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| Elizabeth Safrit represented the United States in Miss World 2015 pageant where she placed 2nd runner-up. Credit: Facebook |
ORLANDO, FL, MARCH 8, 2017 - Former Miss World Second Runner-Up, Ms. Elizabeth Safrit and Dr. Lynne Scott Safrit, have accepted the license for ownership of the United States franchise for Miss World. The mother-daughter team will be leading the official United States preliminary to Miss World, newly re-named America’s Miss World, effective immediately, as co-National Directors.
The pageant will be held this summer in Orlando, F.L., with more details to come regarding venue and production. The reigning Miss World, Stephanie Del Valle of Puerto Rico, is visiting Orlando this week to tour the city and assist in the announcement of the host location.
The new leaders are also introducing the Americas Miss World Foundation, a charitable organization (IRS Charitable status pending). The Foundation strives to embody the philanthropic spirit of Miss World’s Beauty with a Purpose program by raising awareness and funds for various charitable causes across the country. The Organization will feature a charity gala during the week of the National Final in Orlando to raise money for the foundation, which will then be donated to aid the project of the Beauty with a Purpose competition winner, as well as a National charity to be announced soon. “This pageant will be different in that the focus on philanthropy will be not only be expected of the contestants, but of the organization itself,” said Ms. Elizabeth Safrit. “We want the organization to make a positive impact on the United States in more ways than just the stellar young women who participate in the program.”
Elizabeth Safrit is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Public Relations and Cooperate Communication from Georgetown University. Elizabeth represented the United States at Miss World in 2014, where she placed second runner-up to Miss World. Elizabeth became a tourism ambassador following her placement at Miss World, traveling to over 30 countries. Safrit also served as a spokesperson for numerous American companies and charities, including American Airlines, Rock the Vote, and Save the Children US. Elizabeth recently accepted the “Titleholder of the Year” award from Prestige Pageantry Awards.
Dr. Lynne Scott Safrit served as the President of Castle & Cooke North Carolina for over 30 years where she oversaw the development of the North Carolina Research Campus. Dr. Safrit graduated Cum Laude with a BA from Catawba College, received an MA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and earned a Doctorate of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Safrit was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the most prestigious award in the state of North Carolina, by Governor Pat McCrory in 2016.
“It is with great honor that we accept leadership of Miss World in the United States”, said Elizabeth Safrit. “Having experienced Miss World firsthand, I can attest to the value of the organization with the platform that Miss World gives women to embrace new cultures and experiences, all while encouraging them to purse higher achievement. Never have I been in the presence of so many accomplished women in one place as I am every year at Miss World; the competition features women who are doctors, lawyers, athletes, and Ivy League students. Miss World is a true celebration of women around the world.”
This announcement comes following the annual Miss World competition being held in the United States for the first time in history in December 2016. “Our biggest priority is positioning Miss World as the strongest advocate for the young women of the United States by providing them with a stellar outlet to showcase their talents and achievements,” Dr. Safrit said.
About Miss World
Miss World is the oldest and largest international pageant in the world. Miss World was established in London, England in 1951, making this the 67th year of Miss World competitions. The organization received international acclaim when it eliminated the swimsuit portion of the competition in 2014, choosing to focus instead on more progressive competitions designed to celebrate the many attributes of women around the world.
Miss World is held annually with representatives from over 130 countries worldwide.The winner of Miss World is determined by accumulative scores of “fast track events”, which are designed to test the candidates’ fitness, talent, modeling skill, public speaking, social media interaction, and philanthropic endeavors.These fast track events include: Sports,Top Model, Talent, Multimedia, Interview, and Beauty with a Purpose.
The Miss World final is one of the world’s most watched annual events, with a worldwide viewing audience of over 1 billion people. Miss World is televised every year in the United States on E! Entertainment. Miss World’s fan base is widespread, boasting 3 million likes on Facebook.
About America’s Miss World
The America’s Miss World Organization holds an annual competition to identify young American women who exemplify beauty, talent, intelligence and compassion. It aims to create and empower role models who will serve as ambassadors to charity, enrich the perception of beauty, and enhance a new strength, energy and spirit for the advancement of women, while positively impacting their communities. The winner of America’s Miss World represents the United States at Miss World and will compete in the international final alongside women from over 130 countries. Notable representatives include Halle Berry and Lynda Carter.
For more information about Miss World and America’s Miss World, visit www.missworld.com and www.americasmissworld.org.