“B.J. Thorn, founder of the Arkansas Angels Pageant, attended a funeral this past year for a young child. A crown and sash lay on the casket.
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“It was a very emotional experience for me. We have lost two that were in the pageant last year,” Thorn said, referring to the inaugural pageant held last year for special needs children. “The family told me… how important the child felt after the pageant. There is no toy, for these children, which takes the place of crossing that stage and knowing they are worthy.”
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Thorn knows first-hand. She founded the pageant in honor of her daughter, Andrea, who sits on the sidelines in her wheelchair watching as her twin sister, Baylee, participated in pageants. Andrea, however, was hospitalized and in intensive care last year during the pageant and both she and her mother missed the event. This year, there are plans for Andrea to help with the crowning—wear her sash and crown denoting her as the Grand Miss Arkansas Angel.
“It isn’t about the competition for these kids—it’s about the pageantry,” Thorn said.
The 2012 pageant is set for 9 a.m., March 17, in the Beebe High School Auditorium and open to all special needs children.
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“We are an open pageant,” Thorn said. “Any boy or girl newborn-21, with a special need, is welcome to participate. We want this to be an exciting and super fun experience for these kids. And, there’s no charge for entering.”
Sponsors and volunteers join forces to help with outfits, make-up, hair and prizes. Organizers are also asking for monetary sponsorships from the community.
“Only $25 sponsors one child’s entire magical day, including all of their goodies,” Thorn said. “A $100 business sponsorship takes care of four kiddos, and gets their business name advertised on our T-shirts and program. We just want it known, every penny we earn goes into making this a day these kids will never forget.”
Last year, 120 participated. This year, Thorn anticipates about 150 will take to the stage. All children are crowned and walk away with a sash and title. Participants are signed up from not only around the state but also from California, Texas, New York, Indiana and Missouri.
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For additional information Thorn may be contacted at arkansasangelspageant@gmail.com or you may contact the director of this year’s pageant Amber Neumeier at 501-412-3994. The pageant also has a website and Facebook page.”
UPCOMING DATES:(Click on Register and see the full list of states participating)
TEXAS ANGELS PAGEANT Febuary 25th
ARKANSAS ANGELS PAGEANT March 17th
INDIANA ANGELS PAGEANT May 2012
CALIFORNIA ANGELS PAGEANT May 2012
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