The third annual Miss Pioneer Christmas Time pageant is quickly approaching and all the pageant proceeds will go to the Embracing the Elderly Organization.
The pageant will be held on Dec. 17 at the Warren County High School. Miss Pioneer Christmas Time is open to all females with no restriction on state or town. This pageant will benefit pageant director Emily Pennington’s organization, Embracing the Elderly, and go directly to NHC Healthcare McMinnville and other Tennessee nursing homes.
“Embracing the Elderly is part of me,” said Pennington. “Elder orphans in nursing homes need our help, and when I realized five years ago I could be a voice for them, my mission was to change the lives of those residents in any way I could.”
This organization was started in 2017 by Pennington with a goal of creating awareness, educating and giving the gift of time to nursing home residents. Over 65 percent of nursing home residents are considered “elder orphans” and this organization helps bring awareness to that statistic while also donating time to them. The organization has donated over 17,500 items and countless hours to Tennessee nursing homes.
Along with traditional pageant awards, there will also be a humanitarian award offered to the contestant in each age group who donates the most essential items. Essential items needed include: full size shampoo, body wash, wash cloths, toothbrushes/toothpaste, throw blankets, socks and crossword puzzles.
“Miss Pioneer Christmas Time gives me the opportunity to show young pageant girls that they can make a difference with their passions too. Showing them that giving back to the community is just as important as walking in an evening gown is vital in creating the next generation of difference makers,” said Pennington.
The cost to compete is $40 before Dec. 14 or $55 at the door. Contestants can pay by Venmo, Paypal, or check. There will be six age groups and each will have a queen and a court. The Tiny Miss group is for ages 4 to 6 and will start at 5 p.m. The Little Miss category is for ages 7 to 9 and will start at 5:30 p.m. The Preteen Miss category is for ages 10 to 12 and will start at 6 p.m. The Teen Miss category is for ages 13 to 15 and will start at 6:30 p.m. The Miss category is for ages 16 to 21 and will start at 7 p.m.
Natural hair and makeup is allowed and all contestants must have an age appropriate full-length gown. The cost to attend the pageant is $5 for ages 12 and older. Donations can also be made toward Embracing the Elderly at the pageant.
For more information about the pageant or Embracing the Elderly contact Pennington at emilyfaith1203@hotmail.com or call 931-304-3827.
