I’ll be joining some other men soon and doing something that on the outside doesn’t sound very manly. Yes, I’m going to wear a dress.
But don’t worry, I’m not going to be alone. I’ll be joined by at least another 10 or so men, maybe more, to help the family of Gentry Terrell as she battles a brain tumor. The Womanless Beauty Pageant, sponsored by Backroads and Burgers, is all part of an upcoming Day for Gentry, set for Feb. 24 at Friendship Park.
Gentry, 5, the daughter of Amy and Brydon Terrell of Columbia, is battling a rare form of cancer. Because surgery is not an option, radiation therapy began in New Orleans recently.
The Womanless Beauty Pageant is just one of many ways to help the Terrell family as Gentry battles her disease. It’s set for 11 a.m. that Saturday, but organizers are planning a full day of events.
A committee of more than a dozen people has been busy meeting about the various fundraisers. A recent meeting at City Hall found the boardroom filled with volunteers from high school students to Mayor Justin McKenzie, who will also be donning a dress, and he called out fellow Mayor John Henry Berry. If you don’t know John Henry, he’s the mayor of D’Lo, and best known for the television series “Small Town, Big Mayor.” McKenzie issued a challenge to his mayoral cohort and Berry has accepted, and I’m sure folks will make a lot of donations to see which one can be the top fundraiser.
A lot of other area men are lined up for the challenge, with more being added to the list each day. I’m glad to know that I’ll be sharing the stage with the likes of Constable Robbie Gill and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Pete Williams, among others.
Details of the event will be forthcoming and so will details of many different events to be held in the park that day.
Among the events planned are a 5K run at 8 a.m. followed by a fun run. For more information on the 5K, call (601) 818-1155.
A formal tea with Queen Gentry is slated for 10 a.m. and all area princesses are encouraged to register. The cost and other information will be determined soon, but you can call (601) 441-6172 for more information in the meantime.
Of course, the Womanless Beauty Pageant will follow at 11 a.m. and if you need more info, call (601) 731-4383.
A bike-a-thon is also planned for 12:30 p.m. and for more information, you can call (601) 441-3346. Of course, when everything is planned out, we’ll have a story in the pages of the C-P. This will include more about the event, including a special puppet show and entertainment provided by local churches and area schools. There are also plans for jumpers, face-painting, a petting zoo, cakewalk, Girl Scout cookie booth, local food vendors, superhero train rides and more.
Hope to see everyone in the park on Feb. 24.
Also, Sunday, Feb. 4 is the day that the Loaves and Fishes committee is collecting an offering at area churches to assist the Terrell family and organizers are asking churches to take up a collection.
“If each person only gave $1, what a difference that could make,” the letter reads. “Like the loaves and fishes of that day long ago, this family will be forever blessed.”
All churches or individuals interested in helping with the special fundraiser are asked to contact Bonnie Hudson at (601) 740-0555, Becky Graham at (601) 467-1671 or Dal Murray at (601) 441-1803.
