Miss University France Beard raised more than $700 for her platform, First Book, during a recent silent auction held in conjunction with her trunk show at the University of Mississippi’s Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
Miss University France Beard, right, hugs supporters after a trunk show to showcase her wardrobe for the upcoming Miss Mississippi pageant. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Communications
The fundraiser, along with several other held earlier this year, allowed Beard to surpass her goal of $4,000.
During the silent auction June 15, patrons could bid on a variety of items, from Ole Miss clothing to gym memberships. All proceeds will go towards Beard’s platform of promoting literacy and giving needy children access to books.
At the trunk show, pageant enthusiasts got a glimpse at the dresses and costumes Beard will be wearing during the Miss Mississippi competition next weekend in Vicksburg.
The pageant will be televised June 27 throughout the state and in the Memphis area. It is also available via live stream on the Miss Mississippi website.