H U N G E R  A C T I O N  M O N T H

        Stomachs are growling across the country and after a quick google search you’ll find that Mississippi has no shortage of empty bellies.  In fact, Mississippi has the biggest hunger problem in the nation. Statistics show that one in four Mississippians are considered hungry. That’s over 600,000 people! Fortunately, there are organizations hard at work trying to change these staggering numbers, one of which is the Mississippi Food Network. 
       The Mississippi Food Network has been feeding hungry Mississippians since 1984, and they’ve shown no signs of stopping even through this pandemic. In July alone, they were able to serve over 100,000 people right here in our great state. This amazing organization wants to continue the charge this month, but they need our help! September is Hunger Action month and the Mississippi Food Network has provided 30 ways you can take action to help end the hunger problem in our state. There are a number of ways to take action this month from a virtual food drive to sponsoring a child. Take a look at the calendar below or head to the Mississippi Food Network’s website to find out all the ways you can get involved. ​

EVENT VENUE: Reunion Golf and Country Club // PHOTOGRAPHY: Masa Kathryn Photography // EVENT PLANNER: Meredith McCullough-Stella and Co. Events // CATERING: Reunion Golf and Country Club // DECOR & FLORALS: Fresh Cut // VIDEOGRAPHER: Gallagher Cinema // CAKES: Cakes by Iris // BAR: Reunion Golf and Country Club // HAIR: Molly Gee and Co. // MAKEUP: Jamie Bobbitt // DRESS: Lazaro Bridal from The Bridal Path // TUXES: Tuxes Too // BRIDESMAID DRESSES: The Bridal Path // LIGHTING: Fresh Cut // BAND: Compozitionz  // PRINT MATERIAL: Fresh Ink // RENTALS: Fresh Cut

     Mistletoe Marketplace planning time is here! EEEK! We know how hard the Steering Committee has been working on this wonderful event and we are excited to share the details with you. Obviously 2020 has thrown us all a huge curve ball, but Mistletoe Marketplace has made accommodations to tailor to everyone! There are both virtual and in-person ticket options. Here's what you need to know:

WHEN: November 4-7, 2020
WHERE: The NEW Mississippi Trade Mart
GENERAL SHOPPING TIMES TO PERMIT SOCIAL DISTANCING AND CROWD CONTROL:
Thursday, November 5, 2020
·         11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
·         3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
·         6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 
Friday, November 6, 2020
·         11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
·         3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
·         6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 
Saturday, November 7, 2020
·         8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
·         11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
·         3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES:
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that you wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from others, and wear a mask in public settings.  
The health and safety of our shoppers, volunteers, sponsors, merchants, and staff remain our top priorities. Mistletoe Marketplace is following all guidelines set by the City of Jackson, the State of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Department of Health. As the event approaches, we are closely monitoring changes and updates to the current state health and safety regulations. Enhanced health and safety measures will be implemented for our shoppers, volunteers, sponsors, merchants, and staff.
Masks will be required while in the Mississippi Trade Mart or Mississippi Coliseum.  Failure to comply with wearing a mask will result in forfeiture of your ticket and removal from Mistletoe Marketplace.  
Temperature checks will be taken daily for shoppers, volunteers, and merchants upon initial entry into the venue(s). Anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F or greater will not be allowed to enter.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.  By purchasing a ticket to or attending Mistletoe Marketplace, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Four entrances and exits will be utilized to assist in social distancing and crowd control.  Decals will be placed on the ground to indicate social distancing guidelines to assist in social distancing and crowd control.
Hand sanitizer shall be placed at each point of entry and exit. Hand sanitizer stations shall be placed outside the venues and throughout the venues including the exhibit hall, main hall, atrium, vestibule, each shopping aisle, service corridor, entrance tent, and special events area. Hand sanitizer shall be placed at each point of booth entry and exit and at the area for payment/checkout by all merchants.  
Each day, prior to the initial start of shopping, the entire trade mart and coliseum shall be deep cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized.  Every hour, high contact and high traffic areas shall be disinfected and sanitized. Between each shopping shift, high contact and high traffic areas shall be disinfected and sanitized by a contracted COVID cleaning company.  
We encourage the use of technology solutions, including contactless payment options, to minimize person-to-person contact.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Preview VIP Shopping Gala: Enchanted Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball 
Presented by The Junior League of Jackson Wednesday, November 4, 2020 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Join us in-person or virtually for a magical evening at the Enchanted Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball. Walk the Red Carpet with C Spire and enjoy an evening of shopping while you jam through the aisles to the tunes of the high-energy Party Jammers Band. Our silent, premier, and live auctions will be a wonderful way to begin your festive shopping and kick-off the holiday season. This VIP early-access shopping event will give you an opportunity to get the first look at all the chic, stylish, and often exclusive merchandise offered by the merchants at our 40th anniversary of Mistletoe Marketplace. In addition to admittance to this fabulous event, you will also receive gift cards from Mangia Bene and Briarwood Wine and Spirits to use at your leisure to purchase holiday delicacies and your spirit of the season. You will not want to miss this evening of enchantment.
$125 per person

