Funds needed to prepare pageant contestants

The team associated with at least one contestant in the Miss BVI Pageant has gone public with an appeal for financial assistance in offsetting the cost of preparing for the competition.

An appeal made on the JustGiving website shows that the team representing contestant Helina Hewlett is seeking to raise $5,000 over the next four days.

“Weʼre raising $5,000 to support Helina for Miss BVI 2017. Funds are required to purchase items needed for her participation,” said the Hewlett team.

That appeal and other fundraising events begs the question as to how hard Miss BVI contestants have to pound the pavement for funds in order to prepare for the competition.

When contacted, Co-Chair of the Virgin Islands Pageant Committee Damion Grange told BVI News Online that the contestants are allowed to raise funds.

He added that the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIFFC) under which the pageant falls, provides only a portion of the money needed to get the young ladies ready.

Grange appealed for more members of the business community to help the contestants.

“The VIFFC provided the young ladies with part sponsorship, and sponsorship letters are made available for contestants seeking such.”

“However, we do understand that the journey to the Miss BVI crown comes with a challenging financial responsibility. This is also why we would encourage the business community to support the contestants in this regard,” Grange further said.

The six contestants who will vie for the Miss BVI crown on August 6 are Hewlett, Genesis Richards, Ayana Phillip, Tecora Morgan, Lean Francis, and Khephra Sylvester.

The pageant committee previously announced that Miss BVI 2017 will receive a custom-made Mi Amor crown, jewellery, a brand new 2017 Toyota Yaris, $30,000 educational grant from the Ministry of Education, as well as $5,000 cash.

The 1st Runner-Up will walk away with – among other prizes – a $10,000 educational grant from the Ministry of Education, as well as $4,000 cash.

The 2nd Runner-Up will receive $2,000 cash and other prizes.

Meanwhile, to see Hewlett team’s full appeal for financial assistance, please click HERE.