Miss Wisconsin contestants collect food for flood victims

BY ALDRICH M. TAN • of The Northwestern • June 16, 2008

The Miss Wisconsin 2008 contestants plan to donate food items to aid local flood victims.

Despite flooding closing various roads to Oshkosh, the 26 contestants arrived on time for check-in at Oshkosh West High School and a dance rehearsal at the Park Plaza Hotel, hostess chairwoman Ruth Vorpahl said.
Miss Prairie Shores Kristina Smaby, who is competing for her third time, said she could not take her “usual route” to Oshkosh because of the road closures.

“I got here on time, but it was so sad to drive by and see so many communities covered in water,” Smaby said.

So, Miss Burlington Area ChocolateFest Angela Gavran got all the contestants to do a food drive for local flood victims.

All the contestants brought non-perishable food items like canned and boxed goods that they will donate to shelters, Gavran said.

“This is the perfect time when we should be involved in the community and get our name out there,” Gavran said.

Even though she was dealing with water in her basement, Miss Oshkosh Tosha Herrman said she is ready to get going.

“I’ve been working so hard for this,” she said “I’m so ready to compete now.”

— Aldrich M. Tan: (920) 426-6663 or atan@thenorthwestern.com