Imagine a world where beauty queens don’t just dazzle on stage but also fight hunger, one meal at a time. That’s the reality for Misty Coolidge, a New Gloucester resident who was recently crowned Mrs. USA at the International Ms. USA Pageant in Orlando, Florida, on January 4. But here’s where it gets inspiring: Coolidge isn’t just a titleholder; she’s a force for change, blending her passion for community service with her role as a pageant queen.
Coolidge, already crowned Mrs. Worldwide in 2022, is no stranger to the spotlight. As the owner of Coolidge Family Farm, a charming wedding venue in southern Maine, she’s a local hero known for her creative fundraising efforts. One standout event? The biennial “Running of the Brides 5K for Hunger,” where participants don wedding gowns and walk a 3-mile loop around New Gloucester to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief. And this is the part most people miss: Her dedication to this cause isn’t just a recent endeavor—it’s deeply personal.
Growing up in a food-insecure household, Coolidge has spent the past 25 years on a mission to end hunger in Maine, across the U.S., and globally. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. She’s a regular volunteer at the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, where she’s also served as an ambassador, and her year-round fundraising events have made a tangible impact. Her “unwavering dedication to serving her community” earned her Gold Presidential Service Awards in 2023 and 2024 for logging over 500 volunteer hours each year—and she’s already working toward her 2025 goal.
Here’s where it gets controversial: In 2021, Coolidge took her mission to the next level as an Ambassador for Feeding America, challenging herself to volunteer at a food bank in each of the 50 states. Dubbed her “crushing hunger tour,” she’s already visited 38 states and aims to complete the final 12 by 2026. But her impact doesn’t stop at U.S. borders. As part of the Global FoodBanking Network, she’s traveled to 17 countries, helping provide over 244,000 pounds of food to those in need.
Looking ahead, Coolidge plans to use her new title as Mrs. USA to amplify her message. She’ll travel across the country and around the world, advocating for hunger relief and supporting nonprofits through galas, 5Ks, luncheons, and walkathons. She also dreams of sharing her story on a national talk show and opening her own soup kitchen. But here’s the question: Can one person truly make a global difference? Coolidge’s journey suggests the answer is yes—but what do you think?
Written by Rory Sweeting, a seasoned reporter from western Massachusetts who joined the Maine Trust for Local News in October 2024, this story highlights the power of individual action in tackling systemic issues. Coolidge’s story isn’t just about winning a crown; it’s about using that platform to inspire change. What’s your take? Do you believe pageantry and philanthropy can coexist? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
