F-U-Ndraising !!!!

According to Dictionary.com Fundraiser - [fuhnd-rey-zer] is defined as:

– a noun

1.  a person who solicits contributions or pledges.

2.  a gathering held for such solicitation

3. a person who raises money for a cause

4.  an event held to raise money for a cause.

Some times the beauty of pageantry is that it gives girls an women the opportunity to be or hold fundraisers.  As we wind up this "season of giving", it's important that we be reminded how the wonderful worlds of pageantry and fundraising can go hand in hand.  While the first thing we may think about when entering a pageant becomes an idea is the cost - try thinking about it as a small investment in the betterment of humanity.

Many pageant systems smile upon those who have a platform they promote throughout their reign or quest to win the crown.  Often times, showcasing how involved you are in a particular platform can be demonstrated by the events you hold to raise funds or awareness.  While organizations may be able to do it on their own, having the assistance of a pageant queen to put a face on it doesn't hurt.

Sometimes, it just feels good to know that you can use your title as Miss Turkey Leg to encourage other people to come out and make a donation to Special Olympics, Cancer Awareness, HIV/AIDS or Big Brothers Big Sisters to name a few.  

Pageantry can be about so much more than just looking pretty if you take the chance to put your heart and mind into it.  This weekend Miss DC International and Miss Teen DC International will be hosting an ice skating fundraiser to raise funds for the homeless and self esteem organizations.  Now what could be more fun that a Saturday afternoon on ice.  

Look beyond the crown and think about how you can make a difference in the lives of others.

 

Happy Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM PAGEANTS & PEARLS !!!!!!

Fashion alert

The stars were out in Las Vegas on November 11th for the Latin Grammys.  If you've ever needed inspiration on how to showcase your curves, this is the place to look.  Enjoy !!!

Venezuelan actress-model Chiquinquira Delgado 

Singer Paloma Michelle

Actress/Singer Jennifer Lopez

Actress Gaby Spanic

Will I wear this dress again?

"Will I wear this dress again" is a question asked by many a pageant contestant and pageant mom.  It should be, because it's a very valid question.  When looking for the perfect pageant gown, you're sort of stuck in a quandry.  On one hand you don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a gown you may only wear once, yet you don't want to wear a gown you've previously competed in.  Hmmmm, what's a girl (or mom) to do.

Fortunately, there are great websites like Pageant Resale, and The Pageant Planet, to name a few, where you can place your items online for resale to the highest bidder our outright purchaser.  If you are looking for a competition gown, you can really consider this your "Pageant Look for Less" site as these dresses are often selling for a fraction of the cost since they've been previously worn.

Of course, you must be careful when buying and completely up front when selling, but otherwise it's a win - win.  Remember to read the fine print as well as terms and conditions of any site you select to resale or purchase your gown, as they will vary, to make sure you completely understand what you are getting yourself into.

 A Jovani Ombre evening gown re-selling for $300 on Pageant resale 

Compared to Jovani Exclusive 2010 Collection.

Tiffany Princess Gown by House of Wu re-selling on Pageant Resale for $269.00  

Compared to House of Wu Girls Collection.

Tony Bowls Custom re-selling on Pageant Resale for $350.00.  
Compared to Tony Bowls 2011 collection.

A Day in the Life

Here at Pageants & Pearls, we love to showcase dynamic pageant titleholders who are out and about doing wonderful things.  To that end, we encourage you to send us your stories, photos, etc. to share with the pageant community.  We received this submission from Deshauna Barber, Miss Virginia International 2011. 

On Tuesday, October 26th,  I visited the 4-H Mentoring Center for Children in the City of Petersburg. This center provides an after school program for local children ages six to ten years old. I wanted to make the kids laugh and have a great time with them. We began the day with homework and educating games. I wanted to make the sure the children knew the importance of schoolwork. After all schoolwork was completed we played games such as Twister, Candyland and checkers. We also enjoyed a book called "My Own Song". We enjoyed the book so much that we decided to all make our own personal song!! So each kid was able to write a song and/or rap about themselves. The kids were amazing, talented and so full of joy. I look forward to visiting the center again next Monday!!

