Miss OCU is creating custom playlists to raise money for her philanthropy for Miss Oklahoma, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
Mackenzie McIntyre, music senior and Miss OCU 2020, said as a result of COVID-19, the Miss Oklahoma competition is postponed to July 17-22.
“The competition is now fewer days than usual and pushed back about six weeks,” McIntyre said. “It’s not ideal, but we’re doing whatever it takes to make sure Miss Oklahoma happens.”
McIntyre said her social impact for the competition is suicide awareness and prevention.
“I had so many amazing projects and meetings set up for the rest of the semester that are no longer happening due to COVID-19,” McIntyre said. “I thought I could combine my love for music and my passion for journeying toward the end of suicide, and simultaneously donate a little bit of funds to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. It’s also given me something meaningful to do in this time of a lot of uncertainty.”
McIntyre said this will be her third year attending Miss Oklahoma and her second year partnering with AFSP.
“AFSP is a national organization that works to distribute materials and resources for people in need to businesses, schools and individuals. I’m a big fan of their research and they’re my go-to place when I have a question,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre said she usually creates multiple playlists a week for her job as a spin class instructor, or “CycleStar,” at CycleBar, which is how she came up with the idea to make playlists to raise money for AFSP. She said she creates the playlists with 15 songs for a suggested donation of $5 through Venmo.
“Message me on either Facebook or Instagram and tell me your three favorite artists and what you plan to use the playlist for,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre said she has raised $70 so far and has a goal to raise at least $100.
“I know this is a really hard time for people to be letting go of money,” McIntyre said. “I suggest a minimum donation of $5, but if people donate $1 or $25, I will gladly accept. Every penny counts.”
McIntyre also said she plans to continue fundraising after she reaches her goal.
“I would really like to get to $100 before I seal it in an envelope and send it out,” McIntyre said. “Honestly, as long as people are willing to purchase playlists, I am willing to make them and donate the money.”
Kathryn King, dance senior, said she is an ambassador at the same CycleBar studio as McIntyre.
“I think what she’s doing is a wonderful idea,” King said. “It’s taking something she’s educated about through her work as a CycleStar and using it for an incredible cause.”
King also said she recommends McIntyre’s playlists.
“She always somehow, someway, gets songs in there you didn’t know you needed to hear,” King said. “She’s really good at creating a balance of tempos and genres. It is just a wonderful blend of music.”
Kennedy McIntyre, Mackenzie McIntyre’s sister, said she bought a custom playlist.
“She gave me really good songs that I listen to a lot, and I now use it when I run,” Kennedy McIntyre said. “During this time when no one’s able to do very much, it gives everyone something they can listen to, and it helps fundraise for the AFSP at the same time.”
Kennedy McIntyre said she has attended the Miss Oklahoma competition for the past two years to support her sister.
“We were never a pageant family until Mackenzie started doing them, but it’s incredible to see everything that goes down,” Kennedy McIntyre said. “It’s really amazing to see all the social impacts everyone raises money and advocates for.”
Kennedy McIntyre also said she looks forward to cheering on her sister in July.
“She always does really well,” McIntyre said. “She’s always been so grown-up and mature, even when she was a kid. She’s such a hard worker, and I know she can do whatever she puts her mind to.”
McIntyre said though this is her third year competing in Miss Oklahoma, she is excited to finally represent her school. “I’m so excited to get in front of the judges in the interview room and confidently speak about all the incredible projects I’ve been able to be a part of this year,” McIntyre said. “Finally getting to represent OCU is such an honor. This is very likely my last year to compete in Miss Oklahoma, so maybe third time’s a charm.”
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