Friends and family throw Miss NJ "send-off" party

LAUREN CARROLL Staff Writer 5 hrs ago (0)

Seashore Line Pageants hosted a send-off brunch for Miss New Jersey, Kaitlyn Schoeffel of Egg Harbor Township, Sunday Aug13, 2017, at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, as she continues her journey to the Miss American Pageant in September. Schoeffel greeted and posed for photos with well wishers and supporters at the event. (Dale Gerhard / Press of Atlantic City)

During a Sunday brunch at the Tropicana Atlantic City, Miss New Jersey Kaitlyn Schoeffel made the rounds giving hugs and taking selfies with dozens of her friends and supporters at her "Miss America Send Off" party.

"It's so incredible" said Schoeffel, who in less than a month will join the 50 other contestants at Boardwalk Hall for the 97th Miss America competition.

"I know today is a send off for me, but I just want take today and have it as a thank you to all of the people who have supported me throughout the years" said Schoeffel.

The send-off party is a tradition in the pageant world, hosted by the "pageant family".

Schoeffel held the title of Miss Eastern Shores 2017 before being crowned Miss New Jersey in June. Miss Eastern Shores, along with five other local pageants are organized by the same group, Shoreshore Line Pageants.

Director of the Seashore Line Pageants Carol Taylor said they've had the honor of hosting a total 15 send-off parties over the years for their pageant winners who go on to compete for either Miss America or Miss Outstanding Teen.

"We're very proud of our girls each year" said Taylor.

As a part of the send off, members of the Miss New Jersey Class of 2017 honored Schoeffel with kinds word and encouragement.

Schoeffel was also gifted a diamond New Jersey pendant from Bernie Robbins Jewelers and a donation from the Seashore Line Pageants, to help with any remaining costs in preparation for Miss America.

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"We've been blown away by the support" said Margot Schoeffel, Miss New Jersey's mother. "We consider everyone here family. I'm so grateful for everyone here"

Preliminary competition for Miss America begins Sept. 6. The final night on Sept 10. will be broadcast live from Boardwalk Hall on ABC networks.

Press of Atlantic City, 14.08.17

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/missamerica/friends-and-family-throw-miss-nj-send-off-party/article_89a0428b-36a4-58ea-98b8-91dca7d947f6.html