Beautiful to be kind
Liesl Ah Shene
THE end of the reign of Mrs PE 2012, Mandy Frank, has nearly come to an end. The 27-year-old beauty of Westering shares the highlights of her year with Western Sun.
The eighth woman to wear the crown, Mandy remembers the night she was crowned, as if it was just yesterday.
"I remember my family, friends, colleagues and youth members cheering for me.
"I felt elated when I won, and my husband [Sheldon] had the honour of placing the crown on my head, as is customary with the pageant.
"I was so excited about having a stunning Hyundai i30 to drive for a year. Afterwards, the top three ladies went to the Radisson Blu Hotel where we met local celebrities from 7de laan and Isidingo.
"When I got home, my whole family and all my friends were waiting to congratulate me – and to try on the crown," she laughed.
Not only a Port Elizabeth "beauty royalty", Mandy is also mother to five-year-old Matteo, who she describes as being the sweetest boy she could have ever asked for.
During her year as Mrs PE, Mandy has taken on various activities and charities.
Mandy plans to continue to support charity initiatives wherever possible.
"I am currently collecting mugs, and my husband and I will soon start the 'buy a beanie' drive, in which we will encourage people to buy gloves or a beanie for someone less fortunate than themselves. We also plan to remain involved with the youth of our community, which has been a passion of ours for the past few years," she explained.
Her advice for those entering this year is simple.
"Be yourself. Enjoy every moment. Involve your family. Be open to new experiences and friendships.
"Take on the title with all the seriousness it deserves, but have fun. The people of Port Elizabeth are good people, and will support you if you embark on your endeavours with a sincere heart," she said. Reflecting on the lessons learnt as Mrs PE, Mandy said it taught her that no matter who you are, you can bring joy into someone else's life – even with the smallest gesture.
"Once you have experienced what a joy it is to give, it becomes a way of life."
The Kingfisher FM Mrs PE pageant is open to married, divorced and widowed women of the Bay.
Entries close on April 25. For more information call Juanita on 079-253-3434 or visit www.revents.co.za