(Editor’s note: Due to the effects of Imelda, the Belle of the Ball entry fee has been reduced to $75 All- Inclusive.) 

“I want these girls to know they are beautiful before they even sign up.”

Angel Jameson won Miss Houston Sweet Heart of USA in early 2017, but the impact of Hurricane Harvey later that year made her want to do more in the pageantry world than just compete.

Jameson started Heart of Gold Pageants hosting her first contest in May 2018. This year, she is bringing it to Port Arthur for the first time.

“When Harvey hit, my mode completely changed from pageant mode to worrying about friends, family and the community,” Jameson said. “We have to help each other, and that’s when I started thinking and seeing the girls around me serving their community. I wanted to make a bigger impact and create opportunities for other girls to do the same.”

Jameson, who has a degree in communications, started Heart of Gold Pageants as an all-natural, same-day pageant because she wanted to encourage young and classic ladies to feel beautiful inside and out.

In her first pageant she had girls come out and they won their titles, sashes and gifts. Then they would go out and wear that sash as they served in their community.

She said it is amazing to watch all the ladies support, grow and represent their titles.

Each Heart of Gold pageant has a theme. Port Arthur’s theme is “Belle of the Ball,” which coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pageant will have an entire section dedicated to Women Warriors.

“A lot of us know someone who has had to deal with breast cancer,” Jameson said. “I think it’s good to see the sisters who go through that. To draw inspiration from them and motivation to think more about life than death.”

Participants in the Women Warrior category must be a survivor of cancer (any type) and will automatically be entered into a special honorary runway walk, receive a crown and sash.

“I think it gives the women warriors a chance to feel beautiful,” Jameson said. “I don’t know if they give themselves the praise they deserve. They are worthy of the praise and our applause.”

Belle of the Ball welcomes ladies of all ages. Categories range from Teeny Miss (0-11 months) to Miss Heart of Gold (19+). Contestants participate in three outfit categories — pink wear, fashion wear and formal attire. Non-required categories also include an essay section and interviewing section.

Jameson, a Houston native, is excited to be bring this pageant to Port Arthur and hopes to see a large presence from the city and community.

“I am used to city/country life but I think all the smaller cities are very underrated,” she said. “There are so many girls who if they had the chance to do things they would, so I feel like I can’t sit still. I love my city, but there is so much more to see and explore.

“Entering into the Belle of the Ball pageant is a thrill. If you’ve never done a pageant you won’t know what to expect and it won’t be what you expect. It will be fun. They are going to get a lot of pictures and feel beautiful.”

Heart of Gold Pageants is a non-profit company. To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/heartofgoldcontestant/heart-of-gold-registration-form. Email heartofgoldcontestans@gmail.com for question or more information.

A $50 deposit is due by Oct. 1., with the final $100 due by Oct. 7. Belle of the Ball will take place from 12-4 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Port Arthur Civic Center.