Fort Mill’s Dana Boutwell to compete for Mrs. International

Sixty-two women will compete for the crown of Mrs. International in Jacksonville Saturday night, July 23 – and one of them is local to Fort Mill.

Dana Boutwell, Mrs. South Carolina International 2016, will represent the Palmetto state next week during pageant festivities in Florida. Contestants from 12 countries and every state in the U.S. will vie for the crown. Boutwell said she hopes to win the crown to bring awareness of her platform of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a national nonprofit that raises funds for new treatments for pediatric cancer, to a larger audience.

“Of course, I want to bring the crown home to South Carolina, but win or lose, I’m so happy to have this opportunity,” said Boutwell, a former S.C. Strawberry Festival Pageant titleholder.

As part of her reign, Boutwell visited all five children’s hospitals across the state to spend time with patients and advocate for pediatric cancer research. She brought clay pots to each visit and painted with the children.

Each September, Boutwell leads the local fundraising efforts “30 Days for a Cure” and “Paint the Town Gold” in honor of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. She coordinates bake sales year-round for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, and has helped raise over $130,000 for the cause.

Now, she will take her passion to an international stage.

“From hometown to international is a pretty big leap, but I feel like I’m prepared for it,” Boutwell said.

She credits her family – husband Brian and their four sons – and her mentor and friend Patti Mercer for helping her along the way. Mercer, who directs the Strawberry Pageant, coached Boutwell in preparation for the pageant.

“It’s a team effort, to be there as a ‘Mrs.’ I couldn’t be there without their support,” she said.

She’s looking forward to a week filled with rehearsals, outings and appearances, as well as getting to know her roommate – Mrs. Japan.

“There’s 62 girls, I’m just bringing my best self,” Boutwell said.

This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 3:24 PM with the headline "Fort Mill’s Dana Boutwell to compete for Mrs. International."