LAURINBURG – Partnership for Children and Families is looking for children to represent all that is cute in Scotland County.
The 12 finalists in this year’s Most Charming Child contest will be featured in a 2018 calendar.
This is the nonprofit’s sixth year hosting the contest. The competition is open to all residents of Scotland County. Entry forms can be picked up at Scotland County Partnership for Children and Families at 227 S. Main Street. Registration began Monday and ends Sept. 29.
Parents may register children from birth to age five, and the child cannot be older than 5 years old at the close of the competition on Nov. 17. The entry fee is $15 per photo, and photos can only feature one child. Ultrasound photos will not be accepted.
Interim Executive Director Benny Cox hopes that parents will get fully involved.
“It’s fun for parents … I think they enjoy it more than the kids do,” Cox said. “It’s also more successful when the parents are more involved.”
This year, the contest will be brought into the 21st century this year with the addition of photos to Facebook and Instagram.
Partnership will feature a photo of one child each week on each account, according to Cox.
Votes will be taken from Oct 2 until Nov. 17. Anyone can vote for a participant.
“We’ve had voters from Washington State, Maine, and Florida, just wherever they have relatives,” Cox said.
Votes are 50 cents each, and there is no limit to the amount of votes one can submit.
The Partnership will also set up voting booths at various business and locations throughout the community, Cox said.
Winners will receive cash prizes: first place $200, second place $75 and third place $50. The entrant who receives the most votes will be featured on the cover of the calendar.
The 12 finalists will also receive a trophy and be invited to ride on the Partnership float during the Laurinburg Christmas parade. Finalists will also receive two copies of the calendar.
Scotland County Partnership for Children and Families is a nonprofit agency that prepares children for success by providing resources to families and the community.
Money raised from the competition will support programs and services funded by the nonprofit.
“One of the programs is funding allocation to Social Services to help ensure that parents can have daycare for kids so they can go back to work. It’s a Smart Start subsidy, and Partnership gives to that,” Cox said. “Partnership is a convener of resources and nonprofits that children and families need to be successful.”
The contest has raised between $4,000 and $5,000 annually over the last few years.
For more information about SCPCF programs and activities contact Partnership Office at (910) 276-3333.
Reach Beth Lawrence 910-506-3169