North Conway, NH - Nearly $7500.00 was raised for local non-profits by the 12 women who competed in the 2018 Mount Washington Valley Ms. Pageant on Sunday, March 11th. Presented by Mount Washington Valley Promotions, the collaborative fund-raising event was hosted by M&D Playhouse, in North Conway.

Each contestant collected funds for her chosen non-profit, and was scored in Interview, Runway and Public Speaking by a panel of judges. Fund raising success was also factored into the final score.

Representing the MWV Teen Scholarship Program, MacKenzie Herlihy, was crowned 2018 Valley Ms. and received a check for $500 for the scholarship fund beyond the funds she raised in her contribution/collection can, called a Ca$h Can. June Waltz, representing Carroll County RSVP, claimed the Runner-up position. The top fund-raiser was Vanessa Jones, on behalf of the Bartlett Recreation Department. The other contestants were:

Sandra Abbott ~ Bartlett Roundhouse Preservation Society

LeeAnna Bushey ~ Conway Area Humane Society

Holly Fougere ~ Visiting Nurse Home Care & Hospice of Carroll County

Amanda Knudsen ~ Connect A Pet New England

Janette Kondrat ~ Harvest Hills Animal Shelter

Melanie Perkins ~ M&D Playhouse

Nora Pilar ~ Believe In Books Literacy Foundation

Cindy Prouty ~ MWV Children's Museum

Janice Spinney ~ MWV Supports Recovery

Reigning Mount Washington Valley Mr., Nate Sawyer, served as emcee of the event, with 2016 Mount Washington Valley Ms., Amy-Nicole Smullen, passing the crown to the new queen. Entertainment was provided by the Kennett Dance Team, Willow Carter and Inspire Dance Company. Local businesses donated "swag" items for all of the participants so all the participants and their causes were winners in the end.

Event organizer and Valley Promotions Executive Director, Lisa DuFault, was pleased with the collaboration. "Not only did these ladies represent their chosen organizations well", she stated, "they truly helped one another before and during the event, making new friends and wonderful connections."



For additional photos visit www.ValleyPromotions.net.

Posted 3/14/18