r By David H. Hennessey
“Sure I may be tuckered, and I may give out, but I won’t give IN!” The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
The Mister Inspiration 2018 pageant celebrates the dreams and lives of local men with disabilities. These inspiring men face significant life challenges, but their stories of overcoming limitations and living their lives inspire and uplift those around them. The pageant features 15 very special gentlemen with a variety of disabilities and life histories and gives them the opportunity to take the stage in a classy and fun competition. One will be crowned Mr. Inspiration for the next two years!
With the help of a volunteer sponsor, each gentleman has prepared his “platform,” which will be presented as a display at the event describing his interests, life story, and dreams. Pageant judges will have the opportunity to meet and talk with each contestant and their sponsor at their display. because many of the gentlemen cannot communicate through speech or demonstrate musical or other talents, pageant judges will be considering other criteria, such as how the contestants serve and inspire others and how their present and pursue their dreams.
Entertainment during the event will include performances by local artists Kelly Hennessey Pulver and Shawn Mortensen. A special performance by adults with disabilities is sure to be a highlight of the afternoon. The five Pageant judges are all current Utah royalty: Miss Utah, Miss Orem, Miss Orem’s Outstanding Teen, Miss Provo, and Miss Spanish Fork.
The Mr. Inspiration 2018 Pageant is scheduled for Thursday, March 29, 1018 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S State St., Orem.
The event is sponsored by TURN Community Services, a non-profit founded by parents in 1973 to create alternatives to institutions for their children and other family members with disabilities. TURN has since grown to serve over 840 individuals in 15 Utah counties, offering a full range of residential, day, employment, summer camp, family support, are respite services.
