Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 | 2 a.m.
Contestants hoping to appear striking will try not to land in the gutter during today’s charity event that urges players to pair rhinestone crowns with bowling shoes.
The U.S.A. Ambassador Pageant, a national organization based in Tampa, Fla., that fosters confidence in young women, is hosting its first Bowling for Rhinestones event at the Orleans Bowling Center to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada.
“What better time to do it then during Miss America,” said Barbara Thurston, one of the national directors for U.S.A. Ambassador Pageant.
Although the group is not affiliated with Miss America, Thurston says it supports the more widely known pageant competition.
“Everyone dreams to be Miss America,” she said.
Pageant fans from across the country and Las Vegas locals of all ages are encouraged to attend and wear as many rhinestones as possible.
“I will tell you I don’t have a crown, but I will wear some jewelry,” said Molly Latham, vice president of program services of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada.
The entry fee is $25 a person and will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Thurston said. The entry fee will also include shoe rental and two games for each bowler.
Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m., and the competition will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; after final scores have been totaled, various trinkets will be awarded to winners.
Bowlers who donate any rhinestone jewelry to the nonprofit group will rack up an extra 10 points toward their total score, Thurston said.
It’s a way to give back to the local community, Thurston said.
Supporting Las Vegas charities during national events and conventions is a new trend, Latham said.
“It’s a growing phenomenon,” she said. “They want to leave a positive imprint on the community.”
The U.S.A. Ambassador Pageant chose to support Big Brothers Big Sisters based on a shared value.
“Mentoring is a message they really promote,” said Latham of the U.S.A. Ambassador Pageant.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-on-one mentoring program that matches adult volunteers with children.
“All kids need adults who care about them,” said Latham, adding that the organization aims to make life-long matches.
When Latham heard about the Bowling for Rhinestones event she was tickled with the idea.
“I think it’s charming,” she said. “It’s very Las Vegas.”
Those interested can register online at USAambassador.com or in person before the event.
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