Beaufort Beauties fundraiser lights up The Shed

Beaufort Beauties fundraiser lights up The Shed

More than 250 people converged on The Shed in Port Royal to support four non-profit organizations at the 4th annual Beaufort Beauties pageant on Saturday night.  There was no shortage of glitz and glamor either.

Michael Keyserling (Sophithilia), Paul Cole (Lucille Balls), Joe Lee (Older Portia Royale), Jerry Ashmore (Madam Heidi Fleissmeister), Jeff Draude (Hova Caine), Van Willis (Portia Royale), and Walter Brafford (Double Dee) put their best ‘heel’ forward to compete for the coveted crown of Miss Beaufort Beauty 2013. Lucinda Ravenel, played by former Saturday Night Live star and writer Terry Sweeney,2013 Beaufort Beauties returned this year as mistress of ceremonies.

The contestants performed together for the opening number to Gangnam Style and afterwards wowed the judges and the audience with the talent portion of the evening. Van Willis took the Best Talent title this year with his roller skating routine. While Jeff Draude’s rifle skills were impressive, he fell just short of Willis, but secured the Evening Gown competition that followed.

Organizers, Main Street Beaufort, USA, announced that the contestants raised over $10,000 through their own fundraising efforts prior to the show. Jerry Ashmore won Judges for the 2013 Beaufort Beauties Pageant included Nan Brown Sutton, and Beaufort Police Chief Matt Clancythe title of Miss Congeniality, which went to the contestant who raised the most money.

The contestants also answered questions that were asked by a panel of judges during a Q & A session. This year’s panel of judges was comprised of Michael Rainey, Holly Jahn, Nan Brown Sutton, Pat Green, and City of Beaufort Police Chief, Matt Clancy.

Jeff Draude was crowned Miss Beaufort Beauty 2013.

The money raised by the 2013 Beaufort Beauties fundraiser will benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Association, HELP of Beaufort, Alzheimer’s Family Services of Greater Beaufort, and Main Street Beaufort, USA.

Our hats off to the men who donated their time, effort, a little pride, and some facial/body hair for these fantastic local Beaufort causes.

For dozens of great photos of the 2013 Beaufort Beauties Pageant fundraiser, visit this link.
Visit our Photo Gallery for nearly 100 great photos of the 2013 Beaufort Beauties Pageant fundraiser.

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Eric R. Smith