I am so lucky! Not for carrying the title of Mrs. New Jersey , but the opportunity the title has given me – to meet so many wonderful people. There is so much irony. I have been the one with the crown, yet the title holders are the people that I have met. The people who have been through great challenges in their lives – financial despairs, physical impairments, abandonment and abuse – and carry the trophy of freedom, life and confidence today. These are the examples of which we can learn.

 I have watched the Samaritan's of this world who work in nursing homes give so much love and spirit to the residents that it opens a whole new world of beauty. I have watched the people of our inner cities with so little money and barely a roof to live under, walk proudly through their cities with a job that love to call their own. These people are the crown holders…their stories, their courage and their will to live each day to the fullest and to choose “life” over “existence”. I will always be the luckiest to know them and will be grateful for this opportunity.

 Thank you – to the judges, to all of my supporters and to my Mom and Dad who helped me become all that I am today.

Sincerely,
Gail Kasper
Mrs. New Jersey America 2002