Michelle Dee joins launch of organization for people with IDDs

PHILIPPINE bet Michelle Dee had the opportunity to promote her lifelong advocacy as she attended the launch of Best Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The launch was held in El Salvador, where the 28-year-old beauty queen met a young girl named Katherine.

Dee, who serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for the Autism Society Philippines, described her visit at the Best Buddies’ charity event “truly special.”

The staunch supporter of autism awareness shared on Instagram several snaps of her interaction with Katherine, with one photo showing Dee painting the young girl’s palm green. The other photo featured their hands with paintings of a kiss mark and a heart that bore the initials “KM.” 

“Beyond the glamour of Miss Universe, it’s moments like these, supporting causes close to my heart, that give me strength,” said Dee.

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization also posted photos of Dee at the charity event, which was also attended by other Miss Universe delegates.

According to MUPH, this was one visit that Dee looked forward to as it gave her the opportunity to further her advocacy.

“It’s the moments like these that make all the hard work and busy schedule worth it for Michelle. For nothing is more precious to her than being able to work towards inclusivity for those on the autism spectrum and an #AutismOkUniverse,” it said.

The Filipina beauty queen promoted autism awareness in the “Voice for Change” category of the 72nd Miss Universe competition where she currently ranks first.

Last chance to vote

With only a few days left before the highly anticipated Miss Universe 2023 pageant, the MUPH continued to encourage Filipinos to vote for Dee to retain her ranking. The voting for the “Voice for Change” category will end at 11:59 p.m. today, November 13.

“Keep voting to make sure Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee retains the top spot in Voice for Change,” it said.

Among those who expressed support for Dee was Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

In a video shared by MUPH on Facebook, Gomez thanked Dee for representing the Philippines “really well” in El Salvador. 

“We know that you’ve worked really hard and we’re so happy to see that your efforts are paying off,” she said.

Gomez, who finished in the Top 5 of Miss Universe 2021, praised Dee for uniting Filipino fans and said that she was proud of the 28-year-old and her team for doing “such a fantastic job.”

Gomez also encouraged those who haven’t voted yet for Dee to cast their votes via CI Talks’ website for the “Voice for Change” category and the Miss Universe app for the “Fan Vote” category.

The winners will be announced during the pageant’s coronation night on November 18.