Jackson woman wins Mrs. New Jersey title

Claire Pavlinec, of Jackson, won the title of Mrs. New Jersey United States 2010 at a ceremony held at Monmouth University, West Long Branch in May. JACKSON — Poise, charisma and a personal mission of helping to provide the necessities to impoverished expectant mothers and their infants garnered Claire Pavlinec the title of Mrs. New Jersey United States 2010 at a ceremony held at Monmouth University, West Long Branch May 16.

Pavlinec, 40, competed in the pageant as Mrs. Jackson Township and was selected from among eight statewide contestants. She went on to represent New Jersey for the title of Mrs. United States in the national pageant held in Las Vegas, Nev., from July 20-22.

As Mrs. New Jersey United States, Pavlinec will make appearances throughout the state to help promote community and social activities such as business, civic, religious and educational functions, as well as supporting local and national charities. She will also be able to promote and brings focus to her personal charity, Maternal Wings, that helps needy expectant mothers and their infants.

“The pageant is loads of fun and exciting,” said Pavlinec, who won a similar title, Mrs. New Jersey America, in 2007 as Mrs. Howell Township, her previous community of residence. “But as exciting as the pageant is, it’s the icing on the cake that allows me to bring attention to various charities, especially Maternal Wings. I would never have done the pageant just for the title. I did it for the ability to promote Maternal Wings as my pageant platform.”

In 2005 she founded and directs MaternalWings, a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that she estimates to date has helped approximately 1,000 mothers and infants. It started small and soon blossomed.

“After I had my children, I realized how fortunate I was to have everything I needed during my pregnancies and for my children,” said Pavlinec. “I also realized many women were not that lucky. I contacted some clinics and found a huge need for maternity and baby clothes and baby items, such as strollers and pack-and-plays.”

Now, she canvasses the community for donations of gently used clothes and baby items and with the help of volunteers picks up, sorts and delivers the items to those in need. Cash donations are used for items that are not immediately available and needed. Food is not collected.

“The items are maintained in a storage unit at my home until needed,” said Pavlinec. “Sometimes the items spill over into the garage, the territory of my husband, Ken. But he is very supportive and doesn’t complain.”

Pavlinec, who is a stay-at-home mom, often takes her children, Alexis, 6, and Luc, 5, on the various trips that involve the activities of Maternal Wings. Both children attend St. Veronica School in Howell.

“I feel it is important to expose the children to the needs of others,” said Pavlinec, who has a master’s degree in education with a certification in special education from Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

While it was a juggling act to maintain home responsibilities, the needs of MaternalWings and the activities of the Mrs. New Jersey United States pageant, she is grateful for several things.

“First, the pageant made me stay in shape for the evening gown and swimsuit competitions,” said Pavlinec, who runs half-marathons (13.1 miles). “Secondly, the pageant had no talent completion. I would have lost if there was a talent segment. And last but not least, I met some wonderful people, including the pageant’s co-directors.”

The Mrs. New Jersey United States pageant co-directors are Christopher Willshair, a resident of Long Branch, and Michelle Anderson, who resides in Randolph.

“The Mrs. New Jersey United States pageant honors married women who live in this state for their achievements that they combine with beauty and intellect,” said Willshair, who has volunteered his services to the pageant for six years. “There is no talent competition because the talent of the contestants is balancing marriage, family and a career.”

He said the contestants are rated by a panel of five judges of various professional backgrounds. A private interview with the judges involves discussing subjects such as the contestant’s platform and counts for 34 percent of the score. A public evening gown competition and a swimsuit competition each count for 33 percent.

“There is no upper age limit for contestants, who must be at least 21 years old,” he said. “A great part of the pageant is that the contestants get support for their favorite charities as well as supporting national charities and the interests of communities in New Jersey.”

The pageant supports, Willshair said, charity partners that include the Make a Wish Foundation, the American Heart Association and Autism Speaks.

Pavlinec is scheduled to make an appearance in August at the annual U.S. Navy Family Picnic in Lakehurst and in October at the Walk Now for Autism event in Long Branch.

Willshair said Pavlinec's court of honor includes the first runner-up for Mrs. New Jersey United States, Kelly Lichtenstein of Tinton Falls, who competed as Mrs. Monmouth County, and the second runner-up was DonnaLyn Giegerich Zapcic, as Mrs. Red Bank. Also, Shanna Edwards, Mrs. Freehold Township, won the Internet Choice Award.

For more information about the Mrs. New Jersey United States pageant or to book an appearance by Pavlinec, click on www.mrsnewjerseyus.com or call 1-877- 4MRSNJUS. To learn more about Maternal Wings, its services and needs, click www.maternalwings.com or call 732-674- 4975.