Despair Transforming Into Hope Queen For a Day Event to Give Homeless and Battered Women a New Vision of Themselves

(2005-08-25) Life Changes Ministry / Julie Dickhaut

A special day of luxury at Embassy Suites will bring inspiration and encouragement to women in crisis life situations. Queen for a Day plans to supply on-the-job clothing as well as image consulting. At the same time, the women’s children will be treated to a "birthday party" extravaganza.

LYNNWOOD, WA - On September 11, up to 200 homeless women from area shelters will be transported to the Embassy Suites in Lynnwood, WA. Along a red carpet entry, an escort of naval servicemen in dress whites and Queen’s Servants will greet the guests of honor, ushering them inside the hotel for a day of pampering during Queen for a Day.

For many of the "Queens," homelessness is their only option. "Most of these women must take their children and run because of domestic violence and drug related issues." asserts Judy Hoff, who along with daughter Sarah founded Queen for a Day. "These women come into the various shelters with nothing but the clothes that are on their backs." In addition, " The impact that these situations have on women is devastating, leaving scars on self worth and personal identity." As Pastor of Life Changes Ministry,

Hoff’s goal is to offer transformation. Queen for a Day nurtures women in need with royal treatment. This permanently changes how these women see themselves and how society views them."

The event will include an elegant multi-course luncheon, entertainment and an uplifting presentation. Each lady is then given the opportunity to visit several enhancement stations. Professional wardrobe consultation, shoes, fashion accessories, manicures, pedi-spa and seated chair massage are among the offerings. As Avon Inc. is a major sponsor of the event, certified beauty advisors equipped with Avon products will conduct cosmetic makeovers. Upon completion of the circuit, every participant receives a souvenir snapshot of her newly refined image. Queen for a Day will end gracefully with a ceremony in which the women are presented with a rose, symbolizing new beginnings and each woman’s inestimable worth.

While the Queens are hosted at the hotel, their children have been conveyed to The Farm, in Snohomish. Since some have never experienced a traditional birthday party, kids encounter pizza, treats and a full schedule of entertainment. Volunteers from local police and fire departments join in with games and activities. The crowning touch to this festivity is a birthday cake and gift presentation, where each young guest is made to feel as if it has been his or her own special day. For children, this temporary break from reality can offer hope of better things ahead.

Queen for a Day is unforgettable for both Queens and those who volunteer. Li’l Bit, also known as Lori Rojas, beams when telling of her former experience as a Queen. "I felt like something again -- to be cared for and loved…" emphasizing, "It was a step of healing from holding onto bitterness and hurt." This year, Lori is looking forward to contributing to the event as a Queen’s Servant. She has her own apartment now while working at the same complex as a gardener. Frequently visiting Life Changes Ministry and area shelters, Lori desires to encourage others with her story.

Describing this one day, life-altering gala, Pastor Judy Hoff notes, "After several years of holding this event, we can now track the changes in the lives of these women; from devastation - to new jobs, from homelessness and loss – to new homes and self sufficiency. These women are truly changed from the inside out!"


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Individuals and organizations wishing to help with finances and apparel donations or serve at the event are encouraged to contact Life Changes Ministry. There is an immediate need for new or gently worn back-to-work clothing, especially nice pants outfits. Accessories, shoes, handbags, new undergarments and pantyhose are also in short supply. Sizes requested range from small up to queen size.

Queen’s servant coordinator Camilla Smith-Fulmer is certain that others will find satisfaction in being involved with Queen for a Day. "What starts off as an opportunity to bless these women, turns into a blessing for yourself."

Billy Garvin of the Salon 7 in Seattle, appears for his fourth year. Northwest Hair Academy, another leading sponsor, is bringing 50 stylists to the event. Volunteer licensed massage therapists, independent stylists, manicurists and attendants are lining up as well, all essential to the success of this large-scale endeavor.

Pastor Hoff gratefully acknowledges those who are drawn to assist Queen for a Day, "It takes the threads of the community to create the fabric of this powerful yearly event. Please help permanently change the lives of homeless women and children."

Additional Details: Prior to serving as Pastor of Life Changes Ministry, Judy Hoff worked in counseling and chemical dependency. Her inspiration for Queen for a Day came while in downtown Seattle as she was having her hair done. Observing homeless women who were outside the window of the salon, she wished that they could experience the same wonderful feeling of being cared for – thus, Queen for a Day was born and many lives have been renewed. King and Snohomish County shelters are served.

Judy's Wish: That "Queen for a Day" could become a biannual event -- not only locally, but throughout the U.S.

Date: September 11, 2005 Event Hours: 12 – 6 p.m.

Embassy Suites Hotel is located at 20610-44th Ave. W. in Lynnwood, WA.

The Farm is located at 11212-92nd Street S. SE in Snohomish, WA.

Sponsors as of 8/3/05: Embassy Suites, Avon Inc., Everett Floral, Billy Garvin of the Salon 7, Lucero’s consignments, Service Linens, Vern Platt Photography, 50 stylists from NW Hair Academy, other King and Snohomish Co. hair stylists. The Country Register Newspaper of Western WA

Life Changes Ministry
We are a full service outreach to the community with events and services designed to facilitate positive change in the lives of people who are struggling.

Address: 2820-Hewitt Ave. Everett WA. 98201

(425) 252-6484

Pastor: Judy Hoff

E-mail: judy@lifechangesministry.org

Media Information Contact:
Julie Dickhaut; E-mail: queen4adaynews@yahoo.com

For Queen for a Day testimonies from our appearance on Northwest Afternoon on Komo 4 television, or a Queen for a Day promotional DVD please contact Life Changes Ministry.



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