewarding idea.  Through a collaboration with Ferrari car owners, Manny provides these kids are coping with cancer, dealing with illness, going thru chemotherapy, radiation, and so much more.....with a ride  in a Ferrari.  Making them feel like a  celebrity for a day! 
Recently, he put together a shopping spree at one of the most popular outdoor Malls in San Antonio, Texas, La Cantera.  Different shops collaborated to provide manicures etc. as well as a delicious Italian meal, courtesy of Luciano's. I was so touched by this that I offered to add, hopefully, to the "celebrity" experience, by offering to do "Red Carpet" interviews of the children. 
Take a look at their "Red Carpet" moments! (#theferrarikidorg,#ritaverreos,#manueldiotte,#shopsatlacantera,#redcarpetcorrespondant,#dressforsuccess,#lucianositalianrestaurants)
* For images from a past DRESS FOR SUCCESS event: http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Dress+For+Success

Doing triple duty as Emcee, Host & Silent Auction Item?! at the Ronald McDonald House Charity 35th Annual Gala Fundraiser

I'm so grateful to God for continuing to give me ways to help others! When I reached out to Ronald McDonald House Charities to have them as guests on a "Community Affairs" Radio talk show that I used to Host on iHeart Radio in Miami  to help them promote this event, at the end of the interview, they surprised me asking me if I would consider being the Emcee for their 35th Annual Gala fundraiser!  ABSOLUTELY yes!  I also volunteered to be a Silent Auction ítem..yes, you read that right! I Volunteered myself and a fellow @CBS @Survivor Reality Show participant as a Silent Auction ítem: 

It was an honor to have been the Emcee for the 35th Annual Ronald Mc Donald House Charities Gala. This year it was held at the Donna E. Shala Student Center Ballroom at the University of Miami.  You can see a little of the beautiful view at the venue in the photo below 

with Soraya Rivera-Moya looking goregous in her emerald green gown!

 Besides being the Emcee...  I was also doing special coverage of the event for Latin Connection web TV.   Who was the inspiration behind the fouding of the Ronald Mc Donald House Charities? How did they raise the 1st 100K? How many Ronald Mc Donald Houses are there currently nationwide?  The answers from the Founders of Ronald Mc Donald House, Fran and Fred Hill plus special interviews with @Soraya Rivera-Moya, Dir. of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida  and Alexandra, recipient of a liver transplant and former ocupant at a Ronad Mc Donald's House PLUS hear from Fred and Fran Hill are here:http://www.latinconnectionmag.com/latin-connection-tv

With Soraya Rivera-Moya, Dir. of RMHC of South Florida at the Ronald Mc Donald House in Miami.

It was a night filled with delicious food courtesy of Aromas del Peru and groovin' to the sounds of Lucy Grau and, more importantly, testimonial that inspired donations to exceed the goal of 25K. I thank God for giving me this way to help this wonderful organization raise over 100K!  I visited the Ronald Mc Donald House in Miami.  While I was there, I saw many ways, besides montery donations that you can help! PLEASE, click the following link to see the MANY ways that you can HELP Ronald Mc Donald House Charities: www.rmhcsouthflorida.org 

I sign off being the proud sister of the designer of the gown I wore on the #redcarpet, a vintage #NIKOLAKI gown:) Can you guess why I wore gold? I'll give you another hint..I wore red polish...Still can't guess?  the Mc Donald colors! :)

Helping Local Charities 07

This event was one of the very first invites I received to help a local children's charity. It was a "Celebrity look a like"...as you can see me pictured with Wonder Woman. It was a really fun night complete with a talent show that featured a very talented local singer, the sexy, Marco Cruz. You can find his material on My Space.This is a sweet boy who wanted my autograph because I told him I was trying to look like "Rita" from Survivor...lol

"Celebrity" Spokesperson and Emcee for DRESS FOR SUCCESS Charity at 1st Annual Powerwalk

Recently, while at lunch with my mother, I made friends with our waitress. My kids and fiancé will tell you this is nothing new. I can't help it...I'm a people person:) Something about her stood out to me. She had a light about her, a constant smile on her face. As we were getting ready to leave, I complimented her. A few sentences later, she said I looked familiar. She was very sweet when she suddenly placed me from some of the work I've done on television in San Antonio. We quickly realized we were both single working mommies. She shared with me her early days of struggling and how an organization in San Diego helped her get on her feet. She then shared with me that she was very eager to get involved in the community.
 I immediately remembered my involvement a couple of years ago with an organization called DRESS FOR SUCCESS that helps women in need. With so much going on, I could have sworn I had already written a post about this, but when I searched for it on here, I found it had fallen through the cracks. So, here it is. As my son always tells me "Mother, it's better late than never!"  OF course, that's his response to when I realize he's yet to do something I've asked of him..LOL.

