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The annual Miss Helping Hearts pageant, organized by Helping Hearts 4 Life, is set to take place on Mar. 16 at The Ritz Theatre in Greenville. The event aims to raise funds for deserving local families in need. 

Registration for the pageant is currently open, with a $35 registration fee and $5 for each optional category. The deadline to enter is March 10.

The pageant will be divided into two segments: a Day Pageant for ages 0-9 starting at 1p.m., and a Night Pageant for ages 10 and up starting at 5p.m. Participants are advised to adhere to the rules and guidelines for the optional categories, with no exceptions.

“We let local people nominate others to receive the benefits. Then we look at all the nominations and decide who to donate to,” said April Richey, founder and Director of Helping Hearts 4 Life. “This year we’re able to help two families, one of them being Nancy Rena Burgans.”

Burgans, who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2022 has already undergone several cancer treatments including a bone marrow transplant and will require lifelong chemotherapy. Burgans states that prolonged absences at work and steadily increasing medical debt have put significant financial strain on her family.

“Having the help from Helping Hearts is a prayer answered for me,” Burgans said. “Medical bills after a severe illness are a weight that can’t be explained, and to have a bit of it relieved means the world.”

Judges will be awarding trophies, sashes and tiaras to contestants judges in the categories such as best hair, best dress and most photogenic. The Spirit of Giving title will be awarded to the top donating contestant in each pageant, with votes in that contestant’s name costing $1 each. Additionally, sponsors are being sought to help cover the costs for contestants who may not be able to afford to participate.

“A $60 sponsorship will pay for one contestant that might not be able to enter otherwise,” Richey explained.

For more information about the pageant or to donate or volunteer, visit the Helping Hearts 4 Life Facebook Page.