In looking to come up with new and inventive ways to raise funds for the March of Dimes, Leigh Ann Turner decided to add a good-natured twist.

On Oct. 25 in Gaffney High School Auditorium, the March of Dimes will hold a womanless beauty pageant and the name means exactly what you might expect.

The men brave enough to sign up for the event will be judged in three categories: talent, interview and — likely the most side-splitting of all — evening gown.

Contestants for the pageant will have to come through corporate or family team fundraisers and Turner said she's planning to limit the field to 15 contestants.

In planning the event, Turner said it was her goal to come up with something new, fun, interactive and familyoriented.

Based on videos she had seen of other womanless pageants, she knows it at least will be good for many laughs in the name of charity.

The entry fee will be $30 per contestant and the supporting corporate and family teams are being asked to collect "good luck" funds for their contestants as a way to raise additional money for the March of Dimes.

"We've already got some," she replied when asked about how many people might be willing to get up on stage.

Teams interested in putting up a contestant are asked to call Turner at 489-6856 or e-mail her at march4babies@ yahoo.com.

More details, such as the time of the pageant, will be announced as the date draws closer.

The March of Dimes' primary fundraiser, the WalkAmerica, will remain a springtime event.