One month after being named the Princess of America Miss Kansas Sweetheart for 2019, Great Bend High School freshman Laura Daniel has launched a fundraiser for the Golden Belt Humane Society.
“Kicks for Kittens” is a shoe drive that started April 10 and will continue through June 10. The more pairs of new and “gently worn,” used shoes collected, the more money the humane society will receive.
Shoes can be dropped off at Riley School in Great Bend, or call 913-529-9736 for more information. All donated shoes will be redistributed through the Funds2Orgs network of small business partners. Funds2Org will issue a check based on the total weight of the shoes donated.
According to WorldFootwear.com, Funds2Orgs will sell the donated shoes for a nominal fee to budding entrepreneurs in developing nations, such as Haiti and Guatemala, to resell for their own micro-enterprises.
“We are excited about our shoe drive,” Daniel said. “We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for animals at the humane society, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.
“By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the humane society, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.”
Pageant success
Daniel, how 15 years old, got interested in scholarship pageants in 2017 and joined Central Kansas Glamour Kids, a traveling pageant group based in Barton County. That summer she entered her first pageant, at the Barton County Fair. After that, she competed in larger pageants and last year she was crowned America’s U.S. Miss Kansas.
This year she attended the Princess of America (POA) Miss Kansas Sweetheart pageant, held March 9-10 at Junction City. She earned the Sweetheart title, which is the highest overall score that did not win the title in her age group. According to her mom, Michelle Daniel, she won “most photogenic” in the 14-15 age group.
“She will go to nationals and compete in Branson July 28 through Aug. 1 in stage introduction, talent (dance), interview, formal wear and casual wear,” Michelle Daniel added.
The 2019 National Princess of America Pageant will be held at the Mansion Theatre in Branson, Mo., sponsors said. Princess of America’s national prize package is over $20,000 in cash and prizes.
Community service work and volunteerism are encouraged by the pageant. Miss Daniel chose a platform to raise awareness about adopting shelter animals.
At Great Bend High School, she is involved in photography, dance, choir, volleyball, softball and cheerleading. She is working with Kayettes and the Prince of Peace Youth Group to raise funds for the humane society.
Miss Daniel is the daughter of Mike and Michelle Daniel, Great Bend. Don and Cathy Schoonover, Larned, are her grandparents.
