I must admit, one of my favorite things about working with knowdifferent.net is finding events that are geared towards and benefitting the special needs community. There are so many happenings in and around RVA, especially now, with warmer temperatures and beautiful sunny days. Just check out our on-line calendar and you will be amazed at the number of 5K races, outdoor events, and family friendly outings.
One event that I discovered and was immediately excited to learn more about was the 2017 Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant. The Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant is open to female contestants with a developmental disability, ages 13+, who live in Caroline, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King William, and New Kent counties, and Richmond City.
“Anyone can do anything regardless of ability!” This is how Ashley Gregory, Co-Director of the 2017 Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant, describes the message of the event. For that reason, as well as the goal “to shine the spotlight on these girls.”
This year, eleven young women participated in this inaugural pageant that took place on March 25, 2017 at Atlee High School. Contestants ranged in age from 14-30, and competed in four areas: interview, casual wear, talent and evening gown. All of the contestants were given a “buddy” for the day to help them be the most successful, and were treated to pampering by the Glam Squad to help them feel “extra special.”
Sarah Chenault, a resident of Hanover’s Good Neighbor Home, was crowned the winner. One of the highlights of the night was Miss Chenault’s reciting all of the Presidents of the United States with great comedic timing, as her talent. Morgan McCullough was the 1st runner up; Emma Wooten was the 2nd runner up. All participants received tiaras and flowers.
Miss Hanover Abilities 2017 will represent the special needs community at appearances at local events throughout the year.
The pageant sponsored by Good Neighbor Community Services, serves as a fundraiser for Hanover Community Support Services, which provides general and respite support to Hanover County residents with developmental disabilities, emotional and mental health challenges, and/or challenges with substance use disorder.
The evening was a huge success, with over 300 tickets sold and $8000 raised for HCSS. HCSS plans to make this an annual event, so keep an eye out for details for next year’s pageant.
For more information about Hanover Community Support Services, or about Miss Hanover Abilities: http://hcss-inc.org/
For more events and activities in and around RVA, here is a link to knowdifferent.net’s EVENTS CALENDAR: https://knowdifferent.net/calendar/
