Miss Bulgaria's Evening Gown Has A New Owner!
What better way to kick off the month of ~*love*~ than with an incredibly heartwarming story? On the night of January 30, just hours after the 65th Miss Universe pageant, Miss Bulgaria Violina Ancheva shared on Facebook that she wants to hand down one of her preliminary competition gowns to "a girl in need that can't buy a dress for her prom the next month." Here’s her original post:
Shortly after the message was uploaded, Violina's post went viral, earning thousands of comments and shares from people lauding her generous move (we can bet her inbox was full of messages, too). Now, CNN Philippines reports that the midnight blue Sherri Hill two-piece gown has found a new owner: Issay Gallano, a single mother of two.
Issay gave Miss Bulgaria’s callout a shot, with her 15-year-old daughter, Zyra Nicole Cifra, in mind. "I was checking my SSS (Social Security System) already so I can buy her a dress, because she really wanted a memorable prom this year. And then this necklace, I'm ready to pawn this just to add to the budget," Issay told CNN Philippines.
Issay met Violina at the Conrad Manila, where the beauty queen personally presented her with the gown. "This is my present from Miss Universe, and for me to give [it] to you, it means very much," Violina told Issay. "You have a big heart," was Issay's emotional response.
Here's Zyra Nicole’s reaction to seeing her mom's surprise.
And here she is trying it for the first time.
"I want the next owner of the dress to feel beautiful and happy," Violina previously shared. Mission accomplished! <3
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