Men hit the runway to raise funds for youth

Fitness trainer Bryan Aycoth dances to Aqua's "Barbie Girl" during the 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA competition Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Aycoth was crowned the winner of the contest. (Sarah Campbell / Salisbury Post)

Seth Henley dances to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' during the 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA competition Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Henley placed third overall. (Sarah Campbell / Salisbury Post)

Paul Seropian wows the audience with his by playing the kazoo during the 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA competition Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Although, Seropian placed sixth overall.

Austin Venrick performs to Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' during the 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA competition Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Venrick placed fourth overall. (Sarah Campbell / Salisbury Post)

good performs Shania Twain's 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman," during the 2010 Prettiest Man a the YMCA competition Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA.Ê He placed fifth. Alligood, a massage therapist at the J.F. Hurley Family Y, organized the event to raise money for the Y's Invest in Youth program. (Sarah Campbell / Salisbury Post)

Joe Finney make a few goose calls for the audience during the talent portion of theÊ 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA competition Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Finney placed fourth overall. (Sarah Campbell / Salisbury Post)

Fitness trainer Bryan Aycoth poses for a picture after being crowned the 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA on Friday at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA. Aycoth danced to Aqua's 'Barbie Girl' (Sarah Campbell / Salisbury Post)

By Sarah Campbell

scampbell@salisburypost.com

Seven men showed off their feminine side Friday, donning wigs, painted nails and a full face of makeup. They strutted down the runway in stylish threads, including floor-length gowns, mini skirts and high heels to compete in the YMCA of Rowan County's 2010 Prettiest Man at the YMCA competition.

The event, dubbed "An Evening of Womanless Pageantry," was hosted at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA to raise money for Y's Invest in Youth Program.

"(The program) provides funds for underprivileged children and families that are struggling and can't afford to be members of the YMCA," Travis Alligood, a massage therapist at the J.F. Hurley Family Y and coordinator of the event, said.

Alan Lambert, executive director of the South Rowan branch in China Grove, said the Invest in Youth program raises money for those who can't afford services and serves as a way to tell the Y's story.

"We're letting people know that the Y doesn't turn parents and children away," he said. "We want kids to get involved in the community and to be around healthy role models."

Sandy Flowers, executive director of the J.F. Hurley branch, said Invest in Youth wants to continue supporting families in need.

"There are so many needs out there," she said. "There are so many that are suffering. This is a fun way to raise money."

The event began at 6 p.m. with a spaghetti dinner catered by Debbie Suggs.

Pageant contestants took the stage at 7 p.m. Individuals were judged on poise, creativity, evening gown and talent.

Judge Janet Ruffin said her criterion was easy.

"I'm just looking for the most beautiful womanless man at the Y," she said. "I was thrilled when they asked me to do it. It's all for a good cause, to raise money for the youth in the Salisbury and Rowan County."

The talent portion of the evening included a range of activities including a tune played by Paul Seropian on the kazoo, a dance performance by Seth Henley to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and goose calling by Joe Finney.

David Freeze, the maintenance director of the East Rowan branch in Rockwell, wowed the crowd with his rendition of Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man" and was crowned first runner-up.

Bryan Aycoth took home first place bragging rights. Aycoth, at fitness instructor at the J.F. Hurley branch, danced to Aqua's "Barbie Girl," and showed off his legs in a variety of flashy mini skirts.

"My boss Ester signed me up," Aycoth said after the pageant. "But I have fun with this kind of stuff."

Aycoth said he didn't mind lending his time and talent to the event.

"It was for a good cause," he said. "That's our future, so when it comes down to it I couldn't turn it down."

The event raised more than $800 in ticket sales Friday. Tickets to the event were $10 and included dinner, admission to the pageant and a performance by the local band Divided by Four.