Ray White Eastern Group didn’t hesitate to support a member’s daughter in the recent Miss Auckland pageant. Michelle Isemonger (18) entered the pageant to build confidence and to immerse herself in the Auckland community to make a positive change. Michelle is in her last year of high school and will be attending Auckland University next year to complete a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance.
The ethos of Miss Auckland, which falls under the Miss World brand, is ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, searching for Auckland’s ultimate brand ambassador and most generous young woman. The contestants are judged by an esteemed and influential panel who tally up an overall score which takes into account; volunteering and community involvement, together with fundraising for the contestant’s chosen charity. The contestants are also interviewed by the panel for context and intelligence, personality and poise, emotional control, validated opinion and speech ability.
Throughout Michelle’s journey with Miss Auckland, she decided to support Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Children and families are important to Michelle, she felt connected with RMHC as they provide a home for families while their child goes through their medical journey. As RMHC say, ‘when a family faces the weight of a child’s illness, the best thing they can do is face it together. Because families are stronger together’. Michelle spent some time with the children at RMH Auckland house face painting, colouring in and sharing sweet treats. Michelle said, “I realised that donating just a small amount of time can make such a huge difference in people’s lives”.
Not only has Michelle supported RMHC she has often been seen in the main street of Howick Village fundraising and bucket collecting for another charity, Koru Care.
At the finalist event held in late September at the Auckland Town Hall, 19 contestants took to the catwalk to be judged in three categories: Flo & Frankie Fashion, Resort Wear, and Evening Wear. With a choreographed dance and entertainment throughout the night, it was concluded with the crowning ceremony – Michelle Isemonger was crowned Miss Auckland 2016.
Michelle was overwhelmed with joy being crowned Miss Auckland 2016, extremely grateful to her official sponsor – Ray White, she shared that she couldn’t wait to get back out into the community before she starts University next year.
