Miss Connecticut Volunteer sent off to nationals with wishes of good luck by family, friends

by MIKE CHAIKEN

CTFashionMag.com

Family and friends of Serena Charbonneau gathered in Bristol on Sunday, June 8 to wish the reigning Miss Connecticut Volunteer good luck before she boarded an airplane to travel to Tennessee to compete for the title of Miss Volunteer America.

The national competition, which will be held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center from June 18 to June 21, will be crowning a successor to the current titleholder, Berkley Bryant.

The Miss Volunteer America organization states on its website (www.MissVolunteerAmerica.net) that it promotes the five points of the crown: “Scholarship. Education. Responsibility. Volunteerism. Empowerment.”

Speaking to the guests at Luna’s Banquet Hall, Charbonneau explained, “I wanted to win the title of Miss Connecticut Volunteer as soon as I learned about the Miss Volunteer (America) organization and because of Laurye (Natale), the executive director (in Connecticut). For me, pageants truly have been about the volunteer aspect of it.”

The WoIcott resident said she didn’t grow up necessarily in teacup dresses (as a little girl)… But I did grow up helping out with my family. We volunteered every year at the Wolcott Fair… We were raising money for student scholars. That value (of volunteerism) stayed with me and when I got into pageantry, giving back was the most important part (of the honor)– truly that’s what Volunteer America represents.”

Charbonneau said as soon as she won the title of Miss Connecticut Volunteer, “I already had a million ideas in mind (of how I could help others).”

Among the ideas, said Charbonneau (a licensed social worker) was her decision to launch, “Wings for Wellness.” Through this service initiative, Charbonneau said, she spreads mental health awareness, by volunteering in school settings, and visiting youth organizations and nursing homes.

“I’ve just been blessed with the opportunity to connect with so many different organizations as Miss Connecticut Volunteer,” said Charbonneau.

As part of the festivities at her send-off, Charbonneau offered a “top secret” reveal of what judges will see in Tennessee during the competition. Guests were asked not to take photos or videos to maintain an element of surprise when Charbonneau stepped on to the nation stage in Tennessee.

But, guests did get to see Charbonneau’s intended interview wardrobe, talent costume, evening gown and swimsuit on Sunday. They also witnessed Charbonneau’s talent for the competition.

You can still vote for Charbonneau for Miss Volunteer America’s People’s Choice at Connecticut – Serena Charbonneau – Miss Volunteer America

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN