Miss Okeechobee USA Taylor Fulford

OKEECHOBEE- A new pageant, Crowns for a Cure, is seeking contestants in Okeechobee. All proceeds from the event will go to a good cause, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The pageant, which is scheduled for May 8, is being organized by Miss Okeechobee USA Taylor Fulford. Taylor represented Okeechobee last year at the Miss Florida USA pageant, placing third out of over 100 young women.

“This pageant is about so much more than just a crown and sash,” Taylor said. “We hope to not only raise funds but also raise awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this year. All of the proceeds will go to this great cause. We plan to continue to hold this pageant every year and choose a different organization each time to make a difference in the lives of others within and beyond our community.”

Taylor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 14, and hopes to use the upcoming event and her title as Miss Okeechobee USA as a megaphone to bring more awareness for not just type 1 diabetes, but also type 2 and how to prevent it by living a healthy lifestyle.

Crowns for a Cure is currently searching for contestants between the ages of 0-18 years old who are willing to be active in the community by attending local events throughout the upcoming year.

Taylor is a big supporter of pageantry and credits her experience with it as what helped shaped her into the young woman she is today.

“I want to encourage girls and make them understand that this is not a superficial pageant,” explained Taylor. “It’s not just about looks. It’s about a young lady that is confident in themselves, and how they present themselves on stage. I want them to invite their friends to do it with them because I really want this to be a fun experience more than a competition.”

Even if you’ve never competed in a pageant before, Crowns for a Cure will be a welcoming experience.

“I’ve been in their shoes,” said Taylor of girls who are curious about the event, but haven’t competed in a pageant before. “The first pageant I ever competed in was Miss Teen Okeechobee, so I didn’t even compete until I was nearly 18 years old. I’m always willing to help them with anything. We are having a rehearsal on May 7 and I will be there to work with them on their walking and stage presence.”

Categories at the pageant will include Baby Miss Okeechobee for ages 0-11 months, Tiny Miss Okeechobee for ages 1-3, Mini Miss Okeechobee for ages 4-6, Little Miss Okeechobee for ages 7-9, Junior Miss Okeechobee for ages 10-14, and Miss Teen Okeechobee for ages 15-18. Winners in each category will receive a crown, sash, and roses. The winner in the oldest category at Crowns for a Cure will also receive a $1,000 scholarship to Indian River State College.

Tickets are being sold for a raffle fundraiser being held at the pageant. Up for grabs is a Fatboy 35 quart cooler, Craftsmen power tool and a guided hunt with Fox Brown Outfitters. Tickets for the raffle will be sold at the event, or you can pick up some now at Garrard’s Tackle Shop for $10 per ticket.

Deadline to sign up for Crowns for a Cure is April 30. Applications must be turned into the Okeechobee Main Street Office.

Crowns for a Cure is set for May 8 at 5 p.m. at the Okeechobee American Legion. Attendees are asked to wear blue in support of JDRF. For more information reach out by email at crownsforacureokee@gmail.com. You can also follow their social media at Crowns for a Cure Okeechobee | Facebook and  Crowns for a Cure Okeechobee (@crownsforacureokee) .

"I truly believe it is about so much more than just winning a crown and sash,” Taylor concluded, “it is about the purpose you serve while wearing it".