Queens and Cherry Blossoms

There are so many services available to contestants to help them have the most successful reign possible. Along with interview coaching, fitness training and stage presence prep, a young lady can often seek the services of a publicist/appearance manager.  While it is fairly easy to search for opportunities on your own, having the assistance of someone who is trained, experienced and educated in public relations and event management can work wonders.  

The Madison Donovan Group, LLC is one such company that specializes in appearance management and event planning for local, state and national pageant titleholders and contestants.  Here's a Madison Donovan Group success story!

Heather Thompson, Mrs. Virginia International 2010 will be a celebrity guest at the Official Family Day and Kick-off Ceremony of the 2010 National Cherry Blossom Festival .  The event will take place on Saturday, March 27 on the National Mall near the Washington Monument in Washington, DC.

 
She'll be at the Sylvan Theater helping with the State Farm "Message for Our Troops" table and she'll introduce the first onstage performance at noon.  Stop by to write a message for one of our troops and see Heather.

Girls just wanna have fun

In the midst of all the working out, counting calories, promoting platforms, doing community service, speaking to students and fundraising there is still one thing to remember about pageants.  Sometimes, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN.  Recently, three queens from the Washington Metropolitan area had the chance to do just that!

On Friday, March 19th, Tracey Jamison- Classic All-American Mrs. 2010, Angel McCoy - Mrs. Maryland International 2010 and Deanna McCray James - Mrs. District of Columbia America 2009, had a chance to visit the National Health and Fitness Expo.  The event was held at the DC Armory, home of the District's National Guard, in preparation for the 2010 SunTrust National Marathon and Half Marathon that took place on Saturday throughout D.C.

Originally slated to participate in a panel discussion focusing on the everyday woman: "Healthy Women - Mind, Body & Spirit", the women had the chance to spend some time on the show floor after their presentation and ran into all kinds of interesting people (and characters).  Who says you have to be all work and no play?

The Queens spend some time with Lucky the Rabbit, the WNBA's Washington Mystics mascot

 

Mrs. D.C. America 2009 and Bugs Bunny, brings back childhood memories.

 

The ladies participated in a discussion after the audience had a chance to hear from some past contestants of the hit NBC reality series - "The Biggest Loser".  Here, the queens are photographed with Miggy, from Season 9.

The Beauty of Giving Back

Well now that awards season is over, Oh, by the way, congrats to Mo'Nique for rounding out her stellar 2010 awards season by winning the coveted Academy Award, I can focus my energies on other pageant related items.

As spring comes upon us, the weather gets nice, the sun stays out longer and people are in a more upbeat mood.  It's easy to forget about all the charity and spirit of giving we had in our hearts during the holiday.  Fortunately, I know of many titleholders, that do a great job of remaining in the spirit of giving. 

This week, the annual Food and Friends Dining Out for Life event will take place all throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area.  On Thursday, March 11, restaurants in the area will join together to support those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses by contributing a percentage of their sales to Food & Friends.  

 
Mrs. Virginia International 2010 and Mrs. Maryland International 2010 will spend the evening volunteering as hostesses at restaurants in Prince Georges County, MD and Fredericksburg, VA.  So if you happen the area, stop by one of the local restaurants that are participating and you may run in to them.  You can find a list of participating restaurants and make your own reservation to "Dine Out For Life" - there's sure to be a location near you.  Miss Virginia International 2010 will participate in the Hampton Roads Area Dining Out For life on Thursday, April 29th. 

The Carolina International Pageants

Congratulations to Mrs. Shana Harmon-Goff, the new Mrs. South Carolina International 2010.  Shana was crowned in a dual-state, six-title pageant held in Greensboro, NC on Saturday, Feb. 27.    Carolina International Pageants director, Joy Pfister, put on a wonderful production, which also included a "Rock n Roll" mixer on Friday's opening evening.

 Mrs. South Carolina International 2010 - Shana Harmon-Goff

Shana, who competed as Mrs. Columbia, will go on to the Mrs. International Pageant this July succeeds Mrs. South Carolina International 2009 Lori Pelzer. 

Mrs. South Carolina International 2009 - Lori Peltzer

 

Mrs. South Carolina international is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as is, ironically,   the outgoing Mrs. North Carolina International 2009 Ladaria Richardson.

Mrs. North Carolina International 2009 - LaDaria Richardson