FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – (November 11, 2015) On November 15, 2015, 20 young women with disabilities will take to the stage at the historic Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. for a pageant like no other. They will dazzle in evening wear, entertain with show-stopping talents, and showcase their unforgettable personalities in front of nearly 1,000 friends, family and community supporters, showing the world that their disabilities do not define them.
The Miss ARC Broward Pageant, now in its third year, empowers young women with disabilities to embrace their uniqueness and do bold and courageous things throughout their lives. Founded by South-Florida based nonprofit, ARC Broward, this event has not only changed the lives of the participants, it has brought the community together for a celebration of support and acceptance of people with different abilities. Over 50 corporate and individual community supporters including Holland and Knight, RSM Inc., SunTrust Bank, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at Memorial, Ultimate Software, Publix Super Markets Charities, Stiles, City Furniture and Holy Cross Hospital, make this event possible each year.
“Our firm loves being part of the event and watching the contestants shine on stage as they share their many talents with friends, family and our community. It’s very special for an event to engage our entire firm like this one does. Start to finish, we all work hard to make sure these girls are given an experience of a lifetime” says Tammy Knight, Esq. of presenting sponsor Holland and Knight.
At the Miss ARC Broward Pageant, everyone is a winner! Each contestant will receive a special award on stage. This year, the awards will be presented by 2016 Miss Florida USA, Brie Gabrielle. The girls will participate in multiple rounds including personality, talent and evening wear. Highlights from this year’s talent line-up include singing, dancing, gymnastics, and hula hooping.
“By far this is the best activity that Brianna has ever done in her life. She does a lot of activities and this has superseded anything we have ever experienced” said Dawn Aufenanger, mother of one of the contestants. “At last year’s pageant, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the girls were competing.”
Event emcees will include NBC 6 anchor/reporters Julia Bagg and Marissa Bagg, who will also be hosting the event’s red carpet pre-show; Joy Taylor, host of the Zaslow and Joy Show on 790 The Ticket and Nicole Krauss, media and community relations manager for Publix.
Tickets can be purchased online for $20 per person at www.parkerplayhouse.com.For more information, please contact Kristina Lucia at (954) 746-9400 or klucia@arcbroward.com.
ABOUT ARC BROWARD
Since 1956, ARC Broward has worked hand-in-hand with the community to provide the encouragement and opportunities that create life-challenging outcomes so that people with disabilities and other life challenges can live, work, and play in their communities. ARC Broward operates at nine locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, FL. These include ARC Broward’s “mission based” enterprises that provide training and employment opportunities for individuals served while generating revenue to help fund services. To learn more or to donate visit www.arcbroward.com or call 954-746-9400. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
