A small-town hero is making a big impact on the world! New Gloucester's very own Misty Coolidge has been crowned Mrs. USA, but her journey to the crown is far from ordinary.
But here's where it gets inspiring... Coolidge, already a titleholder as Mrs. Worldwide in 2022, is not your typical pageant queen. She's a dedicated community leader with a heart for ending hunger. As the owner of Coolidge Family Farm, a picturesque wedding venue, she has become a local celebrity by organizing creative fundraising events like the 'Running of the Brides 5K for Hunger,' where participants don wedding gowns and walk a 3-mile route, all in the name of charity.
And her commitment doesn't stop there. Coolidge, a former food-insecure individual, has dedicated a quarter-century to fighting hunger in Maine, across the nation, and even globally. Her hands-on approach is evident in her regular volunteering at the Good Shepherd Food Bank, where she has been recognized as an ambassador. Through events like the Running of the Brides, she tirelessly raises funds for the food bank throughout the year.
Her extraordinary efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Coolidge has been honored with Gold Presidential Service Awards for contributing over 500 hours of community service annually in 2023 and 2024, and she's still counting for 2025!
But Coolidge's ambition knows no bounds. In 2021, she embarked on a remarkable challenge as an Ambassador for Feeding America: volunteering at a food bank in all 50 states. She's already conquered 38 states and aims to complete the remaining 12 by 2026. Moreover, her global impact is just as impressive, having traveled to 17 countries with the Global FoodBanking Network, contributing to the distribution of over 244,000 pounds of food.
Looking ahead, Coolidge plans to use her new title to advocate for hunger relief worldwide. She will travel extensively, supporting various nonprofit organizations at events ranging from galas to walkathons. Additionally, she aspires to share her powerful story on national television and establish her own soup kitchen.
A true champion for a noble cause, but is this enough? What more can be done to support hunger relief efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
