"I thought it would be nice to have a pageant where everybody wins, but they win for their own unique reasons," said Kim Roe, organizer of the inaugural Everybody Shines pageant. "I wanted to promote the gifts of people with disabilities with no winners or losers."
Lancaster Down Syndrome Advocates will present the first Everybody Shines pageant on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.
Participants of all ages and disabilities are welcome to take part in the pageant, which will include a variety of categories. Individuals who take part may choose the categories in which they wish to participate. "There will be a photogenic category, and participants may perform a talent if they like," said Kim, who added that a runway modeling category will include formal wear, fun fashion, swimwear, and sleepwear.
Kim's daughter, Phoebe, who has Down syndrome, has competed in Cinderella pageants, contests that bill themselves as natural pageants featuring real children, since she was a baby. "She just loved it," said Kim, whose older daughter competes in the Cinderella pageants as well. At the age of 8, Phoebe has reached a point where it is difficult for her to compete against others her age in the interview and talent categories. Last year, Kim entered Phoebe in the York County Stars pageant for children with special needs. Although Phoebe enjoyed taking part, Kim had a vision for a pageant that would offer something different. "I thought it would be great to have something where children and adults could just get on stage and do their thing," she said.
Lancaster Down Syndrome Advocates has existed since 2014. The organization is parent-run with a five-member board. "We don't work directly with families," said Kim. "We work in the community with other groups."
In the past, the group worked with Excentia to create a first responder training program, which can be used with police, fire departments, and EMTs. "We can bring the training into their facility," explained Kim. "That was one of our first big endeavors."
The group also worked with The Arc of Lancaster County. "We try to work with organizations that already exist to (enhance) what they do," explained Kim. "Our goal is to increase advocacy in the communities." Kim added that she and another board member have spoken to education majors at area colleges to help future teachers understand the mindset of the parent/advocate.
Kim, who has experience coordinating Cinderella pageants, hopes members of the public will come to the event. "A big part of (the emphasis in staging the pageant) is that everybody has a gift to give," she said. "Come and see children and adults on stage and see them dance, smile. I want to promote the gifts of people with disabilities," she said. "There will be no winners or losers. Just come see how they shine."
There is no cost to take part in the pageant, but Kim would appreciate individuals registering by Sunday, Feb. 9, through the organization's web page at http://www.lancasterdsa.org. More information may also be found by searching for "Lancaster Down Syndrome Advocates" on Facebook.
The pageant is a fundraiser. Admission for audience members will be by donation, and food items will be available for purchase. There will also be vendor booths and other activities. Funds raised by the event will be donated to organizations and opportunities such as Challenger Little League Baseball, Challenger Football/Cheer, and a scholarship for Aaron's Acres Summer Camp.
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