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Portland Tabernacle Soldier will Compete in Mrs. Oregon International Pagent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2012
The Salvation Army l Cascade Division
8495 SE Monterey Blvd
Happy Valley, OR 97086
(503) 794-3200
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Major Don Gilger
Portland Metro Coordinator
719.201.3215
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Teresa Engel
Communications & Marketing Associate
503.794.3283
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Salvation Army Portland Tabernacle Soldier to Compete in Pagent Wearing Outfits from Local Thrift Store
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(Portland, OR) - Shiny heels and sparkly dresses will be making their way across the stage this Saturday for the 2012 Mrs. Oregon International Pageant. One pair of shoes in particular will be making a special walk on Saturday, those worn by Mrs. Lauralee Balash. Lauralee Balash, Mrs. Portland, is a soldier at The Salvation Army Portland Tabernacle and is crossing “compete in a pageant” off of her bucket list. What makes her a special contestant is that she has chosen to wear only clothing that she has found at The Salvation Army Family Stores, and she is being sponsored by the Happy Valley Salvation Army Family Store. Lauralee will compete wearing her Family Store finds on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 7pm at the Lake Oswego High School Theater, located at 2501 Country Club Rd., Lake Oswego, OR 97034.
When Lauralee found out that the Mrs. Oregon International Pageant allowed her to run on a platform and that it was based more on what you do than anything else, Lauralee knew that this was her moment. She also knew that this was the perfect time to do it as she has been struggling with a genetic kidney disease and multiple sclerosis for years.
“This was something that I knew I was going to do,” says Lauralee, a first generation Salvationist, referring to her upcoming first pageant competition. “The Salvation Army has been a group of sincere believers, and I have been blessed with wonderful people at the Portland Tabernacle who have been showing their support for me along the way.”
Lauralee Balash is an active Corps member and is a volunteer leader with women’s ministry at the Portland Tabernacle. She is also involved in youth and community care ministries at the Corps. In continuing support of her adventure, many of the staff and Corps Officers at the Portland Tabernacle who have been with her step-by-step will be there with her on Saturday to cheer her on.
This Saturday, Lauralee will be competing for the title of Mrs. Oregon International. All four of her outfits will have been selected from the Happy Valley Salvation Army Family Store, including shoes, clothing, and jewelry. When Lauralee asked her husband what he thought of her outfits, he told her, “You can’t tell the difference when you’re up on stage." |
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, has been supporting those in need in His Name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing, shelter and opportunities for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army works in 124 countries worldwide. People wishing to make monetary donations can do so by calling 503-794-3282, or by mail to The Salvation Army, 8495 SE Monterey Avenue #9, Happy Valley, OR 97086.
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