Staff report

The Nansemond River Pilot Club will host its 5th Annual Womanless Beauty Pageant to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

Kristen Croot, air talent from WKCK 106.1 FM, will return as Emcee.

Marion Ritter, Governor of the Virginia District of Pilot International, and a member of the Nansemond River Pilot Club, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Some of Suffolk’s well-known businessmen will dress like women and compete in talent, evening and casual wear and interviews for the title of Ms. Relay For Life 2005.

A &uot;People’s Choice&uot; Award will be presented to the contestant who gets the most donations from the audience during the event.

Certificates will also be awarded for Best Hairstyle, Best Makeup, Best Legs, Best Evening Wear, Best Talent and Miss Congeniality.

Many of those who participate in the pageant have had friends and/or relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Ray Bennett, owner of Ray’s Florist, is just one of the contestants competing for the title.

He also participated in the 2003 pageant as &uot;Anastansia Golddigger.&uot;

The Nansemond River Pilot Club held its first Womanless Beauty Pageant in 2001, and the popular annual event has raised more than $26,000 for the American Cancer Society in just four years.

Past Ms. Relay For Life winners include:

Scott &uot;Saturn&uot; Nash, Richardson & Nash Clothiers (2001), The Honorable S. Chris &uot;Christina Lee&uot; Jones, Virginia House of Delegates (2002), Jerry &uot;Shelita Buffet&uot; Butler, Duke Automotive (2003) and Dr. George &uot;Georgianna&uot; Barnett, retired dentist (2004).

Tickets are $15.

Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Tickets are available at Suffolk Insurance, 202 Market Street or Witt Mares, 1415 Holland Road, Suite 100 or from any Nansemond River Pilot Club Member.

In 1992, the Nansemond River Pilot Club was chartered. It’s affiliated with the Virginia District of Pilot International, a human service organization of volunteers working together to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the world.

The organization’s service focus is helping persons with brain-related disorders and disabilities through education, volunteerism, and financial support.

The Pilot International Foundation awards thousands of dollars annually in grants and scholarships to further education, research,and programs that benefit those affected by neurological diseases and injuries to the brain.

The Nansemond River Pilot Club meets the second Tuesday of each month.

For more information about the club’s community service projects, contact Janet Cowell at (757) 539-3468.