Annual Krist Kindl pageant raises funds for charity

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press 

More than just a beauty pageant, the Kris Kindl Charity Pageant continued its tradition of supporting and raising funds for charity.

The 5th Annual Krist Kindl Charity Pageant raised an impressive $3,158.94 for the Children’s Alopecia Project.

“My pageant is in support of helping kids who have Alopecia so I can send them to a camp to help them with their confidence,” said Five Hills Ambassador Briana Liles. “I want them to know that it doesn’t matter if you have hair or not. Beauty comes from the heart.”

Liles added that it was nice to see so many people at the event supporting her cause. She said that even though she might be bald someday, she and other kids with Alopecia, are beautiful no matter what.

Liles said that the pageant is not about winning, it’s about having fun and meeting new people. 

“It’s just to kinda give them something fun to do…I enjoy doing the pageants and getting them all dressed up,” said Stephanie Barron who brought her daughters Averiee Barron (8) and Madison Sins (3) to compete. “I love that it’s all going to a good cause.”

This year’s pageant had an impressive 72 contestants, an increase from last year’s 58 contestants. Each competitor was judged by three judges whose scores were tallied by two auditors. Judges were able to leave commentary to help the contestants to improve for future competitions. Pageant winners received custom-crafted crowns and embroidered double-satin banners with their title printed on them. Runners up each received a trophy, and all participants received a custom medal.

“Look what I got!” said Lain Salisbury (6) showing off the scepter that he received after winning the title of Mr. Krist Kindl.

Salisbury said that his favorite part of participating in the pageant was, “My mom teaching me how to do it.” Salisbury delighted in striking a number of creative poses during his turn on stage.

“He loves it. He loves getting on the stage,” said Salisbury’s mother, Deidre Salisbury. “I think it’s wonderful that there is a charity, community-oriented event.”

Each of the winners was excited to receive their title.

“It feels good. I love being a queen,” said Jordynn Morris (8) about winning the title of Junior Miss Krist Kindl. “I felt like it was good competition. They were all good and I loved their dresses!”

Pageant winners also were able to represent their new titles in the Copperas Cove Christmas Parade on the Domino’s Pizza float. They will also have the opportunity to ride in the Killeen Christmas Parade on Dec 14, also courtesy of Domino’s.