THANKS DESHAUNA, we look forward to seeing more great things from you throughout your reign!

Little Beauties in Maryland

A new and EXCITING pageant is happening in Maryland and moving throughout the East Coast.  The first Maryland Beautiful Pageant, a natural, fun and pageant for girls ages 0 - 12 years old, over four divisions (Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss and Junior Miss), will take place on Sunday, November 7th.  Maryland Residency is not a requirement and every participant will receive a trophy. 

Division winners receive a CASH prize, crown and sash.  Photogenic, an optional category, will also receive a crown.  Share this one category competition with your daughters, nieces, friends, cousins, church members, goddaughters and neighbors!!!!   The divisions are:

• Baby Miss - 0 months to 3 years  
• Tiny Miss - 4 to 6 years old 
• Little Miss - 7 - 9 years old
• Junior Miss - 10 - 12 years old

 

The deadline to submit your application to reserve your spot as well as non-refundable application fee is Monday, November 1st.  Contact mrsmarylandinternational@gmail.com for additional information.

A Mid October's Dream - "For Success"

Yesterday, I had the honor of serving on the host committee for the Baltimore chapter of Dress for Success's annual fashion show fundraiser.  The theme was "Hidden Dreams", a reflection of the organization's commitment to bringing light to the forgotten and underserved women of Baltimore, affectionately known as Charm City and it's surrounding areas!    The models of the show were a wonderful array of shapes, sizes and hues, including the reigning Mrs. Maryland Galaxy - Adrienne Watson Carver.    My guests for the evening were Yolanda Makle, Ms. Galaxy International 2011 and Tracey Jamison, Mrs. All-American Classic Woman 2010.  We were treated to a pre-show reception, full of fabulous light fare and deserts provided by one of the evening's sponsors Sullivan's Steakhouse, as well as champagne, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

This organization is very near and dear to my heart as it assists women in gaining some of the positive self-esteem and confidence attributes we often spout in our pageant endeavors.   In case you are not familiar with the mission of Dress for Success, let me share.  According to the national website "The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."   While that is technically what they do, the inspiration and motivation they give women - by providing them with some of the tools they need to reclaim their status as employees and productive citizens proves they really do so much more.    The Baltimore chapter serviced more than 500 women last year alone!!!  It is my hope that the pageant community of Maryland will continue to assist this organization in any way possible!!!

Congratulations Virginia International Pageants!

Congratulations are in order for DeShawn Shepard and her entire Virginia International Pageants staff, including the Pretty Pageant People!   This past weekend, they crowned the 2011 Mrs. Virginia International, Miss Virginia International and Miss Preteen Virginia International.

Also in attendance were the three reigning International title holders - Miss International Ashley Smith, Miss Teen International Juliana McKee and Mrs. International Shannon Devine.

Rebecca Crosen, the new Mrs. Virginia International, proved third time is a charm as this stunning brunette captured the crown.  She now will continue her work on her platform "It's Hip to Give" - promoting the American Red Cross and blood donation.  Representing the Piedmont area, this mother of one has made outstanding strides in her cause - check out her blog.

DeShauna Barber, the new Miss Virginia International is an U.S. Army reservist, who will use her reign to promote supporting our troops and encouraging young people to give back!  DeShauna was first runner up to Miss Virginia International 2010 Tamika Mills and has previously competed in the Miss Virginia USA pageants.

Not back there!!!!

There are many, many things that pageant girls do to make sure they look their best on stage.   Every pageant girl knows, there is nothing worse than going on stage and feeling the slight creep of your swimsuit moving more and more towards the center as you prepare to give the audience a 360 degree view of you in all your loveliness.  To combat that, teens and women use a myriad of products and industry tricks to make sure the bottoms of their suits stay in place.

One such product is affectionately known as "butt glue"!! Catchy huh?  You can find this adhesive in a wide range of places.  Try searching on Amazon.com for "It Stays" Butt Glue  or The Queen's Choice if you prefer Firm Grip spray on adhesive.

