‘Mr. Central Oregon’ event benefits The Center Foundation

Mr. Central Oregon is all about giving back. Representatives from five local high schools will help raise money for The Center Foundation.

Each contestant won the pageant at his school and will attempt to win the votes of Central Oregon at Bend Senior High School Tuesday night. Students from Summit, Mountain View, Bend, Ridgeview, and Sisters high schools will take part.

“There’s a bunch of talented kids and it means a lot,” Summit High School senior Alex Bowlin said earlier Tuesday. “I’m pretty excited to do it.”

Tuesday night, the young men are representing their high school on a grand scale.

“When you love your school that much, it’s cool to have the opportunity — not necessarily to give back, but represent them,” said Bend Senior High School senior Max Farrens. “Show the town why you think your school is so awesome, and it’s cool to have the opportunity to do that.”

The Mr. Central Oregon pageant directly benefits The Center Foundation. The Student Advisory Council with TCF chose this pageant as a way to give back to the community.

“One of the main things this money will go to is for bicycle helmets for first through third graders in Central Oregon,” said TCF Student Advisory Council Director Patsy Melville. “Our oldest son had a concussion in lacrosse and was treated and helped through by The Center Foundation.”

The Student Advisory Council also hopes some of the money can go toward providing an athletic trainer for rural high schools in Central Oregon.

Farrens ended up winning the crown Tuesday night, while Mountain View’s Brett Penington finished in second place.

To learn more, or to donate, visit: http://centerfoundation.org/mr-central-oregon-pageant/