Decatur, AL, USA, 03/30/2015 /SubmitPressRelease123/
As a part of “Miss America Serves”— a national day of volunteer service presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals— Miss Alabama contestants will join together to work on three projects on April 18th . This combined effort will raise funds for the children’s hospitals in Birmingham and Mobile, while addressing the unique needs of communities across Alabama. ‘Miss Alabama Serves’ will bring together Miss Alabama titleholders and volunteers to work on service events that address particular needs in their communities.
In the northern part of the state, titleholders and volunteers will work with Habitat of Morgan County to build a home for a pre-qualified recipient in Decatur. Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County was founded in 1990 and is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Their mission is to build families and communities by eliminating poverty housing in Morgan County, Alabama, and by making simple, decent, affordable housing a matter of conscience.
“The ‘Miss Alabama Serves’ project speaks volumes for the Miss America program”, said Mindy Thwing, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Morgan County, Alabama. “Its contestants are vibrant, goaloriented young women who set an excellent example of civic responsibility for the next generation. Joining Miss Alabama contestants at our construction site will be a special treat for Habitat volunteers!” she concluded.
“The Miss America Day of Service is a day I am thrilled to be a part of”, said Elisabeth Chramer, Miss Leeds Area. “Each young woman in our organization has accomplished great community work individually and it is time for everyone in Alabama and across the nation to see what we are capable of when we work together on a collaborative project. With more than 22,200 of Alabama’s children experiencing homelessness each year, the Miss Alabama organization has the opportunity to help fight an epidemic that touches kids and families in every corner of our state. Habitat for Humanity is more than constructing homes and renovations— it is a partnership with individuals to build a foundation for success in a better life”, said Chramer. “With Alabama affiliates building and reconstructing more than 400 homes each year for low-income families, there are always worksites needing volunteers of all skill levels to help produce safe, affordable housing. The average Habitat home built in Alabama costs $82,000, making the labor costs offset by the Miss Alabama contestants and other volunteers crucial to the ongoing success of the Habitat mission here and globally”, continued Chramer. PRESS RELEASE
“I’m so honored to be a part of this incredible project”, said Katie Malone, Miss West Central Alabama. “Last year, I actually spent my spring break in Moore, Oklahoma, working with the Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding homes for families directly impacted by the May, 2013 tornado. It was such a rewarding experience….so I’m ready and excited to have this opportunity to serve in the same capacity here in my home state!”, she said.
In Tuscaloosa, titleholders will be working with Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa. Since 1945, TES has helped individuals and families in crisis situations by providing financial and other temporary assistance. TES offers many services including clothing, food assistance, and help with utilities to those in need. “On Miss America Serves Day, Miss Alabama contestants will be helping sort donations to TES”, said Payton Edberg, Miss University of Alabama. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the community that has become my home in yet another way, and I know the other women of the Miss Alabama organization will benefit from this experience as well, since many of them were here when the tornadoes hit Tuscaloosa in 2011, and witnessed how TES was first on the scene to help the many in need”, she concluded.
In the South Central part of the state, another group of young women will be working on a house with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery. Incorporated in 1987, the mission of the Montgomery organization is driven by the stark reality that thousands of Montgomery residents live in dangerous, unhealthy housing. For Habitat for Humanity partner families, the self-help housing program is a beacon of hope.
“The families, volunteers, and staff of Montgomery Habitat for Humanity are excited to be working alongside the Miss Alabama participants” said Nick Mielke, Executive Director of Montgomery Habitat. “As we continue our work of battling poverty housing in Montgomery County we are thankful for the opportunity to partner with such exemplary young ladies who are eager to serve our community”, said Mielke.
“Community service is important to me”, said Jessie Garrison, Miss Auburn University. “While that would seem like a typical thing for a Miss Alabama candidate to say— it is true! One of the most memorable weeks of my life was spent painting churches in Greece. I am excited about this opportunity to help build a house for a deserving family in Montgomery through Habitat for Humanity”, she concluded.
About the Miss Alabama Pageant
Alabama is home to a remarkable and respected organization with a rich history that spans more than nine decades. This not-for-profit organization awards college scholarships to outstanding young women of our state, and its mission is more critical than ever in this time of inadequate funding for education in Alabama. The Miss Alabama Pageant stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when college women are challenged and encouraged to achieve ambitious goals.
The community service aspect of the Miss Alabama program propels contestants into arenas of prominence where policy is made, laws are enacted or changed, crucial funding is realized, and lives are positively affected. Contestants work for causes represented by their personally chosen platforms which may include Cancer research and education, organ donation, child enrichment and mentoring programs, senior citizen advocacy, arts and cultural organizations, and many others.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all faiths and walks of life to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need.
About Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa
Temporary Emergency Services Inc. (TES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in crisis situations. Churches in the Tuscaloosa Community funded TES in 1945 to serve clients unable to receive assistance from local social services agencies. TES assists individuals and families in crisis situations in order to allow the clients to survive the immediate crisis they are encountering. TES operates its programs efficiently and effectively, thereby maximizing its limited resources, and the productivity of its employees. TES utilizes programs and services that have been successful for other public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
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