Benefit Pageantry

What Is A Benefit Pageant?

There are several different types of pageants, the most common of which are "Natural", "Glitz" and "Semi-Glitz". 

Natural Pageants offer competitors fun opportunities of showing poise in a party dress or prom gown, public speaking through a personal introduction, and learning/practicing interview skills like you would for a job interview. Younger competitors are not allowed to wear makeup and older competitors are only allowed what would be typically worn at a business meeting.

Glitz Pageants offer competitions that focus more on modeling abilities and are sometimes called "Beauty Pageants". They usually require that contestants dress up in intricate costumes and wear more elaborate gowns and makeup and they rarely have a speaking or interview portion to their competitions. The popular television show "Toddlers And Tiaras" focused almost exclusively on this style of pageantry. 

Semi-Glitz Pageants are a combination between the two for directors who love the fancy costumes, but want to have an interview portion and not quite as much makeup. So younger girls might be allowed to wear "stage makeup" but they might not be allowed to wear wigs or hair pieces.

Benefit Pageants are usually "natural" pageants as their focus is more about the issue they are supporting. But the main feature of a benefit pageant is that entry fees are typically lower and all proceeds from the pageant are given to a non-profit agency.

Why Pageantry?

First, we encourage anyone interested in giving service to do so in any way that they choose. Benefit Pageantry is not for everyone, but it can be a really fun way to develop skills in public speaking, be recognized for volunteer and fundraising efforts, and get even more attention for a cause. And many participants meet people they might not have otherwise, have interesting new experiences, and develop lifelong friendships.

Furthermore, competitors who are selected to become royalty will notice that when they wear their crowns: 
1. People are curious and more likely to want to find out what you are doing.
2. People assume that because you are royalty, you have been chosen for your ability to be a good spokesperson and are more likely to listen.
3. People are more likely to also become involved.

River City Benefit Pageant

River City Pageant is proud to be a benefit pageant that is raising awareness and funds for Spokane Parks Foundation, a non-profit agency whose mission is to to provide resources for vibrant, healthy, accessible recreation programs and parks throughout the Spokane region. As an independent, non-partisan advocate they fill the gap between what our parks need to thrive and what annual budgets can provide. They currently serve 110 parks – providing the dollars to ensure that everyone can enjoy these valuable community assets for generations to come.

The parks of Spokane live on the generosity of the people who enjoy them and River City Pageant is proud to be a benefit pageant helping to not only raise money in support of Spokane Parks Foundation, but also to bring awareness to the excellent services they provide to the public.