RWU Beauty Pageant More Than Skin Deep

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BRISTOL, RI (11/10/2009)(readMedia)-- Of course it's fun to strut your stuff in pursuit of the coveted Mr. RWU crown, but to help raise funds for a charity at the same time makes it worthwhile for a new crop of competitors each year. As a part of the Mr. RWU Spectacular, a male "beauty pageant" at Roger Williams University, 10 student contestants have been busy raising money for the Children's Miracle Network and Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Since September, the Mr. RWU contestants and their personal assistants have paraded around campus collecting donations for the charity in their colored Nalgene bottles. During the week prior to Homecoming, Mr. RWU contenders even auctioned off dates to various Homecoming events to help raise more to support the Children's Miracle Network.

The Children's Miracle Network is an alliance of nonprofit hospitals that provide affordable medical care to needy children. Since the program was started, the Mr. RWU pageant has raised more than $100,000 for the organization, with each contestant campaigning creatively to collect funds. This year the contestants hope to raise a record amount; and will be matched by a 5% matching gift from Roy J. Nirschel, President of RWU. Their fundraising will directly benefit the Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI.

"Mr. RWU is completely run by students for the sole purpose of raising money for this worthwhile charity," said Stephanie Olesen, senior Public Relations major and Mr. RWU Co-Chair. "Everyone involved in the planning and production of this show is giving their all to make this show absolutely amazing. So much work has gone into making this event happen."

Selected through a nomination process in September, this year's Mr. RWU contestants are: Paul Doolan,Chris Green, Jake Fisher, Griffin Labbance, Brian LeDuc, Tim Miodonka, Paul Pettini, Jerome Pikor,Ian Powers, and John Walsh.

The contestants will compete for the coveted title at the Mr. RWU Spectacular on Saturday, November 21st at 7 p.m. in the Field House. Contenders will perform in a dance sequence and will be judged in a variety of categories, including a talent portion of the competition. Mr. RWU will be crowned at the end of the evening. For more information about the event, contact Stephanie Olesen or Jessica Sanborn, Mr. RWU's Program Chairs at solesen740@g.rwu.edu or jsanborn870@g.rwu.edu.

About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 40 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. Under the leadership of President Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D., the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2009, U.S. News & World Report named RWU the seventh-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.

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