A Pageant that’s not all about the Glitz & Glamour
By Samantha Mellman
When people think about children’s beauty pageants, some may recall that crazy show on TLC ‘Toddler’s & Tiaras’. On that show children and parents alike throw temper tantrums and are only concerned about their child taking home the grand cash prize.
On April 28th, at the Boca Raton Marriott, Future Stars Pageant sets itself apart from other pageants because it is in honor of fundraising for Passion for Autism, a non-profit organization. The contestants who are used to competing in pageants can take the pressure off themselves because this contest is not about who is the most glamorous or talented, this pageant is about children being themselves.
Margi Helschien, executive director of Future Stars Pageant, created this charity event to help raise funds and awareness for autistic children.
Helschien said, “In regular pageants parents are willing to spend thousands of dollars on outfits and travel expenses.”
This pageant is focused on allowing any child with only a minimal expense, a $55 dollar entry to participate in the pageant. Parents do not have to spend an excessive amount on costumes as long as they comply with the ‘Twinkling Star’ theme which means anything the contestant wears has a shining element. The other category is ‘I’m a Star’ in which each child can perform any kind of talent.
Helschien said, “One child is going to recite all the Presidents of the United States, while another reads a poem she wrote all by herself.”
Toddlers through 12 year-olds with or without any pageant experience will take the stage and know that they are not judged for what they wear or how good their performance is, but to know that their efforts help the sake of children who have difficulties expressing themselves with Autism.
Our mission is to provide qualified individuals financial aid for services for
medical, social, or psychological reasons.
Contact us at : FutureStarsPageant@gmail.com