Some industry veterans use good old fashioned hair spray, not only does it keep your suit from moving it can also keep your thighs from jiggling as you walk.  There is also the option of using double sided lingerie tape.  Be careful as this can often be risky because the tape can be difficult to get on properly and can move when you walk. 

You can purchase most of these products for less than $15.00, sometimes as cheaply as $5.00.

Whatever you decide to use, make sure you keep a good oil or adhesive remover handy for when you take off your bathing suit.  We certainly don't want you sticking to anything else, now do we -- at least not back there!!!

You never know "Who's Who"

 It is always quite thrilling to learn about the accomplishments of titleholders outside of the pageantry arena.  It continues to emphasize the fact that pageants are about much more than just looking pretty on stage and in a bathing suit.  Titleholders, every day, are doing so much in their communities and with their titles.  

Chelsey with the unveiling of the publication's cover

Miss District of Columbia International Chelsey Rodgers, Esq. can now count among her many accolades the distinction of being included in the 2010 edition of the “Who’s Who in Black Washington, DC”.  In an official ceremony, held in Washington on September 15th, Chelsey along with other honorees were treated to a preview of the publication after receiving their awards. This distinction places her in the amazing company of Washington luminaries like Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, the Honorable Anna Blacksburn-Rigsby, Rev. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. and BET’s Debra Lee who were also honored in this year’s list.

 Chelsey with Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, former dean of Spelman College

Chelsey is the Director of Business & Legal Affairs for Johnson Media, Inc. and managing attorney for the Law Office of Chelsey Rodgers, PLLC, which services clientele in New York, Maryland and Washington, DC. At Johnson Media, Chelsey oversees expansion strategies into other US markets, serves as event director for the annual Apex Society Power 30 Under 30 Awards, and manages the company’s legal affairs. An alumna of Howard University Law School and Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, she also serves as Chairperson of the District of Columbia’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. The Board advises juvenile agencies and ensures juvenile delinquency prevention programs meet the needs of youth in the District.
 

Chelsey with Cassandra Bozeman, COO of Who's Who Publishing

Chelsey with Mrs. DC's Classic American Woman 

Congratulations Chelsey Rodgers - Miss DC International 2010 on your latest honor!

Really .....a SNEAKER Ball

Last Tuesday, September 14th, a few titleholders in the Washington Metropolitan area participated as volunteers for Sneaker Ball VII, hosted by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance.

According to its website: "SneakerBall is the only black tie and sneakers gala that annually celebrates the best of sports in the Greater Washington D.C. region. The event is organized to recognize the Greater Washington Sports Collaborative, the non profit foundation of the Sports Alliance that uses the philanthropic generosity of individual and corporate donors to make strategic investments in emerging non profits that use sports to enhance a child’s life."

Ms. Galaxy International 2011-Yolanda Makle, Mrs. Maryland International 2010 - Angel McCoy, Miss Teen DC International 2010 - Alexis Harvey, Miss DC International 2010- Chelsey Rodgers and Mrs. DC All-American 2011 - Deanna James were on hand to help out as "raffle girls".  Throughout the evening, the ladies had a chance to take photos and speak with a few of Washington's professional sports athletes, news anchors, philanthropists and team mascots.  Enjoy the pictoral!!!

The ladies had many admirers throughout the evening.

Mrs. Maryland with a "Hogette"

 Mrs. District of Columbia All-American with Andray Blatche of the Washington Wizards

 

 Another admirer of the ladies

Mrs. Maryland and the "Red Rockers" - Cheerleaders of the DC's beloved NHL Capitals

Mrs. Maryland with WUSA 9's (CBS affiliate) Angie Goff

 Mrs. DC All-American and a mascot 

The ladies showcasing the sneakers for the night.

Special thanks to Mrs. Maryland International 2010, Angel McCoy for sharing her photos with us.

The newest "Keystone" cuties!

 

On Sunday, September 12, new 2010-2011 titleholders we crowned in front of family and friends, thus beginning a new and exciting chapter in their lives.

