“I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway. And more, much more than this, I did it my way!” – Frank Sinatra
On March 26 at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem, TURN Community Services will present the 2025 Mr. Inspiration Pageant. This year the theme is, “My Way,” and it is inspired by Sinatra and aims to be an advocacy pageant for extraordinary gentlemen
The Pageant celebrates the dreams and lives of local men with disabilities who have faced significant life challenges, but their stories of overcoming limitations and living their lives “their way” inspire and uplift those around them. This year’s Pageant features 13 brave and unique men with a variety of abilities and life histories, and will give them the opportunity to take the stage in a classy and fun competition. One will be crowned Mr. Inspiration for the next two years!
The evening of joyous celebration will be Wednesday, March 26, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State St. in Orem. Amy Morgan Davis is this year’s emcee, and there will be special live performances by Dallyn Bayles, Sam Payne, Chloe Henry, Amy Davis, and the extraordinary gentlemen of TURN, of course! Admission to this annual family-friendly and inspiring event is free, but registration is appreciated (www.turndreams.org).
The contestants’ lives are truly changed just by participating in the Pageant. Pageant preparation is a time of reflection and self-assessment as the contestants ponder their likes and their dreams, and they are reminded of the ways that they serve and inspire others. Their confidence and self-image are enhanced, and their circle of friendships grows. They also get to keep forever the memory of those moments when they were most courageous and standing on stage being recognized and honored for being an inspiration and making the most of their unique life circumstances. These men have lived lives with challenges and conditions that most of us cannot comprehend.
Throughout the year, Inspiration royalties partner with cities, civic organizations, and other local royalties to celebrate life in Utah and promote the image of persons with disabilities as capable and contributing neighbors and citizens. They will be found throughout their reign riding in parades, participating in service projects, ribbon cuttings, fundraisers, and other community events where they are recognized and respected by citizens, mayors, city councils, and business leaders.
TURN Community Services was founded by parents in 1973 to create alternatives to institutions for their children and other family members with disabilities. In 52 years, TURN has grown to be the largest non-profit provider of disability services in Utah, and currently serves over 770 individuals in 21 Utah counties, with about 400 employees. TURN’s services include a full range of residential supports, day programs, Art Centers, employment services, summer camps, and family support.
Stay informed at turndreams.org and by following us on Facebook and Miss Inspiration. For more information, contact Dave Hennessey, TURN CEO/Executive Director, 801-343-3900, or davehennessey@turndreams.org.
Submitted by Dave Hennessey
