The Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center FM-100 Radiothon not only raised $95,000 for the Memphis-based children's hospital on Friday, August 3, but it introduced Miss Tennessee Grace Gore to the charitable nature of Memphis residents.

Gore, 23, was in Memphis to assist in the annual radio event held in the hospital's beautiful lobby. Surrounded by Le Bonheur patients, Gore high-fived the children and gave them encouraging words. She also joined corporate sponsors to answer phones, helped FM-100 radio personalities to encourage callers and signed autographed for wide-eyed boys and girls who marveled at her sparkling crown. As Miss Tennessee, she serves as an advocate for the Children's Miracle Network, a national organization that raises funds for pediatric hospitals.

A self-described Mid-South girl, the tall brunette was raised in Grenada, Mississippi, educated at Ole Miss and has family throughout West Tennessee. Currently, she is in a a second year doctoral student of Audiology at Vanderbilt University. In June, she was chosen Miss Tennessee, which is part of the historic Miss America Organization. For the next year, she will travel throughout the state speaking and performing for schools and organizations. In addition to supporting pediatric healthcare, Gore serves as the Governor's spokesperson for a Safe & Drug Free Tennessee.

Miss Memphis Nicole Jordan and Miss Cordova Outstanding Teen Hilary Reese joined Gore for the afternoon event.

Earlier in the day, Gore visited The Commerical Appeal newspaper for an interview with the editor of the MY LIFE Section. An article will appear in next week's paper.