A couple of years ago, they asked me to be their Local "Celebrity" Spokesperson for their 1st Annual POWERWALK.

 The event brought out lots of people for a walk/run around the Wonderland of the America's Mall. These folks brought it because when I came down from my unplanned Salsa Dance with the band that was the entertainment for the event, my friend Ray Colao's band: 

With "Dress for Success" Director, Pamela Taylor and the Mayor of Balcones Heights-where the event was taking place, Suzanne De Leon

A few months before the event, the "Dress for Success" Organization held a Gala to Honor & Highlight some of their Success stories.  Here I am with a fellow television colleague, Ursula Pari, Anchor of the Ksat Evening News..the # 1 Evening News Telecast in San Antonio!

I'm wearing  a NIKOLAKI gown designed by my brother, Nick Verreos. Project Runway, Season 2 Top 5 and current Mentor on Lifetime TV's UNDER THE GUNN.

My participation on SURVIVOR Fiji was a Blessing. I'm so grateful that I realized what a Blessing it was so very early on (maybe not while I was out here on that island starving! LOL) All this I write to tanks SURVIVOR for giving me one of the MOST priceless gifts that I have ever been given (more valuable than the million dollars I could have won on there). A way/a tool to help others. I'm so happy that this young lady is now going to reach out to the DRESS FOR SUCCESS organization to do what she can to help them. If any of you who read this are also interested in this cause, please, don't hesitate to reach out to them.http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=61&pageid=1

THANK you, once again, to Charles Villafranca and Pamela Taylor for having made me their local "celebrity" Spokesperson for the event held a couple of years ago-advertised on this flyer.(#ritaverreos,#dressforsuccess,#spokesperson,#philanthropist,#ksat,#ursulapari,#nikolaki,#nickverreos,#redcarpetgowns)

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala 09

On January 30, 2009, I attended the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala. What an event! Over 1,400 representatives of the Hispanic Presence in the city of San Antonio. I am in gratitude to the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ramiro Cavazos, por this invitation he extended to me. I had an amazing time, running into good friends like Priest Holmes whom I hope will have another one of his "Celebrity Basketball" Charity events this year and this time, I hope not to get hit on my head, right at the beginning of the game, with basketball!!

STRIKE A POSE for Breast Cancer Celebrity Calendar, 2011

CharityMcCurdy(WOAI News Radio Host), Elf Louise, Karen Grace (Kens 5 Weekend News Anchor) and Me!

Karen Grace, Charity McCurdy, Me, Delaine Mathieu (WOAI news anhor), CJ Cruz(BMP Radio personality), Jennifer Broome (beloved former meteorologist anchor, WOAI),Karen Martinez(evening news anchor, Fox29 & currently battling breast cancer) & AraCeli(actress/tv personality).

Vanessa Johnston(Owner, Sundance Photo Arts-co-producer of the Strike a Pose Calendar)

Most, by now, know of a very painful loss I had last year..the passing of my best childhood girlfriend, Diedra Auci Bradshaw and my fellow SURVIVOR castaway and friend, Jenn Lyon, to breast cancer.  Being the "Guardian Angels" that they are, they felt my pain and, being my friends, they wanted to see me as they loved seeing me most, smiling.  Within a month of their passing, I received an invite to be featured as one of the models in the very 1st "Strike a Pose" for Breast Cancer Celebrity Calendar. An idea that came from Jim and Vanessa Johnston as they struggled to help a dear friend of theirs and a beloved woman of San Antonio, affectionately known as "Elf Louise."  Louise Locker has been battling breast cancer. Like many women in her position, she has no health insurance (I'm one of those women, btw:(.  Jim & Vanessa came up with this calendar to help her raise funds for her treatment.  Louise, being the giver she is, accepted only if the donations were to also go to Susan G. Komen foundation. Above is my page. I chose the month of July because it's my bday month, Yay!  The "look" of the Calendar was the 40's Hollywood Glam.  When my mom heard I was doing this, she busted out with the film "Gilda," starring Rita Hayworth...so, my main image, I'm giving "Gilda," thanks to an exquisite gown designed by the MOST talented designer...yes, you guessed it..my brother, Nick Verreos (NIKOLAKI).  In my swimsuit "look," I blatantly copied the cover of Vanity Fair that featured Elizabeth Taylor during the Richard Burton years (again, mom Raquel to the rescue...those who know my mom aren't surprised to read this..she found this "vintage" swimsuit at Walmart!!!).  My last "look," I begged for because I wanted to do an homage to my Father, a WW2 Vet and to ALL our soldiers so off I went to an Army Military Supply Store (those who are very close to me know that I'm all about saving money!) I found the "Andrew Sisters" outfit for $3:)  Yay!

