Aoife Kenny.
A Derry student is to take part in the final of a new alternative pageant in the hope of raising thousands of pounds for a children’s charity.
Journalism student Aoife Kenny is a finalist in the Ultimate Beauty UK and Ireland pageant – being held in Bellinis Hotel in Newry on 1 July next – and is aiming raise much needed cash for the Make a Wish Foundation.
Among the prizes the overall winner will walk away with will be a year’s modelling contract and a holiday.
Pointing out the pageant was “not based on how you look but who you are as an overall beauty, 23-year-old Aoife said she was “overjoyed” to be taking part in the final.
And she explained how she came to enter.
She said: “I decided to join the pageant as I had met the director Taylor-Rae Hamilton when filming a show in Dublin.
“At that time. she was running the Face of Northern Ireland and her passion for this project piqued my interest.
“This year it became the Ultimate Beauty of UK and Ireland which allowed for a wider audience application.
“As this is my first time doing anything like this I decided this was an opportunity not to be missed, there is also no swimsuit round which does help with the nerve factor.
“When I received word I was a finalist, I was overjoyed and the minute I received my royal blue sash it all felt so real.”
Finalists have been asked to fundraiser for different charity organisations and Aoife taking part in the “Race for Life” being staged in Belfast on 1 June next.
The girls have also been asked to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, the charity which grants wishes for young people with life threatening illnesses.
Aoife said it was a “wonderful cause” to be part off and will host a charity concert to coincide with Music 2014 in the Strand Bar Basement on Saturday week, 24 May.
She added: “All are welcome to attend. The night will include various musical acts, a ‘shave and dye’ option, appearances by other Ultimate Beauty finalists, a charity raffle and other fun surprises on the night.
Taylor-Rae Hamilton.
“The show is also being recorded by a very talented media group MIsfits4Media.
“All proceeds on the night will be for Make a Wish Foundation so there will be an entrance fee of £4 with an option to donate more.”
Aoife added: “I am so excited for this upcoming event, I believe it will be a great night for all involved.”
The Ultimate Beauty final will comprise rounds including introduction or the white dress round, party dress round and formal round with finalists divided into teen and senior categories.
Aoife added: “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for all of us ladies involved.
“The pageant promotes a positive self image which is the message we want to get across to all women.
“It gives any lady involved a chance to be part of a wonderful team and work toward a great cause.”
Aoife concluded:”It also promotes self awareness, that you can be comfortable to stand up in front of a crowd with no fear and have fun being yourself.”
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