Jan. 20, 2006 – Despite the few thousand miles that separate St. Thomas from Las Vegas, Nev., fans will be cheering on Saturday, Jan. 21, for their island girl – Allison Bourne-Vanneck as though they were in the actual audience watching her compete for the Miss America title as Miss U.S. Virgin Islands. Less than a year after being crowned Miss U.S. Virgin Islands, the hours are counting down for Allison's big moment to shine on behalf of the U.S.V.I. on national television. Back at home, a dedicated support party hosted by Mahogany Run Golf Course will be held in their Grill Room from 8:30-11:30 p.m. and open to the public. There is a requested $20 donation at the door to support Allison's newly formed non-profit organization – Girls in S.P.O.R.T.S. Inc. There will be an array of appetizers, a special cash bar and the live telecast on four high-definition flat-screen televisions.
The last two weeks has been filled with judging contests, meetings with dignitaries and even a spot on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for Allison. The Miss America Pageant will be broadcast live from Las Vegas on Country Music Television beginning at 8 p.m. (EST) and can be found on the web at www.missamerica.org, or www.cmt.com.