Teens and young girls with disabilities take center stage at 12th annual event
It is the highlight of the season when 13 young girls and teens with disabilities demonstrate the power of inclusion during the 12th Annual Miss Arc Broward Pageant, presented by Princess Cruises, on Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale.
Led by event co-chairs Natalie Glusman and Candace Kelley, the Miss Arc Broward Pageant provides a supportive environment through which young girls and teens with disabilities build confidence, self-esteem and lifelong friendships. The season kicked off in January and continues with a series of workshops and special events that culminate on stage in May.
“It is so heartwarming to see these young girls and teens shine in their own special ways and be embraced by the South Florida community, from our sponsors to volunteers, teen ambassadors and audience members who turn out to cheer and show their support,” said Julie Price, Arc Broward CEO. “There is something for everyone who wants to be involved in this truly extraordinary event that raises critical funds to support the mission of Arc Broward.”
In addition to raising awareness, the Miss Arc Broward Pageant raises critical funds to support the vital programs and services Arc Broward provides to more than 1,200 children and adults with disabilities.
This year’s pageant contestants vying to be crowned Miss Arc Broward and Little Miss Arc Broward are: from Broward County, Hailey Acevedo, 16, Coral Springs; Halia Allen, 14, Hollywood; Samantha Bellot, 6, Pompano Beach; Zoe Burgess, 16, Coral Springs; Lillyann Carraher, 14, Fort Lauderdale; Sophie Carriel, 6, Sunrise; Alyssa Custodio, 17, Coral Springs; Gianna Gallagher, 13, Coral Springs; Emily Garcia, 7, Pembroke Pines; Nola Schader, 16, Miramar; and Alessandra Soto, 17, Hollywood; and from Palm Beach County, Paritta Darncharnjitt, 17, West Palm Beach and Nevaeh Myers, 16, Jupiter.
“After attending months of friendship-making and skill-building programs and special events and rehearsing the opening number, Miss Arc Broward contestants are excited and ready to showcase their personalities and demonstrate their special talents before a packed audience filled with cheering family, friends and community members,” said Glusman. “We can’t wait to cheer them on and see the beaming smiles on their faces.”
Pageant contestants are matched with teen ambassadors who serve as mentors and advocates throughout the pageant season. More than 20 teen ambassadors represent a dozen high schools and middle schools across Broward County, including North Broward Preparatory School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, NSU University School, Pompano Beach High School, Cooper City High School, Indian Ridge Middle School, Forest Glen Middle School, Westglades Middle School, Pembroke Pines Charter High School and more.
Community members can read more about each contestant in the Miss Arc Broward Pageant and support their individual fundraising pages by following @missarcbrowardpageant on Instagram. All proceeds benefit Arc Broward’s continuum of services that provide transformative opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and other life challenges.
In addition to presenting sponsor Princess Cruises, the Miss Arc Broward Pageant is generously supported by Amazon, Arc Works Business Advisory Council, Banesco, Casbah Spa & Salon, Chateau Mar Golf Resort, Children’s Medical Services Health Plan, Cintas, Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry, ECR Graphics & Printing, Florida Girls Giving Back, Heather Holt Photo, Marsh McLennan Agency, Park Shore Pharmacon, Publix, Rebel Motor Company, Special Needs Group, Stiles, Sunshine Health, The Masucci Family, UKG, Wealth Family Protection Attorneys at Law and Wild, Felice & Partners.
Community members who want to be part of the inspiring Miss Arc Broward Pageant are welcome to participate by purchasing tickets to attend, sponsoring the event or forming a cheer squad. For information contact Paulina Dorsett, pdorsett@arcbroward.com, (954) 746-9400.
On sale now, tickets to the family and sensory-friendly Miss Arc Broward Pageant are $15. The Parker is located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting arcbroward.com/miss-arc-broward/. For more information about the vital programs and services Arc Broward provides, visit arcbroward.com or call (954) 746-9400.
About Arc Broward
Since 1956, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community, changing how people with disabilities and other life challenges are embraced and included. This critical work ensures that people with disabilities, not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive. Arc Broward operates at nine locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, Florida. Arc Broward’s two social enterprises — Arc Educates and Arc Culinary — are groundbreaking efforts to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. To learn more about Arc Broward, please visit arcbroward.com or call 954-746-9400. Follow along on social media @arcbroward.
