Miss New Bedford Launches First-Ever Sunset Cruise Fundraiser

The Miss New Bedford Scholarship Pageant has been around for 70 years, but this is the first time in memory that organizers have set up a Sunset Cruise to raise money for scholarships.

The cruise is happening August 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., departing from New Bedford State Pier onboard the Cuttyhunk Ferry.

Chairperson of the Board of Directors Ashley Bendiksen and Miss New Bedford 2025 Ashley Clark joined Townsquare Sunday to talk about the cruise, the Miss New Bedford organization, and Clark's year wearing the crown.

70 Years of Scholarship Legacy

"Miss New Bedford has had a long history, with the first pageant held in 1954," said Bendiksen, herself a former pageant winner. "Miss New Bedford has been deeply involved in the community since then, committed to community service and volunteering."

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"Fundraising is a big part of our organization because we are a scholarship pageant, and since 1954, we have awarded more than $220,000 in scholarships," Bendiksen said. "Every year, we award another $10,000 or so to women who compete, including the winner and runners-up."

What’s Included on the Sunset Cruise

Bendiksen said the Sunset Cruise is open to all. The ferry will depart State Pier on the 28th at 6 p.m. sharp, traveling along the coastline to Clark's Cove, Padanaram, Nonquitt, Mishaum Point and then back to State Pier. There will be food onboard, music and a cash bar.

Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased on the Miss New Bedford website.

Miss New Bedford 2025

Clark's year as Miss New Bedford is rapidly coming to a close, but she has been very busy in her community.

"It has really been surreal," she said. "I've worked on my community service initiative, entitled 'Your Vote, Your Legacy.' I've registered high school students with Councilor Shane Burgo at New Bedford High School, and did a lot of volunteering in the community, and I've loved every minute of it."

Clark said she's used a lot of her pageant winnings to pay off student loans. She is currently a teacher in the New Bedford Public School System, and hopes to attain a master's degree in the near future.

Learn More About the Miss New Bedford Program

To learn more about the Miss New Bedford program and Miss New Bedford Teen, visit MissNewBedford.org for details on an upcoming information session on August 24.

Listen to the Complete Interview

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