HOWELL – Claire Pavlinec of Howell, who is the reigning Mrs. New Jersey America, recently announced her decision to compete in the Long Branch Half Marathon in hopes of raising thousands of dollars for a charity she founded for mothers in need.
The Long Branch Half Marathon is part of the Long Branch Marathon and is set to take place May 4. Pavlinec said she is planning to run the entire 13.1 miles of the half marathon and has recently begun training in the community.
“My platform as Mrs. New Jersey America is the charity that I started called Maternal Wings,” said Pavlinec, who is the founder and director of the nonprofit organization.
Pavlinec, a stay-at-home mother of two children, said she established Maternal Wings in an effort to provide impoverished mothers with the necessities they need to care for their new babies. Throughout the year, Pavlinec and fellow volunteers work to collect donations, ranging from diapers to cribs, from the community.
“I entered the pageant in hopes that I would win and be able to bring more attention to my charity and the needs of expectant mothers who do not have the resources to provide for their child.
“AsMrs. New JerseyAmerica, I will be able to help even more mothers and babies than before by bringing about a greater sense of awareness statewide,” Pavlinec said.
According to Pavlinec, over the past six months, Maternal Wings has helped approximately 75 mothers provide for their babies. The organization’s goal for 2008 is to help more than 300 mothers and infants.
“By running in the half marathon, I hope to raise several thousand dollars that will be used in support of Maternal Wings’ ongoing initiatives,” said Pavlinec.
Pavlinec began her reign as Mrs. New Jersey America in July 2007.
According to pageant director Geralyn Watson, the Mrs. America organization is dedicated to selecting an individual who is poised, articulate, versatile, and beautiful- both inside and out- to represent more than 60 million married women nationwide.
“Claire’s compassion for mothers and children in need is inspiring and she is truly a role model for all women in New Jersey,” Watson said.
Donations to help Pavlinec’s effort may be made to Maternal Wings Charity at 870 River Ave., Lakewood 08701.

