Coppa's August Newsletter

"Heyyy LeMay" here .... Congratulations to our final two qualifying competitors, Larissa Lord-Dickerson, the newly crowned Miss Gay Elegance America, and Helena De'Shon, 1st Alternate, on their way to the Big Dance Party MGAR '25 Saturday, September 27th! Promoters Shanel Herrington, Michael Murrley and Jarrod Stringer are to be commended for a stellar pageant event, particularly in their tribute honoring the "Life & Legacy of Paige Foxx, MGAR '87". The night was truly magical with a record crowd in attendance! Thank you to Lux L'unicorn-o and the entire Club Kinkead's team for their phenomenal hospitality, as they have hosted the most preliminaries this year. We truly appreciate all of your efforts, along with all of the other venues who hosted the remaining preliminaries. To all of the promoters, sponsors, and stakeholders, we want to extend a very special "THANK YOU" for all of your support. This machine does not run without you, and please know how much you are valued and appreciated. We look forward to our continued working relationship for the future.

We want to further congratulate our Sweet Sixteen qualified competitors vying for my crown. Savvy Savant, MGAR '22 reminded me that with the conclusion of prelims my successor has basically been found, it now simply becomes a matter of "Who's That Girl" who will leave it all on the stage and ultimately come away with the prize. Regardless of who she is, please know that I believe in each and every one of you. There is a winner inside each of you, and that's obvious because you've made it this far. I want to encourage all of you to bring your very best to state finals. Please know if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to myself, the MGAR Office, or a Forever MGAR for assistance. I'm truly proud of all of your accomplishments this year. This has been an amazing preliminary season, but still more work to be done!

Lastly, it is with deep sadness we say goodbye to our dearly beloved Chloe Jacobs, MGAR '18. While I did not have her long, our bond will be forever. Chloe was an unexpected last minute inspiration to my winning the crown. The night of the MGAR Revue Show last year, I was in the audience as a competitor. Several unexpected circumstances had occurred during that week. While they were unfortunate and still didn't keep me from winning the crown, my spirits were definitely down. As each Forever MGAR would take the stage I started to feel better and better as the night went on. But when her name was announced as she took to the stage, it's as if she was looking straight at me saying, "Let me show you why you want to be MGAR." Her performance was electrifying, and it was as if she shocked me back to reality. I have been doing that same number, "Burnin' Up" by Jessie J, ever since and will continue for her memory. I came to realize the two things we have in common and why we connected so well: we're both energetic dancers, and regardless of how we feel in the moment, know our job is to give the audience what they want, and allow them to be entertained. My Dear Younger Sister, thank you for helping me fight through pain, disappointment, and fear to obtain my dream.

Goodbye for now and see you again in Heaven someday. Always & Forever Yours,

Luv Y'all,

Auntie Coppa

MGAR 2024