Local mom is finalist in Lady Gracious pageant
Each finalist had to host a Cup of Grace event where non-perishable foods had to be collected for Avril Elizabeth Home
MOTHER of two and Pomona resident Nadia van der Merwe (34) is a step closer to being crowned this year’s Lady Gracious after being chosen as a finalist in the pageant.
The finalists were welcomed by Suret Stroh, who started the pageant six years ago, to enjoy a weekend at the 24 on Vrey Boutique Hotel in Boksburg on June 4, where they received their finalist sash.
“We had a photo shoot through the course of the day and were surprised by motivational speaker and top 25 finalist for Mrs South Africa 2015, Anele Jansen van Rensburg,” said Van der Merwe.
Each finalist had to host a Cup of Grace event where non-perishable foods had to be collected as well as any other donations towards the Avril Elizabeth Home, which will be benefiting from funds raised in the pageant this year.
“I hosted my event on July 2 at In2 Africa in Bredell with guest speaker Theunis Nel, presenter from Pasella, who spoke about his experience and gave a testimony on losing his arm in a motorcycle accident in 2014. Morne Emery was master of ceremonies, one of the top five finalists of Mr South Africa 2014 and it was a huge success. Thank you to each and every one’s donations.”
Members from Shaolin Martial Arts Academy gave a thai chi performance.
“It is such a blessing for me to have come this far and to be a finalist in the pageant means I can show other women that each and every one of us is unique and beautiful just the way we are.”
Van der Merwe’s next event will be a charity fashion show on September 3.
The finalists’ ability to come up with the funds for Avril Elizabeth Home will put them in better standing to win the pageant as overall Lady Gracious.
This year’s winner will be announced on November 5 at a gala evening at Summer Place in Boksburg. Tickets are R400 person and includes a three-course meal.
