Free Online Photo Contest Offers a New Way to Participate, The Tiara Twins from TLC’s Wildly Popular Reality Series Toddlers & Tiaras to Crown Winners at River Read

Family Outreach of Horry County invites all parents to enter their little stars in the Fifth-Annual Happy, Healthy Baby and Kid Contest, the nonprofit organization’s annual fundraiser that celebrates all that is unique and wonderful about children. Entrants compete to raise funds in four age categories. Winners will be invited to show off their star power on the Center Stage at River Read on April 12 and be crowned by The Tiara Twins from TLC’s wildly popular reality series Toddlers & Tiaras.

“We’ve build an event that marries the fundraising model of a walk-a-thon with the feel and popularity of a pageant, so that children can be actively involved in supporting their community,” said Sherry Coutain, Family Life Educator with Family Outreach of Horry County. “Every year, our contestants have such a good time working with friends and family toward a common goal. Their self-esteem is boosted as they’re recognized for their efforts and are celebrated at River Read.”

This year, FOHC has mixed things up by offering two ways to participate in the Happy, Healthy Baby and Kid Contest:

• Free Online Photo Contest: Parents can upload a picture of their child and then invite those in their social network to cast votes. There is no fee to enter and votes cost $1 each. 
• Person-to-Person Fundraising: Parents can also opt to enter their child through the FOHC Website or Facebook page, and raise funds on behalf of their child. Every dollar raised is counted as one vote for their child.

The competition runs until 11:59 p.m. on April 9. For more information or to enter, visit http://family-outreach.org/happy-healthy-baby/.

The children who get the most votes in each category will receive a bag of fabulous prizes, including: trophies, crowns, tiaras, toys and books. The child who raises the most funds overall wins a 2-day stay at the Breaker’s Resort, a crown, large trophy, toys and books. They will also represent FOHC in the Conway Christmas Parade in December 2014. Every child who participates and raises at least $25 will receive a trophy and a prize, and have their picture published in the Happy, Healthy Baby and Kid Contest program booklet.

In the spirit of the contest’s pageant feel, winners will be crowned by The Tiara Twins, who will be special guests at this year’s River Read festival at Riverfront Park in Conway. River Read will host the awards ceremony for the Happy, Healthy Baby and Kid Contest, which will help kick off the event during the 11:00 hour. For more information about River Read, visit http://riverread.org. Special thanks to Elite Talent and Event Management Services and Mother Goose Children's & Maternity Resale Store for sponsoring the Tiara Twins involvement with the Happy, Healthy Baby and Kid Contest.   

Family Outreach of Horry County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides support and education for young mothers and their families. Based in Conway and serving all of Horry County, FOHC provides personalized emotional support for teenage and young mothers who have chosen to parent, and help them work with their families to provide a positive environment in which to raise their babies.

All funds raised go directly to FOHC and are tax deductible. To learn more about Family Outreach of Horry County or the Happy, Healthy Baby and Kid Contest, visit http://family-outreach.org or contact Susan Canterbury at 843-234-2350.

About FOHC:

Family Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping build strong families in Horry County by providing support and education for young mothers and their families. The agency works with clients from all backgrounds, ages and circumstances, to help them make positive choices for themselves and their families. Our programs focus on: youth development to prevent teen pregnancy and transmission of STD’s and HIV; character development; parenting education; continuing education for pregnant and parenting teens; and information and referral to community resources. FOHC’s goal is to help young mothers and families overcome the challenges they face in life, so that they can provide happy, healthy homes in which their children can grow and thrive.