Schedule of Events:
7:00 p.m. Legacy of Wonder
Cheers to 40 Years of Mistletoe Marketplace
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Walk the Red Carpet
Presented by C Spire
7:00 –11:00 p.m. Shopping Hours
7:00 –10:00 p.m. Silent & Premier Auctions
9:00 p.m. Live Auction
7:00 –10:00 p.m. Mistletoe Marketplace Present Pick Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry will help you glisten this season by frosting you with jewels! Buy your Present Pick ticket for $45 and pick any present in-person or virtually from the gift tree in the Trade Mart Foyer during the Enchanted Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball. Every present contains a piece of jewelry or gift card from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Five lucky winners will receive one of the following gifts: 18k White Gold Pave Diamond Drop Earrings (D = 3.00TW, value $7,200), Sterling Silver David Yurman Black Onyx & Diamond Cable Necklace, Sterling Silver & 18k Bonded Yellow Gold John Hardy Dot Earrings, Ippolita Rock Candy Sterling Silver Earrings with Mother of Pearl and Lapis Gemstones, Ippolita Lollitini 3-Stone Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver with Blue Topaz, Dark Amethyst, Mother-of-Pearl Gemstones. Tickets are $45 each and may be purchased online or in the Trade Mart Foyer during Preview.
7:00 –11:00 p.m. Valet Parking Compliments of Mercedes-Benz of Jackson Save your “mistletoes” and purchase a ticket for valet parking – only $20 per vehicle!
 
Mistletoe Morning: Yuletide Traditions 
Presented by Trustmark Thursday, November 5, 2020 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Get one of the first glimpses of Mistletoe Marketplace 2020 as you walk through our Winter Wonderland and shop at Mistletoe Morning, presented by Trustmark. At this exclusive event, you will have the opportunity to shop to your heart’s delight while listening to the acoustic sounds of Kerry Thomas and the Raphael Semmes trio.  After your morning of shopping, make sure to get your mimosa “to go” so as not to break your yuletide tradition. In addition to admittance to this marvelous event, you will also receive a gift card from Mangia Bene to enjoy a glistening brunch at your convenience. This event is the perfect way to start your holiday shopping. Purchase your tickets early to this sell out shopping opportunity!
$65 per person
 
Luncheon and Style Show: Believe in the Wonder
Presented by Mississippi Baptist Medical Center Fashions by: Renaissance at Colony Park Featuring: Tim Tebow Thursday, November 5, 2020 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Prepare to be emboldened and enlightened as Mississippi Baptist Medical Center presents this year’s luncheon and style show. In addition to virtual admittance to this uplifting event, you will also receive a gift card from 4 Top: Amerigo, Anjou, Char, Sombra, Saltine to enjoy lunch from your viewing location. Renaissance at Colony Park will frost the runway as they present the latest in couture and fashion trends while our special guest, Tim Tebow, inspires us with his story of wonder.  
Tim Tebow is an ESPN College Football Analyst, Heisman Trophy Winner, NCAA National Football Champion, and New York Times Best-Selling Author. He grew up the son of missionaries and has returned to the Philippines several times throughout his life to spread God’s word and do the Lord’s work by serving the needy. The Tim Tebow Foundation was established in 2010 with the goal to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation fulfills this mission every day by making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses, building Timmy’s Playrooms in children’s hospitals, providing life-changing surgeries to children of the Philippines through the Tebow CURE Hospital, sponsoring Night to Shine, a nationwide prom for people with special needs, providing care for orphans in four countries and adoption aid grants for families who choose to adopt an international child with special needs. You are sure to believe in the wonder of the holiday season after attending this heartwarming, motivational, and inspirational virtual event!
$65 per person
 
