Pageantry Takes Lead Role as Industry Supports Carrie Stroup

Prior to the finals, South Africa's newspapers spiced up their pages with photos of America's eye-catching delegate Carrie Stroup.

Friends pull out all the stops in donating resources for a worthy Miss World delegate.

You might have read on the many web sites, including Pageantry�s Newsline, the story of how Carrie Stroup was to represent the United States at the Miss World Pageant after her application was approved by the Mrs. World Organization. Unfortunately, Carrie resigned from this opportunity, to her disappointment, when she faced a contract dispute and other concerns with a U.S. pageant company that had nominated her, which were not in her best interest. The Miss World Organization, not having a franchisee for the United States at that time, contacted Pageantry magazine for a recommendation for Miss World. Having been denied the opportunity to compete, Carrie Stroup was the ultimate choice of Pageantry and Miss World. With her charming personality, charisma, moral and ethical background, and experience, she is the perfect example of the kind of person the industry wants to represent the United States — an all-American young lady.

United States delegate Carrie Stroup cuddles up to a lion cub.

With a short time remaining before she would have to leave for Sun City and with so much preparation needed, Carrie and her mother, Debbie Stroup, had huge challenges to overcome to be ready to compete. Much to their delight, many of the leaders in the pageant industry and friends have rallied to give them the much-needed services and support to make her trip possible. Needless to say, Pageantry magazine is very proud of the many vendors involved and would like to salute and thank them for their tremendous efforts and donations.

Gregg Ellenburg of Gregory Ellenburg's of Greenville: Provided the necessary wardrobe for Carrie, which included a custom-designed competition evening gown, three-piece suits, and alterations for the entire wardrobe.

David Bartley of Images Photography by David Bartley: Contributed a full-day photo shoot with retouching that was part of the requirements for Miss World participation. Joel Green of Joel Green Cosmetology provided makeup and hair for Carrie�s photo shoot.

Kevin Moran of Fredrico Leone Shoes: Donated an entire footwear wardrobe to complement her gowns and suits.

Shawn Straight of Shawn Straight Art and Design: Designed her business and composite cards for Miss World.

Timmy Woods of Timmy Woods Purses: Donated one of her Beverly Hills Designer Wooden Purses in the shape of the United States of America flag, which was part of the charity auction.

Don Baker of Communications Plus: Offered his services and communications skills book for her to prepare for Miss World Competition.

Joni Ashby of Pango Pango Swimwear: Custom-designed two competition swimsuits for Carrie to compete in at Miss World.

Kevin Frija of In Gear Fashions: Manufactured custom-made swimsuit wraps to match the custom suits.

Donna and Duncan Tucker of Chapter 2 Book Store: Donated books for Carrie to give to the Miss World Organization to put into a children�s library.

Pageantry magazine donated crown pins and gifts for Carrie and all of the Miss World contestants.

When the Miss World pageant came to an end, Carrie had made many new friends from around the world. She represented the United States with pride and came home with memories to last a lifetime. This chapter in the Miss World history archives will always be remembered, for it was the year of September 11, a time when the pageant industry came together to support a very special young lady representing the United States, Carrie Stroup!