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CHICOPEE A Chicopee woman is hoping a good
showing in a national beauty contest could be the break she
needs for a show business career. 
Delilah Gonzalez is raising money from sponsors to
participate in the Ms. Belleza Latina pageant, which will be
conducted from Aug. 13-17 in San Antonio, Texas.
Holyoke native Maria Torres, the 1985 Massachusetts Miss
Teen USA, founded the pageant. Torres has had an active career
in modeling and has appeared in Working Mothers and Brides
magazines, besides remaining active as a pageant contestant.
Her most recent title was Mrs. Puerto Rico United States 2000
and she competed in the Mrs. United States Pageant.
A single mother at age 23, Torres was denied entry into
many pageants because of being a parent, something she does
not do with her competition.
The contestants are judged on an interview, and appearances
in evening gown and fashionwear.
According to the pageant's website, the goal of the
competition is to provide "a great venue for all Latinas to be
able to express their beauty, cultural pride, personal
accomplishments, and be judged as equals by their peers."
The winner receives an extensive package of jewelry,
make-up, photography services, and clothing, among other
items.
Gonzalez, a student at Holyoke Community College and a
graduate of Chicopee High School, said that this was her first
time participating in a pageant and that she wants "to be a
positive role model for Latinas in the community."
Gonzalez is a pop and R&B singer who has performed at
Justin's, P. Diddy's restaurant in New York City. She has cut
a demo recording and is seeking a record deal.
She has also worked as a model for the John Robert Powers
Agency in Philadelphia.
Gonzalez is looking for community support for her pageant
expenses and needs to raise $620. If interested in helping
her, checks (made payable to Ms. Belleza Latina and noted for
Gonzalez) can be sent to Ms. Belleza Latina, Inc., 2899 E. Big
Beaver Rd., Suite 152, Troy, MI,
48083. | 
