by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Morgan Mancini is paying it forward.
Last year, Mancini, the current Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen, was given a financial boost for her run at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Competition in Orlando.
Mancini’s predecessor, Brooke Cyr, held a Masquerade Ball fundraiser last year to help whoever she crowned. Cyr was continuing the tradition re-established by her predecessor, Samantha Anderson. Anderson’s intent was to help take care of some of the expenses that faced the Outstanding Teens from Connecticut as they prepared to take the national stage.
“It was so helpful for me to receive these funds when I was preparing for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen,” said Mancini. “Not only was it a huge weight off my shoulders but a giant help in purchasing my wardrobe.”
Mancini doesn’t know who will succeed her at this June’s pageant at The Palace Theater in Waterbury. But the teen is busy having fun preparing for this year’s Masquerade Ball where she can help a young woman just as she was helped.
“The entire concept of a masquerade ball excites me,” said Mancini via email. “I love dressing up and wearing a fancy mask.”
“My family and I also absolutely love throwing big parties,” said Mancini.
“Personally,” the Wolcott High School student said, “I am thrilled to be able to bring this event to life and make it my own. I anticipate this as being one of my favorite highlights of being Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen.”
Plus, Mancini said, she is excited a special guest – and her best friend from Miss America’s Outstanding Teen ‑ Miss Maine’s Outstanding Teen Macy Grant will be in attendance.
“I was beyond thrilled that last year, Brooke Cyr, Forever Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2017 also continued this tradition,” said Mancini. “My family and I were given a check for the proceeds that were raised at the Masquerade Ball hosted by Brooke last year.”
“I knew from the moment I received those funds, that I too wanted to host a Masquerade ball to be able to help my successor when she begins prepping for MAOTeen,” said Mancini.
The Masquerade Ball typically serves as a fashionable event for the attendees. And Mancini is prepared to show her own style.
“For the ball, I am planning to wear an evening gown, which I can’t wait to show you all,” said Mancini.
To the other titleholders of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization, Mancini recommended that “you can wear whatever you choose…Whether it be a gown, cocktail dress, jumpsuit or romper… But don’t forget your mask.”
“For all other guests,” said Mancini, “Wardrobe is completely up to you.”
Besides the chance to wear a mask and dress in style, Mancini said, “We are going to have such a fun time eating, dancing and taking pictures.”
“This year’s event is going to be held at La Bella Vista and they have been great with working out all the fine details,” said Manini. “From the menu to the color of the linens, I am excited about everything.”
Mancini added, “The DJ that is donating his services has done many of my family parties. He is so much fun and really gets the crowd excited.”
“We also have delicious cupcakes made by Forever Miss Greater Rockville 2018, JoJo Shields, and my grandmother’s Italian cookies,” said Mancini. “We will be having a photo booth, which is always a highlight, as well as a Polaroid guest book for great memories.”
“I have a few other surprises,” said Mancini. “But you will have to attend to find out what they are.”
Morgan Mancini’s Masquerade Ball will be held Thursday, April 18 at 6:30p.m. at La Bella Vista at The Ponte Club, 380 Farmwood Rd., Waterbury.
There will be hors d’oeuvres and dinner buffet.
Admission is $35. There will be a cash bar for adults.
The link to purchase tickets though Eventbrite can be found on Mancini’s Facebook page, Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen 2018 – Morgan Mancini, or on her Instagram, @maoteenct. You can also email Amy Goldsberry at ctotprogrammgr@missct.org.
Morgan Mancini shows off her Masquerade Ball style and her favorite masks at a recent fashion shoot at Waterbury’s La Bella Vista at The Ponte Club, where she will hold her fundraising party on April 18.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
