I am trying to solve a single problem, rather than many. My project is based on community involvement in general.My community is small but has many problems including drugs and a lack of youth outreach programs. My program is youth-oriented but involves the entire community, as well.

This past year, I won a hometown pageant called Miss Apple Blossom. My deal for winning the pageant was that I wanted to make it a community-involved pageant. I said that each contestant should be required to have a platform and that the winner be required to participate in community service projects throughout their reign. As the reigning Miss Apple Blossom, I plan to participate in some community service projects, beginning with the Breast Cancer Foundation because that is the project closest to my heart. My goal is to start an annual project called "Miss Apple Blossom Makes a Difference" which would involve many youth-oriented projects. The winners of Miss Apple Blossom can speak out to youth about many things facing them today and show them that they aren't alone. When Miss Apple Blossom shows the youth in the community that look up to her that she is no different from them, she can help them with their problems. I would like the grant so I could start the funding for these projects and urge the Apple Board to use funds from Apple Festival activities and entry fees for the pageant to fund the community projects.

I have written a letter that I will be mailing to members of the Apple Festival board and the pageant directors, explaining my goals, and my plan. I will then, if necessary, meet with people to discuss how to get the project going. I am hoping to get a grant to help by giving the new winner money for her chosen platform.