Charity pageant set for Saturday

Monarch Formals is kicking off its Mommy and Me pageant Saturday, a modeling event for mothers and daughters.

The pageant is 7 p.m. Saturday at Lyceum Theatre, with tickets available for $5 at the door or in advance at the Chamber of Commerce, Body Mystique and the Master’s Center.

Monarch Formals is a local non-profit business that provides formal wear for low-income families attending formal events. Individuals and businesses donate formal wear to Monarch Formals and the clothing is loaned at no cost.

Tyleen Caffrey started the business while living in Mississippi after realizing many girls could not afford to attend prom. She began the project hoping to raise enough money to help 15 girls. But the community responded with more than 500 dresses and cash donations from more than 30 businesses, and the efforts helped 100 girls.

When she moved to Clovis, Caffrey began working for the Matt 25 Center. She decided to rent a room for her formal wear at the center, beginning Monarch Formals as a non-profit business.

Caffrey said the purpose of the pageant is to raise money for the room’s rent and other expenses for formal events.

Military wife Corine Hickey rented a dress for the Air Force Ball and said she received several compliments on her wardrobe.

“It’s fun (because) you don’t have to wear your own and you get it new,” said Hickey. “I think what Ty is doing is wonderful for the community.”

The Mommy and Me pageant is a modeling/talent show for mother/daughter teams of all ages and types, blood related or not. The event includes a $75 entry fee for each modeling team as well as two additional categories (photogenic and talent), which cost $25 each.

January’s Womanless pageant, a modeling show for men, raised almost $3,000 in donations.

Caffrey said she hopes to have even more success with the upcoming event.

For information or to donate, contact Caffrey at 749-8177.