Published: July 02, 2009 08:49 pm      

Benefit pageant returning to Mt. Vernon

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — For the third year in a row, the Southern Illinois Miss/Mr. Hope Benefit Pageant will be held in the King City on Aug. 1 at the Times Square Mall. Proceeds from the pageant will go to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital and Research.

“Every year we do this,” explained organizer Rhonda Moffitt. “We don’t really have a hometown pageant here, but we want to be a charity-based pageant. I’ve been getting more input since we’ve been doing this and St. Jude’s really needs the help.”

For the past two years, the Miss/Mr. Hope Pageant has raised money through various fund-raisers to help the American Cancer Society. Moffitt says she wants the pageant to still focus on finding a cure for cancer, which is why the proceeds will go towards St. Jude’s Cancer Research.

“We’ll be doing a calendar contest for the first time — every contestant will be in it. We’ll be selling the calendars to buy gifts for children with cancer,” Moffitt said, adding the contestants will be personally shopping for patients.

Moffitt also said the various fund-raisers associated with the pageant are not only good for the community, but for the contestants as well.

“We want to be known for our inner beauty, not so much the outer beauty,” she noted. “There will be no judging on modeling or attire — kids should feel confident. They all are crowned, queen or princess, king or prince. Everyone gets a trophy and a bag of gifts. Everyone is a winner.”

No experience is necessary and age divisions are as follows: Boys, 0 to 24 months, 2 to 4 years and 5 years and up; girls, 0 to 12 months, 13 to 23 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 to 8 years, 9 to 10 years, 11 to 12 years, 13 to 14 years, 15 to 16 years, and 17 to 20 years.

Adults are also encouraged to either participate in the misses age group and the 30 years and up group or volunteer with the pageant.

Local businesses are also asked to participate with a sponsorship of $25. However, Moffitt says any donation would be appreciated.

“Even though this is open to all Illinois residents, this is a hometown Mt. Vernon pageant,” Moffitt remarked. “We will be involved with the Harvest Festival in October too and will have a float in the parade.”

For more information about the pageant, to donate or become a sponsor, call 231-5623 or contact Moffitt at 822-6836.