Chasity McRae decided to enter her daughter, AnnaLee in a beauty pageant. Nothing unusual about that. What was unusual was that AnnaLee was born with a cleft lip and a cleft palate.

“Despite the comments and strange looks that we receive on a daily basis, we decided to celebrate her differences and show the world that just because someone is different, doesn’t mean that they don’t have their own place in society, just like everyone else,” said McRae.

“Different doesn’t mean ugly, and we all know that God makes everyone unique. We have been truly blessed and know that God has a purpose for AnnaLee and for us as her parents through this situation.”

After AnnaLee was in a regular beauty pageant at the age of one month, McRae got the idea for creating the Alabama Shining Star Special Needs Pageant. She and her husband Trey wanted to create the event to give other special needs kids — and adults — the same opportunity that they had given AnnaLee.

“We want to make them feel like princes and princesses for a day — without discrimination and ridicule,” she explained. “We want this to be a memorable day, one where they can be themselves and let their star shine.”    

The pageant will be held at 2 p.m. April 30th at Vinemont Middle School. The non-profit pageant is sponsored by the Vinemont Middle School Leo Club. All proceeds will benefit the Cleft Palate Foundation, which has endorsed the pageant. You must have a mental or physical disability, deformity, or special need to enter.

“When AnnaLee had surgery at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham to repair her lip, the Cleft Palate Foundation brought her a teddy bear with its mouth sewn shut,” said McRae. “They supply bears nationwide, and also help to fund surgery for children who otherwise might not be able to have this life-enhancing operation.”

AnnaLee, who is now 14 months old, will have a bone graft later, as her face more fully develop. When she gets older, she will face several more cosmetic surgeries — “probably five or six more, at least,” said her mom.

“This pageant is for all children who dare to be different,” said McRae. “It will be very laid back. Some of the little girls even wanted to walk together, and that’s okay — whatever they need to make them feel comfortable so they can show off their pretty new dresses or suits.”

Local merchants and individuals have kicked in to help promote the Alabama Shining Star Special Needs Pageant. Several of them have contributed prizes to be awarded to contestants. There will also be a silent auction, with great items like a game and a gaming system. Wild Violet donated four $50 gift certificates; Auto Zone, a rotary tool and a ratchet and socket set; and a crystal vase and gift certificate from Doug Dogette Jewelers.

There are also gift certificates from McGriff Tire, Chamblee’s restaurant, If The Shoe Fits, Sweet Peppers restaurant, Pasquale’s pizza, Bubblegum and Bluejeans, Julz on 4th, O’Reilly’s, Ed White Jewelry and ETC by Nikki. Several individuals donated cash toward the pageant, with more still coming in.

The pageant features male and female divisions from birth to adult. There is no entry fee, but the contestants must sell five $5 tickets for friends and family to be admitted. Ticket sales money must be sent in with the registration form. Forms can be downloaded from the website below, picked up at Vinemont Middle School, or mailed upon request. Deadline to return the form is April 25.

Admission is $5 at the door. Every contestant will receive a crown. The winner, as well as first- and- second alternates will be awarded in each division. There will also be an overall Miss and Mr. Personality. Contestants can wear Sunday or pageant attire.

Better Than Before Consignments is offering a 20 percent discount to contestants who may need a dress. “We’re always looking for ways to use our resources to contribute and give back to the wonderful citizens who have made us so successful,” said Better Than Before owner Sonya Nix. “When Chasity called me to ask for our support, we were thrilled to be a part of it. It started with a monetary donation to help them get the pageant off the ground but then we thought, ‘Why not take it to the next level?’ So we offered to give all pageant participants a 20 percent discount off their pageant wardrobe pieces. Every little bit helps. All the participants that have come into the store shopping have been so excited about the event.”

Bella Faire Day Spa has donated hair and makeup sessions for all contestants. “The employees at Bella Faire Day Spa and Salon are honored and blessed to be able to provide our services to Alabama Shining Star Contestants,” said owner Donna Burns. “Our Spa offers Special Occasion Hair and Makeup for pageants, proms, weddings and other occasions. Over the past six years we have taken every opportunity to give back to our community by supporting our schools, churches and civic organizations. We wish the best of luck to all the contestants.”

“But we still need your help,” said McRae. “We are seeking business and personal donations to help with costs and to raise money for the Cleft Palate Foundation.”

If you would like to donate, please mail donations to 361 County Road 1289 Vinemont, AL 35179. All donations are tax deductible. Make checks payable to VMS Leo Club.

For pageant info and registration contact Chasity at 256-775-6373 or visit www.alabamashiningstar.org.