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!