Organizing a wildly entertaining event like the 2024 Missed Pleasure Island may be time-consuming but Karen Graybush, one of the Island Women committee co-chairs, says it’s also tons of fun. Maybe that’s because she and co-chair Mel Lombardi have the logistics down to a science. Thanks to their committee’s hard work, the pageant raised more than $20,000 for local charities supported by Island Men and Island Women. It took place at the Courtyard by Marriott on March 2.
For those who don’t know, Missed Pleasure Island is a male beauty pageant. Local businesses sponsor the participants who perform a talent and participate in swimsuit and evening gown competitions. One winner is named Missed Pleasure Island for 2024.
The Island Women Missed Pleasure Island committee spent months planning and organizing the front-of-the-house for the event, including soliciting for and creating more than 80 gorgeous raffle baskets. They were displayed throughout the lobby and the hall outside the auditorium. The committee also organized the ticket sales process about a month before the show. They ensured sales were fair and equitable. That’s important as the event sells out fast every year.
Multi-media, pre-event advertising promoted the sponsors and donors and encouraged the public to purchase gift basket tickets. Winners did not have to be present to win. “I want everyone to have an opportunity to win something,” Karen said. “I want everyone to have a fun night out during the winter. It’s a festive event where everyone is welcome. That’s why I do it.”
After eight years, Karen and Mel recently stepped down from chairing the Missed Pleasure Island committee. They want to share their knowledge and experience with the Island Women members who volunteer to co-chair next year’s event. It will take place February 22, 2025.