This cause, as you have just read, is very near and dear to my heart.  A force stronger than myself, probably my friend Diedra cuz she's a tough cookie like me, was making me go BEYOND just voluteering to be a model in it. So, off I went on a mission to do EVERYTHING in my power to use this calendar to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancers so that others wouldn't have to go through what Diedra, Jenn myself and everyone who knew these 2 angels had to go through.  One of the 1st events that we did to help sell the calendars was set up by my fellow models also went beyond the call of duty, Comedienne Eva Cambell Morales organized a "Meet and Greet" at the LOL Club: Here we are on the Stage at the LOL Club talking about the Calendar:

Dancing with my friends from SA Disabled Athletes Association at Morgan's Wonderland

This past Valentines Day, my Valentine was out of town. God is so good to me that I ended up with not one, but many Valentienes as I decided to join my sweet friend, Melissa Cheatwood and her sweetheart  as well as some of my other friends from MOSAIC Charity (http://www.mosaicinfo.org/south_central_texas/) at the "Valentine's Day" Dance hosted by my dear friend, Mr. Gordon Hartman, at the "Morgan's Wonderland" Auditorium.  MOSAIC, btw, is endorsing the film that my fiance and I are acting in and Producing, "Jimmy and Mia,"  A love story of two adults with special needs.

www.jimmyandmia.com

I leave you with some images which reflect how much fun we all had.  Special thanks to Michael, Melissa's boyfriend, for allowing me to dance with her.

Michael and Melissa

Me and my friend from MOSAIC of Southwest Texas

Giving and gettin' some "sugar" from sweet Melissa!

Our "Prom" Valetine's Day photo-they're so sweet they wanted me to be a part of it! Just as I told you above,  God ended up Blessing me w/wonderful Valentine's after all:)

Me and my friend, Jimmy.

Time to "get up" and "get down" on the dance floor!  You don't have to tell me twice to go dancing!

With Morgan and her father, my dear friend,  Gordon Hartman. Founder and owner of the only Amusement Park in the world that accommodates EVERYONE, included people with special needs. Click here for more information about MORGANS WONDERLAND Amusement park:http://www.morganswonderland.com.

Here's a recent interview that I did with Gordon Hartman for my TV show LATIN CONNECTION TV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLG42DF9jGA

Emcee for "Women in Heels" Fundraiser for DRESS for SUCCESS Charity to help Abused Women, 2014

A couple of months ago, a fellow Beauty Queen Title Holder, Valerie Anne Chavirra, Mrs. Rivercity United America 2013 approached me to Emcee an Abused Women's Shelter Fundraiser Fashion Show. She had seen my work to help the DRESS FOR SUCCESS Foundation. I was Honored to be a Local "Celebrity" Spokesperson, alongside "THE BIGGEST LOSER" Trainer, Jillian Michaels who was the DRESS FOR SUCCESS National Celebrity Spokesperson or a Marathon Fundraiser last year. Please, click here for images/video of that event! : http://ritaverreos.blogspot.com/search?q=Dress+For+Success

The Women in Heels Fashion show, thankfully, was a HUGE success, thanks, of course, to ALL the wonderful giving people who participated including, one of my dearest friends, Dr. Thomas Jeneby, pictured here w/some of the models from the show. They are holding a HUGE Gift Basket worth close to $1,000 worth of Beauty Products from his Spa: Black Spa. (#drthomasjeneby)  Besides Dr. Jeneby being a warm hearted, giving philanthropist, he is one of the best Plastic Surgeons in San Antonio.  For more info. about him and his practice, please, click here: http://www.drjenebyplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Jeneby, Valerie Anne Chavira and the Director of Dress for Success, San Antonio, Pamela Taylor

I was doing double duty as Emcee and Host of the webshow LATIN CONNECTION TV!

(#ritaverreos,#latinconnectiontv,#varietywebshow,#dressforsuccesssanantonio,#pamelataylor,#womeninheelsfoundation,#fashionshow,#fundraiser)