Five teen girls all decked out in white formal gowns and five teen boys in suits and ties wowed the crowd as they sashayed into a hall packed with more than 350 family members and supporters.
They were the contestants and their escorts in the Miss Charm Teen pageant who were participating in the 10th annual “Breakfast for Madame” event sponsored by the Alachua County Charmettes Inc. and held Saturday at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center at 1711 NW 34th St.
Those participating included Victoria Ashleigh Borneman and escort Sean Christopher King, Kaneisha Peeples and Je’rron Macon, Jasmine Teasley and Tramus Warren, Chelsea Renee Williams and Trevor Cue and Beulaira McFadden-Watts and Christopher McBride.
Beulaira was crowned Miss Charm Teen by Cassandra McCray, the 2005 Charm Teen. The first runner-up was Kaneisha, with Victoria named the second runner-up.
“I will look back at this experience and know I helped people by raising money for breast cancer,” said Beulaira. “I learned how to be a lady and how to act in society.”
For Cheryl Lynn McFadden, who is a single mother, Beulaira’s victory brought tears of joy. “I am overjoyed,” she said. ”I am so proud.” McFadden said it could not have happened without the support of Beulaira’s godmother, Ellen Rush, who is a member of the Charmettes, and other Charmettes, such as Gerie Crawford, Doris Welcome, Gladys Wright, Barbara Perry and Rosemarie Turk.
The glittering event began with a melodic prelude on piano by Charmette Altheia Henderson who continued to play throughout the two hour event.
Shameka Johnson of Mount Carmel Baptist Church brought the house to its feet with a rendition of “Heroes” by pop singer Mariah Carey.
Charmettes President Ora White offered welcoming remarks. “The Alachua branch of the Charmettes greet you with the spirit of love and kindness,” said White. “God loves you and the Charmettes love you, too.” She said funds raised will go toward cancer research and scholarships for high school students.
Those attending then dined on breakfast, which included eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, potatoes, french toast, oatmeal, fruits and pastries. After breakfast, door prizes wrapped in red were handed out to the lucky ticket holders.
Some of the contestants participated in the talent portion of the program, with Beulaira singing “Count on Me” by Whitney Houston. Kaneisha recited an original and witty poem about her experiences as a contestant and Victoria recited and acted out a poem about Harriet Tubman.
The girls were presented with a trophy, a certificate of participation, and a check for a percentage of the funds raised by them and their sponsors. Their escorts also received certificates of appreciation.
“They worked hard to raise funds,” said White. ”They know from the beginning, the winner will be the girl that raises the most funds.” Those who choose to participate go through a series of activities that include civic responsibility workshops, etiquette workshops and discussion on issues, such as dating.
The teens also visited Shands at UF and brought teddy bears to children battling cancer. For their community service requirement, the girls collected blankets for the St. Francis House and served food to the homeless.
The Alachua County Charmettes Inc. is a social and community service organization that raises funds for cancer research, provides scholarships to high school seniors and help those in need in the community.
The people who attended were obviously pleased with the program and the delicious breakfast. Beverly McCloud said, “This is an education for the young adults. It gives them something to work for, and will help them with future goals. And the food was marvelous and there was plenty of it.”
Ora Tolbert Davis said her sister and nieces were former contestants and winners. “I always enjoy coming here. It is a worthy cause with proceeds going to cancer and scholarships. I like the social aspect of it, too.”
article from the Gainesville Sun
