Introducing, Gracie Duke!

So this weekend Relay for Life hosted an entire day to increase awareness and support for the American Cancer Society in Jonesboro. We were very much anticipating the weekend due to 2 events in which Grayson was a participant. The first was the first annual 5k which took place Saturday morning. Grayson decided to run it as part of our training plan for the Mardi Gras half-marathon. I had hoped to run in the race as well, but had a meeting with the Junior Auxiliary of Ruston instead. I was able to make the end of the race and see both Thurston and Grayson cross the finish line. There was a huge turn-out of supporters so I foresee this race becoming larger in the coming years.

The finish line.Thurston was amazing, as always, and placed 2nd in the entire race!Grayson wasn't too far behind!

This leads me into the 2nd event in which both Grayson and Thurston competed. It was also a first annual for Jonesboro. It was the "Womanless Beauty Pageant". The idea was for a few good men to dress up like ladies and solicit donations from audience participants. Needless to say, Grayson was way more excited about this event that the run that morning. We spent all week developing his outfit, his name and music to accompany him onstage. The following pictures depict the process of getting ready.

My personal favorite quote from the evening went something like this:

Grayson: "I want to do like you girls do."

Ashley: "What do you mean?"

Grayson: "You know, put on my button-up shirt, then do my nails, hair & make-up and then put my outfit on last."

Being a girl is tough work!
Here is the finished product. Grayson transformed himself into "Gracie Duke" (Daisy's cousin) and Thurston was "Tasty Tousant".
I think Thurston depicts best in this picture how uncomfortable wearing a skirt can be at times. And Grayson, let's just say he didn't exit this role for most of the evening.

Appropriately strutting his stuff.
Doing whatever necessary to raise funds for cancer awareness.
All the contestants on stage during the "competition". They had 1 interview question and a group talent portion as well.
And the winner is ... GRACIE DUKE! Grayson raised the most money, but most importantly, in one night these brave men raised over $2000 for the American Cancer Society.