Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s Legacy Ball is her newest and largest philanthropic endeavor for her advocacy work with Young Focus Philippines
In the 2001 Miss Congeniality film, the pageant coach delivered the mantra that defined the outlook of future aspiring beauty queens: “Wear the crown, be the crown, you are the crown.” Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray continues to carry the weight—even though it has been six years since her reign.
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And while “celebrity activism” rarely fails to raise hackles—and often serves the repute of the celebrity more than the cause itself—for Gray, recognizing and using the power of her own celebrity was an essential step to contributing to her philanthropic work. In fact, joining pageantry was a means to acquire a platform that would bolster and support her heart for community work—an advocacy that truly shapes her DNA. Since 2016, the beauty queen has been occupying a meaningful role within the Young Focus movement, lending her voice and support to the children that aren’t provided the basic right of education.
“Since 2016, my work with Young Focus has been an anchor for me. It reminds me why I have this platform. It’s not just to elevate myself—it’s to elevate this community’s work alongside my own. That’s why the idea of the Legacy Gala came to fruition, and I hope there will be many more efforts and goals to give back to the community in the future,” Gray said during the press conference last week at City of Dreams Manila.
The Legacy Ball, to be held on November 22, is a fundraising event for the benefit of Young Focus Philippines. “I’ve always envisioned creating something big. The end goal is to have more people discover that there continues to be a need for education in places like Tondo,” she added. “The outpouring of support to Young Focus when I won was amazing, but over the years, it started to waver again—so I really want to boost this organization again…the core of the Legacy Ball is the advocacy. The proceeds will go to improving Young Focus’s learning facilities, programs, job preparation courses, and school sponsorships.”
In hopes of raising more funds, Gray will also be auctioning off select fashion pieces she has worn over the years during the event. She also teased that there will be other artists present at the ball.
In Miss Universe talks, meanwhile, the beauty queen confirmed that she will be returning to the Miss Universe pageant this November in Mexico as a commentator for the third year in a row.
She expressed high hopes for the Philippines’ bet, Chelsea Manalo. “I believe she’ll make us proud,” Gray declared. “I’m really excited about her! I think she brings a fresh breath of air to the competition. I know she’s had ample time to prepare, so I’m excited, just like every other Filipino, to see how she will make us proud every single day, from day one to coronation.”
Photos and Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES, CORNERSTONE ENTERTAINMENT
