Hello Friends!
Welcome to my campaign page for the Miss Earth USA "Beauties for a Cause" charitable giving challenge. 🌍✨
ABOUT ME
I’m Catherine Ching, your proud Miss Connecticut Earth 2024, and I’m excited to share my journey with you. As an advocate for sustainability, food security, and disability rights, I am dedicated to driving meaningful change for our communities and planet.
I’m currently a junior at Cornell University, studying Hotel Administration, where I’ve embraced opportunities that combine academics, professional growth, and advocacy. Growing up in my father’s dim sum restaurant, I developed a deep appreciation for the power of food as a connector—of families, cultures, and communities. At the same time, I witnessed the challenges posed by food waste and inefficiency.
This perspective deepened through my work at the Statler Hotel- Hotel Leadership Development Program, where I create memorable guest experiences while exploring ways to embed sustainability into hospitality. My internship with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce expanded my understanding of local economic impact, as I supported small businesses and contributed to Brooklyn’s first tourism website to drive community growth.
One of my proudest moments was receiving the prestigious Philippus Miller III ’83 Legacy Award. This honor took me to Dubai, where I represented Cornell at the 56th Annual Cornell Hotel Society EMEA Regional Meeting. There, I engaged with global hospitality leaders and attended a fireside chat with Marriott International’s CEO, Anthony Capuano, and Dubai’s tourism CEO, His Excellency Issam Kazim. These conversations offered invaluable insights into sustainable tourism and inspired me to see hospitality as a catalyst for global change.
My ultimate goal is to become an international human rights lawyer. I believe that by working together, we can create a world that is more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.
ABOUT BEAUTIES FOR A CAUSE USA
"Beauties for a Cause USA" (B4ACUSA) isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. This incredible nonprofit empowers women and girls to take the lead in environmental advocacy and community impact. B4ACUSA’s mission resonates deeply with my own values, as it supports:
- Grants & Scholarships to equip women with tools for leadership and activism.
- The "Still She Rose" Wellness Program to uplift mental health and emotional well-being.
- We Clean Trails, mobilizing communities to preserve and restore our environment.
Together, these initiatives create a ripple effect of empowerment, education, and action—exactly what the world needs.
ABOUT MY PLATFORM: BEYOND HUNGER: BUILDING RESILIENT FUTURES
Growing up in my father’s dim sum restaurant, I learned that food is more than just nourishment—it’s family, culture, and connection. But I also witnessed the harsh reality of food waste in an industry where every dollar counts, a lesson that stayed with me. It’s staggering to consider that 30% of food worldwide is wasted each year, valued at $1 trillion, while 828 million people struggle with food insecurity. As a Hotel Administration student at Cornell, I’ve come to see how the hospitality industry can be a powerful force for change. Inspired by brands like Hilton, which has pledged to cut food waste by 50% by 2030, I created Beyond Hunger to empower action at every level—from family-run restaurants to global hotel chains. My vision is for hospitality to be a catalyst for sustainable growth and resilience, transforming the way we approach food, community, and service to create lasting impact for generations to come.
CAMPAIGN INCENTIVES
Every donation to my campaign has a direct impact on empowering women and supporting sustainability initiatives. Together, we can achieve:
- $150: Entered into a monthly drawing to receive sponsored gifts.
- $300: Minimum fundraising goal for delegates by December 31.
- $650: Scholarship Level 1! Includes modeling in the 25th-anniversary gala runway competition, scholarship consideration, and a guest ticket to the event.
- $850: Scholarship Level 2! Includes all of the above, plus consideration for a $1,500 scholarship.
- Top Fundraiser Incentive: Earn a guaranteed spot in the Top 20 if you’re the highest fundraiser in your division!
WHY SUPPORT ME?
When you donate to my campaign, you’re doing more than helping me reach my goals—you’re becoming part of a movement for positive change. Together, we can:
- Advance sustainability and reduce food insecurity.
- Empower women and girls to lead in advocacy and education.
- Build resilient communities that embrace equity and inclusion.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support is the spark that ignites change—and I couldn’t do this without you. 💚