Girls’ Night Out: Flutes & Flurries  
Presented by Visit Mississippi Thursday, November 5, 2020  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Grab your favorite girls and join us for Flutes & Flurries, presented by Visit Mississippi! Join us in Center Court and the Courtyard where you will enjoy the mellow, blues sounds of Eden Brent and the spirited, country tunes of Temperance Babcock. It’s sure to be a night of incredible shopping and wondrous entertainment. In addition to in-person or virtual admittance to this fabulous event, you will also receive a gift card from 4 Top: Amerigo, Anjou, Char, Sombra, Saltine to purchase holiday delights at your convenience. Don’t forget to snag a complimentary champagne flute to toast the holiday season at your home.
$50 per person
 
Marketplace Jazz Brunch: Mimosas & Mistleteaux
Presented by Regions Friday, November 6, 2020  8:00 – 11:00 a.m. 
Come stroll and shop to the jazz melodies of David Keary in our Winter Wonderland at this year’s Marketplace Jazz Brunch, presented by Regions! Beat the general shopping crowd by purchasing a ticket to this exclusive morning of shopping with our Mistletoe Merchants. Get your mimosa to ”geaux” once you finish shopping! In addition to admittance to this spectacular event, you will also receive a gift card from Mangia Bene to enjoy a wintry brunch at your leisure. Get your tickets early because these tickets won’t last long!
$60 per person
 
Tween Fashion Show: Let It Snow, Let It Glow, Let It Snow 
Presented by the University of Mississippi Medical Center Friday, November 6, 2020 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
On the runway, snow will be glistening as Teens and Tweens model the hottest fashions and trends from our Mistletoe Marketplace Merchants. Rock the runway with us virtually to the sounds of DJ Adam and explore this year’s fashions that span from casual to haute couture. It’s a virtual glow party like no other. In addition to virtual admittance, you will also receive a gift card from McClain Lodge to enjoy wintry delights from your viewing location. You don’t want to miss this sensational event!
$45 per person
 
Friday Night Event: Feelin’ Frosty 
Presented by Southern Beverage Co., Inc. Friday, November 6, 2020 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Put on your favorite 90’s attire and join us virtually or “drive-in” to party with us at the NEW Mississippi Trade Mart as Bag of Donuts, a New Orleans Party Band, walks us through the decades. In addition to their flair for kabuki make-up and extravagant costumes, the New Orleans natives cover songs in a style they have branded Superpop: any popular song from any era. Theirs is a world of brass bands, rock and roll, pop radio, country, hip-hop, and reggae all rolled into one big, beautiful band of color! To help us “ice skate” through the decades, there will also be special guest performances from artists that you know and love. In addition to virtual or “drive-in” admittance, you will receive a box of savory fare from Fresh Cut Catering & Floral and frosty beverages from Southern Beverage to enjoy from your viewing location! You won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind glacial extravaganza!
$50 per person Must be at least 21 years of age.
 
A Children’s Event: Snow Much Fun! 
Presented by Ergon  Saturday, November 7, 2020 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Upon purchase of a children’s event ticket, you will receive a gift card from McClain Lodge, where you can grab your favorite morning treats, and then join us virtually as Santa reads ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The young and young at heart are going to have snow much fun creating their own magical snow globe. Children will have the opportunity to design a cookie platter for Santa’s treats to use on Christmas Eve. Children will also be given magical stationary, created by the head elf himself, to write letters to Santa to be sent directly to the North Pole. This event is going to be snow adorable!
$45 per person
 
Santa Snaps: Snow Flurries & Smiles
Saturday November 7, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
It’s all snow flurries and smiles as you make Mistletoe Memories! Santa will be in his village excitedly awaiting your little ones as they share their Christmas wish list with jolly old St. Nick.
$10 per Santa Visit
 
Mistletoe Spirits Bar: Spirits of the Season
Meet us virtually, grab a cocktail, and sip while you study Mixology 101.  You will receive a gift card from 4 Top: Amerigo, Anjou, Char, Sombra, Saltine to indulge in your favorite spirit of the season.  Better yet … try something new. Our bartender from Char Bar will teach you how to make the signature cocktail of Mistletoe Marketplace 2020, the Jack Frosty!  
$10 per drink ticket
 
