'Fairy godmother' helps homeless girls

 

Sophie Schaked USA Ambassador Preteen

Congregation Ohev Shalom member Sophie Schaked, 11, competed this past summer with girls from around the country for the title of USA Ambassador National Preteen, which she won. The newly crowned USA Ambassador Preteen then was inspired to create and host the Show Your Sparkle Pageant at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission after seeing how some of the girls at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission admired her crown and sash when she came to volunteer. It was then she decided she wanted to give the girls the opportunity to earn crowns and sashes of their own.

With the help of a Sparkle Squad of pageant friends from around the state, Schaked has created a day of pure magic for 25 girls ages 6-16 who live in the Mission. To make the event truly over the top, Schaked went into the community and personally asked businesses to join in to help produce the Show Your Sparkle Pageant.   


On Friday, May 26, Appollos Chariots picked up the girls in limos and whisk them to JCPenney Salon where they were pampered with facials, fancy hair and a professional headshot from the Portrait Studio. 

During the Show Your Sparkle experience on Saturday, May 27, the 25 girls were fitted in gowns and cocktails dresses donated by Sophie's pageant friends from around the country; took classes in "speaking with adults" to prep them for a fun, informal interview; acquired tips on poise and personal presentation; and learned how to uncover their inner sparkle.

The day culminated with The Finale Pageant experience complete with sashes, trophies and crowns to celebrate the inner sparkle in each girl.  JCPenney Salon freshened up hair styles, Gigi's cupcakes will spoiled the girls with sweet treats, Fiesta in the Park printed pink t-shirts, Firefly booth brought a photo booth for instant memories and The Awards Store customized plaques so that every girl is recognized for something that makes them truly special.   

Celebrity support joining the Show Your Sparkle Pageant included Miss America 2014, Ericka Dunlap, and new pop recording artist Austin Malone.

"I want the girls to feel truly special all day long. If they feel beautiful, confident, happy and surrounded by friends...then it will be a memory that will stay with them no matter where their life takes them," said Sophie Schaked before the event.   

The USA Ambassador system promotes "Success through Leadership, Integrity, Character, Confidence" and travels the title holders around the nation to represent the message and inspire young girls.  

For Information on the Orlando Union Rescue Mission visit http://www.ourm.org.

 

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