Whatever it is, it won't be a drag
Emporia guys to wear gowns for charity
By Bobbi Mlynar
Friday, October 26, 2007
Hairy chests and facial hair aren’t expected to distract judges as they choose a new beauty queen from six contestants entered in the second annual “Guys ’N Gowns” competition. The contest will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Lowther North Intermediate School.
The event, the big annual fundraiser for Emporians for Drug Awareness, will wrap up Red Ribbon Week, an annual focus on educating children and adults about the effects and aftereffects of drugs and alcohol.
EDA Executive Director Mike Crouch said that the money raised through ticket sales at “Guys ’N Gowns” helps pay for programs in schools and throughout the community, such as “Not in Our House,” to encourage parents to not let minors consume alcohol in their homes, and “Make Time to Listen; Take Time to Talk,” which encourages parents and caregivers to spend a minimum of 15 minutes a day talking with their children. Proceeds also are used as matching funds required through state and federal grants the organization has received.
“Kids have a good time; adults have a good time,” Crouch said. “It’s a fun way to deliver the message about drugs and alcohol.”
Men who volunteered — or were goaded or coerced — to don gowns for the event, are: Scott Sheldon, Emporia High School principal; Todd Detwiler, physician; Nate Terrell, sociology and anthropology department chairman at Emporia State University; Damon Leiss of ESU; Scott Hays, KVOE sports reporter and program host; and Brady Scott, Gazette graphic designer.
“We’re putting a new wrinkle in it this year,” Crouch said. “(Women) will wear tuxedos and be escorts for the men.”
Escorts will be Jeanine McKenna, Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce president; Larie Schoap, vice president of Lyon County State Bank; Lori Scott-Dreiling, vice president of human resources for Camoplast’s international operation; Melissa Windsor, of the Emporia Arts Council; Michele Rodriguez, executive assistant to the city manager; and Mary Helmer, of Kansas Main Street.
Aron Dody, a teacher at Emporia High School, will provide music and sound for the evening and Ron Thomas will be master of ceremonies.
The contestants will compete in four categories — evening wear, talent, beachwear and a questions-and-answer session. Sponsors of those segments are Madelynn’s, which provided gowns, and Tyson, Caribbean Sun and Patton & Putnam Attorneys-at-Law, respectively.
“They have all had to go down to Madelynn’s and be fitted for their gowns,” Crouch said. “... These guys spend weeks preparing for this.”
The winner will receive a half-dozen roses “and the honor of coming back next year to crown the new queen,” Crouch said. Dentist Steve Haught, the reigning Miss EDA, will crown this year’s winner.
Two of the 2006 contestants, Mark Schreiber and Ron Slaymaker, will join Steve Morgan as judges.
A “People’s Choice” award also will be given, Crouch said. Contestants will go into the audience with handbags to collect donations, with the winner being determined by the greatest amount of money collected. A “Business Choice” award will be selected from advance votes gleaned from sponsorship letters sent out earlier.
Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for children high-school age and under. They also are on sale at Emporia Orthodontics, Madelynn’s, Poehler Mercantile Antique Mall, and at the EDA office, 1700 W. Seventh Ave.