Queens for a day

B.W. COOK

Miss USA 2003, Susie Castillo, has been working hard in Orange

County, sending a strong message of charity and fellowship as her

legacy. A recent mental illness fund-raiser on behalf of the

nonprofit O.C. Center for a Brand New Day and other “awareness”

opportunities have been graced by Castillo’s beauty.

Castillo would be the first to say “beauty is more than skin deep,

it’s what’s inside that matters.” More importantly, the reigning

beauty queen is intent on making a difference by using her crown to

focus attention on issues often placed at the bottom of the charity

chain.

Mental illness is one of these causes.

“There is still a stigma, that is both unfortunate and

unjustified, concerning those that suffer from forms of mental

illness,” Castillo said. “We need to get rid of the stigma and deal

with the people.”

To this end, Castillo teamed up with local Costa Mesa restaurant

Maggiano’s at South Coast Plaza to create a “Queen For A Day” event

to benefit local women dealing with issues of mental challenge.

Five ladies from the Garden Grove Center for a Brand New Day were

invited to receive a complete makeover and dinner at Maggiano’s

Little Italy Restaurant. They were treated to hairstyling, makeup,

facials and spa services, and were fitted for a new wardrobe by

retailer Marketplace at Long Beach before enjoying dinner.

“What a great day of adventure and fun for these women who have

made such strides in conquering mental illness,” Castillo said.

Just one small step on the road to wellness and recovery. One

small step, one simple gesture that can make a huge difference, one

person at a time.

Local merchants deserving ink for generously making these ladies

queens for a day include Toni and Guy Hairdressing, Bungalow Bay

Chaussure, Hiatt & Peek Style, Mirta Moyano Skincare & Body Spa,

Neil’s Apparel, Rainbows Florist, Satori Day Spa, D’Aversa the Salon

and Tiffany Collections.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.