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OREM -- A first-of-its-kind pageant took place in Orem Friday afternoon. All of the 25 women competing celebrated special abilities, not disabilities.
The women wore their best dresses, had their hair done by professionals, and those who were able shared their talents.
5. Anna Farmer
4. Marsha Gillies
3. Kim Sampson
2. Jennifer Jolley
1. Heidi Bishop (winner)
There were three official judges taking notes and keeping score throughout the event. One of them is a pageant winner herself -- Mrs. Utah.
Every one of the contestants won some kind of award and was presented with a sash, flowers and tiara. But only one woman walked away as Miss Inspiration: Heidi Bishop. It seems fitting since Heidi, who has cerebral palsy, is the reason for this.
"Last spring we took Heidi to a beauty pageant in Spanish Fork, and we could see what wanting eyes she had at this pageant, and we could see they all should have an opportunity for," said Becky Bingham, with TURN Community Services.
The pageant was put on by TURN Community Services, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for people with disabilities. That includes everything from mental to physical and developmental disabilities, autism -- the list goes on.
"I hope they learn the joy of being the grand people that they are because they are so amazing, so amazing," Bingham said.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