Kelsey Landy was crowned Miss Pennsylvania Collegiate America.  A sophomore at California University of Pennsylvania, she is a special education major who also serves as a Legislative Intern. In her spare time, this honor student also hosts her own television show “Teen Scene”. She hopes to pursue a career in education administration after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree.   Kelsey is the former Miss Pennsylvania Teen World 2009.   

Julia Belechak is the new Miss Pennsylvania High School America.  A junior at Vincentian Academy, she spends her spare time dancing, modeling and cheerleading.  Striving to make a positive difference in the lives her peers, she also participates in the school’s bullying prevention program .   She hopes to attend college in the fall of 2012 and ultimately become a news anchor or sports broadcaster.  Julia is the former National American Miss Pennsylvania Junior Teen 2009.

12 year-old, 7^th grader, Nicole Carney, is the new Jr. Miss Pennsylvania High School America.  She is a student at Seneca Valley Middle School.  When she is not competing in a local pageant, she spends quality time with her sisters and parents.  

The crowning ceremony, which was held at the Eden Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania which included a charity fundraiser for Claire’s House, allowed the new titleholders to showcase their interview and public speaking skills as well as their fun fashion and evening gown presentations.    The new Miss Collegiate America will go on to compete in the national pageant next January in San Antonio, Texas.  The Miss High School America pageant will also be held in San Antonio and coincides with the 175^th anniversary celebration of the Battle of the Alamo next March.  

From Midwest to Northeast - the new Mrs. America 2011

Congratulations are in order to Shelly Carbone, the new Mrs. America 2011.  Representing the beautiful state of Connecticut, this nurse, wife of John and mother of four wowed the audience.  According to reports she was awesome in her on stage question letting the judges know that she is "blessed and grateful" for all she has.     Not only beautiful, but sensible - Shelly competed on the national stage in the very same gown in which she won her state pageant, proving that it doesn't take THOUSANDS to reinvent yourself to capture the national crown.  Way to go Shelly, an inspiration for the frugal queen inside us all and a reminder "that if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

(photos from Mrs. America and Mrs. CT America websites)

Rounding up the 2011 court was 1st Runner Up, Mrs. Maryland Raquel Thomas - mother of two and  a former army captain, turned model, turned photographer.    Raquel, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., spoke to the judges about the military and life.  As a former Mrs. MD United States, I am QUITE pleased with Raquel's placement ;-).    I can't find any record of Raquel competing prior to the Mrs. MD pageant, but I have a feeling this is not the last we will see of her.

2nd runner up was Illinois newscaster and mother of two, Amy Gregorio.  Amy, is very familiar with the national stage as she competed a few years ago in Vegas as Mrs. Illinois United States 2007.  This beauty is also an Emmy-nominated journalist with a soft spot for advocating for children.

The Mrs. America 2011 pageant also served as a great opportunity for a FB reunion with my class of '09 Mrs. America sisters!  It was so awesome to reminisce and delightfully talk about the 5-20 pounds we've gained since this time last year.   Okay, well it actually started after the top 10 were announced.

(Photo courtesy of Mrs. Oregon America 2009)

Back to my original point, Andrea was from the midwest (MO), Shelly's from the Northeast (CT), but this time next year it could be another region.  Regardless, women from all across the country will, once again get together - in person or virtually to reminisce about their time together - bonded by a special memory regardless of where they are from. And that my friends, in the end, is some of the wonderfulness of pageantry!

I can't wait to reconnect next April in West Virginia!  Carrie (Mrs. MD '09) pack up the ride!!!!!  Mrs. A 2012 here we come!

Show me the money!

I have said it before and I will say it again.  Pageantry is about so much more than just "looking pretty".  Successful competition in a pageant can open doors for a young lady that could lead to endless opportunities.  The confidence built by stepping out on a stage in front of hundreds of people to the people skills learned by spending a week or more with teenagers from all walks of life are skills taught in few places but required in many arenas.  On top of that, the money that can be earned through scholarships and scholastic awards rival any athletic scholarship program.

