10 Most-Beautiful Finalist: Crystal Conway

Age: 24

Occupation: Director of special events (fundraiser) for Children’s Miracle Network

Backgound: Crystal is from Vancouver, Washington, and has been living in Springfield for two years.

Tell us why you love 417-land.

This is the first time I have ever lived in the same city, or even the same state, as my grandfather. The past two years, we have grown really close, and being able to have a strong relationship with him means the world to me.

I love my job with Children’s Miracle Network. It has been so nice to be a part of such a caring and giving community, and the kids we help are amazing!

I have met a lot of really great people and made lifelong friends. That makes 417-land pretty special.

Tell us about your community involvement and volunteering. (Please tell us what organizations you’re involved in, what you do to participate and how long you’ve been doing it.)

When I first moved to Springfield, I was an intern for Children’s Miracle Network. I did this unpaid for seven months. (I know. My dad felt that way, too.) But it was completely worth it because I was hired full-time in February 2007. Most of what I do revolves around CMN, and I wouldn’t change it.

I also really enjoy coaching. I volunteered with Champion Athletes of the Ozarks and helped out with basketball. I am currently coaching a kindergarten boys outdoor soccer team for the YMCA. They are a lot of fun and keep me on my toes!

What makes your community involvement worthwhile?

Working for CMN has completely changed my life. The kids we help have taught me more than I ever thought possible. What some of these kids go through on a daily basis make my worst day not seem so bad. I feel completely blessed to be a part of such a great organization

As far as coaching, kids are fun to be around, and they keep me entertained. I like being able to keep them active while making sure they have a good time.

Just a reminder: never forget to bring a snack for after a game. Your little guys might be disappointed. I learned that the hard way. But it’s okay because the next week I brought Spiderman fruit snacks, and all was forgiven.

Hobbies (Go ahead; list them all! And tell us why you love them.)

Running: I love to run and am currently training for the St. Jude Marathon.

Hiking, swimming, skiing, anything outdoors: Growing up in the Northwest, my family spent a lot of time doing outdoor activities. I can’t get enough.

Spending time with my dog: If you know me, you know my dog, Bailey. Nothing beats a good game of fetch or a nice, long walk or run with her.

Sporting events: I really enjoy going to baseball, football or basketball games.

I love being with family or friends. I love people!

Are you involved in any professional organizations? (What are they, what’s your role, and how long have you been doing it?)

AFP: Association of Fundraising Professionals is a group of individuals that are responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit charitable organizations. I have been a member for a year.

BPW: Business and Professional Women is a group of women who promote equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. I have been a member since the fall of 2007.

What’s something that might surprise us about you? (Or a story you love to tell.)

I have a fake front tooth! I did a study abroad in Costa Rica and got mugged. I had to keep my tooth in with denture cream until I got back to the states. For two weeks after I got back, I had a temporary tooth that was longer than the other one and yellow. I even went on a date with my tooth like that. (I’m pretty sure that’s why I didn’t get a second date.) But, it got fixed, and now you can’t tell too easily. (I bet you already looked back at my picture to check.) It’s always a good conversation-starter, and as my mom would say, “It helped build character!”

My claim to fame is that when I was younger, I was an extra in Free Willy and Mr. Holland’s Opus. My other claim to fame is that my grandpa was in the NFL and was then an NFL referee for many years (probably why I like football).

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