American Spirit Pageants

There is one pageant system that everyone is raving about. Do you know what it is? I am sure you’ve guessed. Read why American Spirit Pageants is on the rise in the US. With it’s second year in existence, attorney and philanthropist Dennis Vanderginst has been keeping busy with expanding the American Spirit Pageants. Last year the emcee was Mario Lopez and this year we will have to wait and see. With celebrity panel of judges, giving back to the community, and an awesome prize package, we see why YOU should choose American Spirit Pageants. In fact we love it so much that we even interviewed the director. Check it out below. Oh and we forgot to mention, the pageant is being held in Florida this year!!! Keep reading each week as we reveal exclusive interviews with each of the National American Spirit Queens.

An Interview with the American Spirit Pageants director, Dennis Vanderginst

 What gave you the idea to start American Spirit Pageants?  In August of 2011 I was planning an annual holiday benefit party that my law firm sponsors to raise money for a local charity.  At that time I noticed that I had a lot of Facebook friends who were involved in pageantry.  I thought it would be interesting to incorporate their passion into the fundraiser. So, I hit upon the idea of creating a pageant where charitable fundraising was actually a part of the competition, not just an afterthought or ancillary by product.

Where did the name of your pageant system originate from?  The name was a bit of a collaborative effort.  The staff and volunteers for the pageant all thought it should represent our mission of celebrating diversity and charity.  What could be more American?  And there was a true passion or “Spirit” in what we were creating.  Thus, “American Spirit Pageants” were borne.

Why do you choose to have celebrity judges on your panel?  I think it is important to have as much diversity in the judging panel as there is on the stage.  While it is important to have experienced judges who can keep everything flowing smoothly, I think it is also important to have novices who come into the pageant with no preconceived notions of what the winners should be like.  We also like to have a large panel of judges so that no one or two judges can unduly influence the outcome.  Having celebrities on the panel brings diversity and it brings a level of excitement to the pageant.  The women enjoy being seen by these celebrities and knowing that some of these celebrities have already accomplished some of the things that many of them hope to also accomplish.

 How is American Spirit Pageants different from any other pageant system in the USA?  American Spirit Pageants is unique in that it is the only national pageant system to integrate charitable fundraising into the judged competition.  It is also different from a lot of systems in that it truly emphasizes internal beauty as much, or even more than external beauty.  While physical beauty and poise are evaluated in evening gown and swim wear/fitness wear competitions, so too are the contestant’s personality and ambitions outside of the pageant.

What does it mean to represent a title in the American Spirit Pageant system?  Whether a state titlist or a national titlist it is a true honor to represent the American Spirit Pageant system.  It is a way of showing that you care about others, that you care about this world.  It means that you have a desire to grow and gain greater social awareness and give back to your community.  It means that you are focused on the Five “C’s”:  Courage, Conviction, Compassion, Character and Charity.

 Tell us about HavLife Charity. Why does the American Spirit Pageant support this charity?  American Spirit Charities is the charitable arm of the pageant system.  Money raised in the competition goes to ASC.  The Board then determines where those funds should be sent.  The Board’s focus is to look for lesser known and underfunded, yet worthwhile causes that have as their mission assisting one or more of the following: the elderly, the infirm, the injured, veterans, children, the arts, the environment and/or those unable to protect and care for themselves.  This year the competition proceeds are going to the HAVlife Foundation, a wonderful charity that creates opportunities for “at risk” children to participate in arts and athletic programs.

Why should a girl compete in your pageant system versus any other pageant system?  I believe we truly teach our contestants that their only competition is themselves.  Whether they win a crown or not they will have a great time, learn, grow, and truly become part of a family.

 What makes you a unique director? Being a relative newcomer to the pageant industry I think I come with a very unique and fresh perspective.  It may not always make people comfortable to try something new and unique.  But, new is good.  From that, we all grow.  Also, as an attorney I think I am really in tune with issues of fairness when it comes to selecting our judging panel.

Tell us a little bit about your staff. Do they have experience in pageantry, television, etc?We have a wonderful mix of full time and volunteer staff, some with a lot of experience and some with less than my own!  One thing I can say is there is never a dull moment!

Is there anything else you would like to include for our readership?  I would encourage everyone to look into our pageant.  Visit www.AmericanSpiritPageants.com .  We have a handful of states with preliminary state pageants to qualify for nationals.  The rest of our delegates are selected through an “at large” online selection process.  We expect to have a remarkable national pageant at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fl April 4-7, in conjunction with the “spirit of Pageantry” Convention and Trade Show, which will have wonderful speakers and exhibitors from the pageant, modeling, fashion and entertainment industries.