Lacy Russ, Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011

Last month, one beautiful and talented young lady from Oklahoma earned a $30,000 scholarship.   Lacy Russ, a rising senior at Cordell High School in Cordell, Oklahoma was crowned Miss America's Outstanding Teen 2011.  Her talent in the competition was piano and she reportedly played an amazing "piece that was a combination of Bach's Prelude XXI  and Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique and spoke of her platform P.U.R.E Excellence". (MAOT website).   

  

Other winners in the pageant including the court (1st - 4th runners up) and top 10 finalists won awards ranging from $1,500 - $15,000.   There were several other cash prizes such as: Scholastics Excellence Award (Highest GPA), Outstanding Achievement in Academic Life (GPA + Resume), B. Don Magness Spirit of America Award (Provided by the MAOT Sorority) and Non-finalist Interview Award $500 to name a few. 

Another opportunity exists for young ladies, high school aged, to earn approximately $10,000 in scholarship funds.   Earlier this year Carlina Romero of Columbia, SC was crowned Miss High School America 2010.  The pageant, which is held in Branson, Missouri offers "exists for the purpose of providing personal and professional opportunities for high school girls. It is our goal to provide outstanding high school girls the opportunity to compete in a pageant system that has the highest of moral values." (Miss High School America website).    Unlike the MAOTeen pageant, there is no talent requirement with contestants instead Miss High School America contestants compete in: Opening Number,” “Fun Fashion,” “Evening Gown,” and the “Interview.” 

Whether it's through main stream channels like Miss America's Outstanding Teen (and it's local and state competitions) & Miss High School America or smaller avenues like Miss Elks Lodge or Little Miss Flower Bed, always remember one benefit of participating and succeeding in pageantry could be "show me the money".  If you're not sure where to start there are goo-gabs of consultants, coaches, make-up artists, directors, etc. that can definitely help put you on the right path, just ask one of them.

DC Pageant Girls in the City

It's always nice to see state and local titleholders out supporting the home team.  On Friday, August 13th Miss Teen District of Columbia International Alexis Harvey and Miss District of Columbia International Chelsey Rodgers helped the Washington Mystics celebrate "Ladies Night".  Even the Mystics' mascot, Lucky the Rabbit, got in on the fun.    They Mystics beat the Minnesota Lynx on their way to the first round of the WNBA playoffs.

Tradition Continues....

This morning I signed on to Facebook and much to my surprise, the first thing I saw was a photo and brief caption about two of my favorite Miss Americas!!!!!  Miss America 1984, actress, singer and businesswoman Vanessa L. Williams with the reigining Miss America 2010, the talented Caressa Cameron.  Who was the genius that captured THIS photo op?

The two beauties were photographed while Caressa attended the MAGIC Clothing Industry Convention in Las Vegas, NV.  Ms. Williams has just introduced a line of handbags that are sure to make waves throughout the fashion world.

This picture is iconic for me as Ms. Williams was the first African-American Miss America (or black as we were referenced back then), while Miss Cameron has almost single-handedly revived the Miss America franchise and thrust the organization back into the public eye.  It was announced late in the spring, that after loosing its spot on network television, the pageant will return to ABC for the 2011 pageant.  According to the Today show, "the night Caressa won, the pageant was watched by 4.5 million viewers".  

Coincidentally, as with many of the MAO winners, both women competed with a vocal talent and won the preliminary award in that category.   While Vanessa went on to have a thriving performing arts career following her reign, Caressa hopes to succeed as a news anchor/broadcast journalist.  However, there is a chance that her performance on Jamie Fox's radio show during the Superbowl, may have some thinking a performing arts career may be in the works for her!  

No matter what Caressa decides to do, it's evident that the Miss America tradition of beauty and excellence continues.  Thank you Caressa for propelling the Miss America Organization back into the limelight and thanks zimbio.com for starting off my morning with two of my favorites "pageant queens".

Now the countdown begins as I wait to see Miss America 1984 move onto Wisteria Lane!!!!!!