For Maureen McCosker, winning a crown wasn’t about recognition. It was about giving back. The Villages resident was recently named Ms. Division winner in the Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant, a Florida-based nonprofit program that blends pageantry with purpose.

The Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant, now in its 15th year, was founded to support local and state nonprofit organizations through volunteer service and private donations. Contestants and titleholders dedicate their year to promoting kindness, community engagement, and charitable causes.

“The sole purpose of the Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant is to support local and state nonprofit organizations through private donations and volunteer work,” she says. “In doing so, we hope to make a positive difference in someone else’s life.”

Maureen competed in the Ms. Division, open to women 20 and older, often alongside younger competitors.

“I was competing with women much younger than myself,” she says, “so winning was both humbling and empowering.”

Each winner, or “Queen,” must complete a set number of appearances and volunteer hours for an approved nonprofit charity. At the end of their reign, they receive a check to present to their chosen organization. Maureen selected the Humane Society as her charity of choice.

The Miss Sunshine Charity Pageant, led by directors Willie Melendez and Marcus Santiago, emphasizes four core values: leadership, empowerment, empathy, and respect. Through these principles, contestants are encouraged to “spread sunshine through kindness” and grow as future community leaders.