13 JUNE 2019 BODY OF CHRIST NEWS Women from all over will be gather- ing for a different kind of beau- ty pageant including our own Arica Quinn. Quinn will be proudly represent- ing us as Ms. Colorado Plus America 2019 in the upcoming national beau- ty pageant for plus size women on September 14 in South Carolina. The faith based organization that puts on Miss Plus America has been dedicated in supporting plus size women in giving them the outlet to be inspired, be part of serving others in a rewarding way since 2003. “The goal of Miss Plus America is to highlight, elevate, motivate and encourage plus size women,” says Quinn who is from Denver. “It’s part of the pageant to expose the world to the intelligence of the beautiful plus size women.” Quinn explains there are differ- ent divisions of the pageant for those women who are size 14 and above. The Miss Division includes those plus size women ages 18 and older, the Ms Division is for those single plus size women ages 40 and older, and the Mrs. Division for those plus size women who are married. Colorado does not have a specif- ic local Colorado pageant director, according to Quinn, which is why she ended up being the only applicant from the state to participate. When she competes on the national level in September it will involve her competing in several categories - from the interview, elegant wear, evening gown competition, cover girl photo to involvement in community service. It was Quinn’s mother, Pastor Yvonne McCoy, who told her about the Miss Plus America Pageant. Pastor McCoy now lives in Tennessee but built quite a reputation in Denver with her min- istry. She started the city-wide youth ministry choir called Voices of Faith that went on for more than 15 years. During this year’s pageant, Quinn will represent our state with her plat- form - His Healing Hands MInistry that deals with women who have been molested, abused, raped and circum- cised. Quinn’s also has a story to tell as a survivor of molestation, rape and abuse. “You know my name but not my story is part of my tagline for my platform as Ms. Plus Colorado,” she explains. She is releasing a book about it within the next month. Anyone interested in knowing more about His Healing Hands Ministry that her mother Yvonne McCoy runs can call 303-358-1835. Quinn can be reached by email at: mscoloradoplusamerica@gmail.com Arica Quinn By Sheila Smith Ms. Colorado Plus PAGEANT