GOVPH

05 December 2013 – On her second visit to New York since winning the Miss World crown, Filipina beauty queen Megan Young raised funds for the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that devastated the central Philippines last November 08. 

After  a  private  reception  in  her  honor  at  the  Philippine  Residence  in  Manhattan  on November 19, Ms Young then graced a meet-and-greet dinner with the Filipino community in New Jersey on November 20.  More than 200 Filipinos came for an opportunity to get up close with the first Filipina Miss World at the Doubletree Newark Hotel, co-organized by the Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI). 

During the event, Consul General Mario De Leon, Jr. extended his appreciation to the Miss World Organization (MWO), represented by event director Steve Douglas, for allowing Megan’s reign to be used as a platform for advocacies to benefit the Philippines.  He also acknowledged Megan’s powerful epitome of the gracious, resilient and serene Filipino spirit in her international exposure as Miss World.  As a leader of the community, he urged those present to remain united in reaching out to kababayans in need of assistance.

Mr. Douglas expressed his admiration for Megan as a Filipino, “her heart is truly with you and her country.”  He said that because of Megan’s wish, MWO has decided to divert their fundraising efforts towards relief and emergency services for the victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) through Philippine Red Cross. 

What was originally intended as a welcome reception for her victory, the event was turned into a fundraiser after the super storm affected some 10 million people in the Philippines.  Megan addressed the community that night and thanked everyone who came and contributed for the assistance that will be delivered to the distressed.  She added, “This is for everybody back at home, not only for those that were a part of the tragedy back there, but also for the heroes, the unsung heroes, the people on the ground helping those in need.” 

A check to the amount of $20,000 was turned over to Miss World Organization by PIDCI at the end of the night.

After her stay in New York, Megan flew to Los Angeles for another fundraiser event, before returning home to the Philippines.  She visited Samar and Leyte last November 29to personally deliver and show her support to the victims. 

Mr Douglas announced that Megan Young will be back in New York for a show in January 2014 and again in June for the Independence Day Parade, chaired by PIDCI. END