Miss Arc Broward Pageant Celebrates Inclusion, Invites Community to Support Girls with Disabilities
South Florida community members can be a part of one of the year’s most heartwarming programs when girls and teens with disabilities take the stage as contestants in 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 demonstrates the power of inclusion and provides a supportive environment through which young girls and teens with disabilities build confidence, self-esteem and lifelong friendships.
“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.
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; 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, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, Heather Holt Photo, Holland & Knight, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Macaroni Kid, Marsh McLennan Agency, Park Shore Pharmacon, Pompano Elks Club,Publix, Rebel Motor Company, Right Management/Aligned Solutions, Special Needs Group, Stiles, Sunshine Health, The Masucci Family, UKG, Universal Property, 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.
