Pageant Platform Magazine Jan Feb 2019 pageant platform magazine jan feb | Page 7

PPM: What is the story behind your platform?
SRK: When I was in high school, I had a friend who
was being abused at home. One day we saw the
horror of what was going on in her household, she
had been beaten by her parents. She didn't even want
to report it to the police. A few friends and I decided
to go to the school counselor the following Monday
as we were incredibly concerned for her safety.
Immediately the counselor got the police and social
services to intervene. That day lit a fire in my heart
and soul, I wanted to help others in need. Shortly
after I entered my first pageant and started
volunteering.
PPM: What are some tips that you can offer to
contestants that are struggling to choose their
platform?
SRK: If you're struggling to find your platform, look
inward, find what speaks to you. Your platform can
be associated with something you care deeply about,
something that has affected your life or a loved one
or a cause you personally want to advocate for. You
can go to organizations such as volunteermatch.org
and look up all sorts of different opportunities. This
way you can donate your time to many organizations
and find your calling.
PPM: How has pageantry helped you?
PPM: What is your platform now and why did you
change it?
SRK: My platform now is Marleigh's Ministries and
Marleigh's Angel gowns. I reached out to Jill Gillmore
the founder of Marleigh's Ministries and Marleigh's
Angel Gowns in hopes to volunteer for this
organization, after a quick conversation they asked
me to be the International spokesperson for the
organization. We launched a global Mission Outreach
in 2018. Our goal was to target every state and as
many countries as possible to participate in saying
YES! to volunteering by donating the preemie care
packs and preemie burial gowns we shipped to their
state or country. In only 4 months we were able to
recruit volunteers from all 50 states and 11 countries
to participate. We collect monetary donations as well
as diapers wipes, blankets, bottles and the list goes
on. Every single penny and donation that we get is
100% donated to the families in NICU. At Marleigh's
Angel Gowns we collect new and gently loved bridal
gowns from all over the country, we have
seamstresses that donate their time to create burial
gowns and burial beds for preemie babies. On a
personal note I changed my platform because I was
a preemie, and so was my unborn sister. This
organization truly speaks to my heart and family.
SRK: Competing in Pageantry gave me the
confidence I didn't have when I stepped on my very
first stage as a contestant. Competing gave me the
tools necessary to succeed in public speaking, being
confident in my skin and the interview room whether
for a job or a title.
PPM: What are the top three things that you would
like for contestants to take away from this interview?
SRK: I want people to know 1. that Pageantry is
positive! 2. You never know what life will throw your
way so when opportunity knocks open the door. 3.
Get involved by volunteering. Together we can make
a positive difference in our community.
PPM: If you could offer only one piece of advice to
contestants, what would it be and why?
SRK: Be yourself. Whether you are in a Pageant, in
the interview room or you're just sitting next to
somebody at the bus stop. People in your life are
going to come and go but that beautiful quality inside
let it shine big and bright.
Saryna Ritter-Keddy owns Go Bling Yourself, an accessory and
clothing line that offers nice and affordable options for
contestants and anyone wanting a little more sparkle!
Pageant Platform Magazine Jan/Feb 2019
7