The Greenville YMCA will hold the first ever Miss YMCA Valentine Pageant Feb. 11.

The pageant will help raise funds for the Partners with Youth campaign, which provides financial aid for children and families that would otherwise be unable to afford membership at the YMCA.

“No one comes for free,” Amanda Phillips, executive director, said. “Everyone pays something, but these funds help offset the cost for those children and families that can’t afford the full price.”

The YMCA’s fundraising goal is $20,000. Since October, it has raised $4,200 through Gorilla Boo and Lunch with Santa programs.

“We’re doing pretty well so far,” Phillips said. “We’re hoping this pageant will help us pass the $5,000 mark at least. This is a big undertaking, but we’re excited about it.”

Phillips said the pageant’s judges will be from out of town and that she hopes to have a television personality from one of the Montgomery stations emcee the pageant, which is open to girls ages 0-18.

There is a $25 entry fee that includes admission to the pageant for one of the contestant’s parents.

Contestants must register by Jan. 31.

The YMCA will also charge a $4 admission fee for adults and a $2 fee for students wishing to attend the pageant.

For more information contact Phillips, Tina Bullock, Michele Herbert or Blake Townes at 382-0550.