Mistletoe Marketplace Present Pick: Unwrap the Wonder 
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry will help you unwrap the wonder this holiday season by frosting you with jewels! Buy your Present Pick ticket for $45 and pick any present in-person or virtually from the gift tree in the Trade Mart Foyer during the Enchanted Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball. Every present contains a piece of jewelry or gift card from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. Five lucky winners will receive one of the following gifts: 18k White Gold Pave Diamond Drop Earrings (D = 3.00TW, value $7,200), Sterling Silver David Yurman Black Onyx & Diamond Cable Necklace, Sterling Silver & 18k Bonded Yellow Gold John Hardy Dot Earrings, Ippolita Rock Candy Sterling Silver Earrings with Mother-of-Pearl and Lapis Gemstones, Ippolita Lollitini 3-Stone Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver with Blue Topaz, Dark Amethyst, Mother-of-Pearl Gemstones. 
$45 per ticket 
 
Mistletoe Marketplace 2020 Raffle: Unlock the Wonder
Presented by Patty Peck Honda
Unlock the Wonder this holiday season in a 2020 Honda Civic Sedan LX CVT from Patty Peck Honda. The raffle drawing will be held Saturday, November 7, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Winner must be 21 years or older. You do not have to be present to win. 
$25 per ticket
 
Mistletoe Marketplace 2020 Valet Parking
Compliments of Mercedes-Benz of Jackson Wednesday, November 4, 2020 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Discover the wonder of convenience at the Enchanted Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball by purchasing a ticket for valet parking. Don’t walk long distances in the parking lot or spend time searching for your vehicle after the event. You can simply drive up to the door for drop-off, and your vehicle will be brought to you at the door when you are done enjoying the Preview festivities. Save your“mistletoes” and purchase a ticket for valet parking.
$20 per vehicle

TICKETS:
Tickets will go on sale at 8:00am on Tuesday, September 1st.
​Please visit https://www.mistletoemarketplace.com/tickets to purchase tickets to this year’s in-person and virtual offerings.  Please visit https://www.mistletoemarketplace.com/faqs to find up to the date information on Mistletoe Marketplace 2020 and to view our frequently asked questions.

Have you ever met someone that always knows how to brighten your day, lift you up and encourage you in your journey?! Well, we certainly have and her name is Whitney Gladden! Whitney is one of the most inspiring women that you'll ever meet and she holds the title of Mrs. Mississippi America. We are so excited to share this interview with you and give you a little look into Whitney's world. 

