The Pike County United Appeal’s 2018 annual fundraising campaign has a new look but the same mission which is to raise awareness of and funds for charitable and service agencies in Pike County.

Jane Thrash, Pike County United Way Board president, said the board has designed a fundraising campaign like nothing that has been done before.

“Our goal for 2018 is $100,000,” Thrash said. “The funds that are raised do not pay any salaries. All of the money that is raised goes to the 17 agencies the Pike County United Appeal supports. We raise funds in hopes that these agencies don’t have to fundraise.”

Thrash said the board includes professional people who oversee the fundraising efforts and the allocations to the different agencies.

Among the fundraising projects are the Miss and Little Miss Pike County United Appeal Pageant that will be a kickoff event on October 14 at Cattlemen Park.

“This is the Pike County United Appeal’s first pageant,” Thrash said. “There are five age divisions with a winner and a first and second runner up in each age division. This is not a fancy dress-up pageant. The contestants create their own Western attire and they have a good time putting it together. The contestants will be judged on stage appearance, poise and originality.

“The winners will be ambassadors at all events held and supported by the Pike County United Appeal.”

The age divisions for the Miss and Little Miss Pike County Appeal Pageant are: Petite Miss, ages four and five; Little Miss, ages six and seven; Young Miss, ages eight and 11; Teen Miss, ages 12-15; and Miss, ages 16-21.

Entry forms are available at the offices of all schools within the county. Forms are also available via email to Jane Thrash at 01djanearc@gmail.com. The forms will be returned via email. The entry fee is $20.

“All proceeds from the pageant will be used by the Pike County United Appeal to fund the 17 agencies in Pike County covered by the United Appeal,” Thrash said.

The agencies are: American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Colley Senior Complex, East Central Mental Health, Easter Seals of Alabama, Girl Scouts, The House of Ruth, Humane Society of Pike County, Organized Community Action, Pike County 4-H, Pike County Child Advocacy Center, Pioneer Museum of Alabama, RSVP, Salvation Army, Sav-A-Life and Precious Paws.