The famed beauty pageant, Miss World 2015, concluded it's charity gala event on Tuesday, 15 December, an occasion for which contestants from across the world bring an item that can be auctioned. This year, the proceeds went to Sanya Orphanage, a not-for-profit organisation founded by Miss World Chairwoman Julia Morley in 2005.
Although the contestants' beauty and grace dazzled that night, it didn't outshine their generous spirit. Some of the items that went on auction included trainers autographed by Usain Bolt, brought by Miss Jamaica, a mask from Paraguay and an Icon of Saint Basil of Ostrog from Montenegro, reported the Miss World 2015 website.
The event began with contemporary renditions of Christmas jingles sung by children of the Sanya Orphanage. This light-hearted medley inspired several of the contestants to clap, sing and dance along. However, they were not alone. Former winners Rolene Strauss (Miss World 2014), Ksenia Sukhinova (Miss World 2008), Megan Young (Miss World 2013), Azra Akın (Miss World 2002), Yu Wenxia (Miss World 2012) and Agbani Darego (Miss World 2001) joined in.
Several of the former Miss Worlds reminisced about their time as contestants. Rolene Strauss, Miss World 2015, said: "I had such a great time during the charity gala evening in my year and I brought with me a piece of the Robben Island fence to auction. Robben Island is the island where the incredible Nelson Mandela was held prisoner in South Africa. It was amazing to see everyone bring something special to raise funds for charity. The difference we make, together, is just so much greater."
According to the Miss World 2015 website, the charity event gala raised more than $40,000.
The Miss World 2015 finals will be held at Crown of Beauty Theatre, Sanya on Saturday, 19 December.