Well, having just wrapped up the 2007 Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Pageant I finally have time to sit down and write to all of you who didn't have an opportunity to participate this year but would like to become involved next year. When I am in the throes of planning the pageant each year I wonder why I do it...but on the day of the pageant the reason becomes crystal clear...it is because of the women like you that I meet! All of the women that I have met, both as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005 and as the State Coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program, are so accomplished and inspiring it is truly a great gift that I give to myself each year by bringing these women together. It was no different this year! I am so excited for Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007, Kristen McCosh, and all of the wonderful adventures and opportunities that being the Massachusetts State Titleholder will bring her.
It is with great honor, pleasure, and anticipation that I invite you to participate in the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2008 Pageant. The final details have not been established yet, but the pageant is most likely to be held once again at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton, Massachusetts on either the first or second Saturday in April of 2008. As soon as details are finalized they will be posted on this website.
This letter is written to encourage you to participate in the 3rd Annual Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts Pageant. Your participation will ensure a successful pageant and provide a strong foundation for the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program. The pageant activities and events will be fun, challenging, meaningful and professional. With the help of our generous sponsors and volunteers I envision a wonderful time complete with food, gifts, speeches and workshops. I believe contestants, honored guests and the public will enjoy being part of a spectacular event with a group of spectacular women! This will be an opportunity to meet women of substance and courage...women who have used their disabilities to accomplish great things while overcoming challenges and obstacles. This will be an opportunity to make contacts, discuss issues and, hopefully, be the beginning of lifelong friendships! I am honored to be bring such a valuable opportunity to women with disabilities in Massachusetts. Please Apply Now!
The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program affords women the opportunity to be a spokesperson for all people with disabilities. To enter the pageant, contestants must be a U.S. citizen and at least a 6 month Massachusetts resident, between the ages of 21-60 and must utilize a wheelchair or scooter for 100% daily community mobility. Marital status is not a consideration. Contestants will be judged on their achievements, self-perception communication and projection skills in personal interviews, platform speech presentations and on stage interviews. Contestants will be asked to find sponsorship for their participation in the pageant. Many friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders will be very happy to sponsor you as they have me. The Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts organization will be helpful in giving you suggestions if needed. During the pageant events, you will provide a table/poster board display of your life and your accomplishments, give a platform speech, conduct a personal interview and a question and answer session with the panel of judges, and participate in the grand finale crowning ceremony.
As Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005, I was given the esteemed opportunity to travel throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to spread a positive message about disability education, awareness, and accessibility...especially as it pertains to medical research, social security reform, and federal and state programs that promote vocational opportunities and accessible transportation and housing...which are issues I care deeply about. I took part in events that have already strengthened me and allowed me to be a positive spokesperson for individuals with disabilities and all people. The benefits of the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program did not end with my reign...they continue to this day!
Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2008 will represent the Bay State in the national Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant in the summer of 2008. My national pageant experience was truly life changing and your experience will be as equally so I am sure! I am honored to represent the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Organization and the people we serve, while at the same time experiencing personal growth, satisfaction and fulfillment from my educational and advocacy endeavors. Remember, "Whether you believe you can do a thing or not...you are right." PLEASE believe in the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program and consider becoming involved in some way!
To apply for Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, please contact Autumn Grant, at (774) 501-1185 or e-mail: mswheelchairmass06@yahoo.org or print out the MWM APPLICATION & INFORMATION FORM and mail it to:
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts P.O. Box 168 Raynham, MA 02767-0168
I encourage you to plan ahead and contact your sponsors now! You will be so glad you decided to participate because you will be richly blessed by the experience. I look forward to seeing you at the 3rd Annual Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Pageant!
With warmest regards,
Laurel Elizabeth Labdon Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005 Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program State Coordinator