Q: Whitney, tell us a little bit about yourself and what your background is.
A: Where should I begin? I've lived a long 44 years, so there is a lot to tell! First and foremost, I am Tucker and Macy's mom and Lee's wife! They are my heartbeat and I am totally crazy about all three of them. I met Lee while I was in law school, and quickly noticed how alike we were, except that he is a little bit better than me at pretty much everything! But it's amazing to see how incredibly gifted he is and how much he is able to accomplish with his sweet smile, quick wit and southern charm, paired with his incredibly sharp mind and his matchless work ethic. He inspires me to be better every day!  While I still have my law license and have passed the Mississippi and Louisiana Bar, I have partially retired to be more present for the kids. I say partially because in my spare time, I am an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, a Fitness Nutrition Specialist, a FASTer Way to Fat Loss Coach and a distributor for Proceller8 Supplements. I fell in love with fitness 25 years ago and that passion has never gone away! Outside of fitness, I love animals and have recently become a Registered Therapy Dog Handler with my partner, Chicken Nugget. Chicken Nugget is an Australian Shepherd that we are fostering who was trained by Mississippi Therapy Animals. He brings so much joy to our home, and it is just incredible to see how people will respond to animals! I have very much enjoyed taking him on site visits to help alleviate workplace stress or taking him to visit our friends at Shower Power Mississippi.  He is also helpful to relieve anxiety in patients undergoing medical treatment - he's an amazing, beautiful, loving dog! I am always looking for places to take him on a visit.
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Q: How did you get involved in pageants and Mrs. Mississippi America?
​A: Lee was actually the person who encouraged me to do it! We were together when we ran into his friend, Sandra Strain (who is now my invaluable pageant coach), and she asked me why I had never done a pageant.  It was her first time meeting me, but right there in the grocery aisle she told me I would be great at it.  I laughed it off, but Lee heard this and, having grown up around pageantry in his family, began to encourage me to give it a try.  It took several years, but finally he convinced me to sign up, and that's when everything began.  It's not at all what people sometimes think.  In order to excel in pageantry, you have to be kind, caring, gracious, graceful, a good listener, a good speaker, funny, lighthearted but serious, intelligent...on top of drinking all your water, eating healthy, getting all the dishes and laundry done, raising your kids, getting your workouts in, getting work done, and finding time to be in full hair and makeup at a moment's notice. In heels! I have a whole new admiration for "pageant girls/women." Being able to multitask is a definite must! But the women you meet and the fun you have at the end of the day is 100% worth the work and preparation. The crown is a bonus, but whether or not you earn that, the experience is priceless.
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Q: You are a role model to so many, including myself! Who/what inspires you and keeps you motivated?
A: Thank you for saying that! Honestly, my kids are the catalyst for everything. They are 9 and 11, and ever since they were very little I've wanted to be sure they know that there are no limits, and they can do anything they set their mind to, as long as they put in the work. We have told Tucker that he can be President of the United States if he wants, and that's been a running theme throughout his life now! Macy is intent that she will become a veterinarian and we have now expanded that vision to include the most posh "pet spa" in the country. They've both had big ideas, and I've done my best to put legs under every single one of them, from lemonade stands to acting lessons, piano and singing, gymnastics, violin, baseball, holding collection drives for the homeless - there's nothing I won't let them try. But they know once they commit, they must see it through (at least for that school year or season). And for the most part, they have! It's important to me that I not just tell them to commit, but that I provide that example as well. And that's what they have seen. They've watched me commit to fitness competitions, obstacle course competitions, pageants, building direct sales teams, and serving at church. Each time I have the thought of "skipping," "cutting short," or "backing out" (we all have those thoughts!!) I remember that they are watching, and I complete what I started. Those kids have two parents that never quit, and my prayer is that they always stay true to their commitments throughout their lives, starting now.
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Q: What is your favorite thing about Mississippi?
A: I have to admit, I am a transplant! I am originally from Louisiana but moved to Mississippi 17 years ago. While I have a love for both states, Mississippi is absolutely my home, and the people make it so! The culture here in central Mississippi as well as throughout the state is such that the kindness is palpable. I honestly can't think of a single place I've been that I haven't been greeted with a smile and some form of southern hospitality, whether it's a glass of water, a sweet tea or "come sit in the shade." "Can I getcha something?" is just as common as "hello, how are you?" around here! I can't imagine living anywhere else. And while I have never lived in "the Delta," I married into a Delta family and I love everything about it - from churches like I grew up in (with hymnals and everything), to local pottery, to "the Fighting Okra," it's a culture I'm so proud to be a part of!
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Q: What does it mean to you to be Mrs. Mississippi America? What are you most excited about?
A: ​Of course I am very excited to compete for Mrs. America this fall! What an honor to compete for the oldest Mrs. title in existence - there is so much history attached to it. But what most excites me is what comes after that. Whether it's as Mrs. America or as Mrs. Mississippi America, this year will be spent talking to parents and kids about "Kids for a Cause - Leaving a Legacy of Service." My kids and I have done a lot of work over the past few years simply serving. They have an organization they started called The Provision Project which, essentially, calls charities around the area and asks what the specific needs are at that time.  Whether it's sheets and towels for the Grace House, Deep Woods Off for Shower Power Mississippi, or hygiene products and socks for We Will Go Ministries, we just roll up our shirt sleeves and go collecting those things. The amazing thing about it is seeing how my kids react to the act of giving - you should have seen their eyes light up the first time they were genuinely thanked for their donations! Or the emotion swelling up in 11 year old Tucker's chest when he handed a homeless woman a set of clothes she needed. Or how 9 year old Macy cried with a mix of joy and sadness when she gave her Sprite away to a homeless woman on County Line Road who was holding up a sign that said "Hungry - anything helps." From a very young age, they have been helping me pack lunches for kids who were out of school for the holidays and didn't have cafeteria lunches to rely on. So it's just been a thing we do in our house for a long time, and that was a great place to start.  But can you imagine if there were more children, in more cities, with parents who were willing to take them to serve? Families who made it a family activity to serve in soup kitchens, or collect canned food, or do clothing drives for specific ministries? We could raise a whole generation of service oriented people - and what a changed world we would have! I honestly cannot wait to bring that message to as many people as will hear me.

We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to chat with Whitney and can't wait to continue following along her journey. Here are a few places that you can keep up with Whitney:
www.facebook.com/whitneygladden
www.instagram.com/whitneygladden
theprovisionproject.com
linktr.ee/whitneygladden