A former teen pageant winner decided that she would use her win to make a difference in the lives for occupants in a children's home and she encouraged other teens do to what they could for the community.

Miss Teen Bermuda 2007 Alexa Lightbourne expressed that "it was better to give than receive" and recently donated $1,000 to the Sunshine League.

"My name, Alexa, means helper, so I feel compelled to help others," said Miss Lightbourne.

"I decided to donate the $1,000 to the Sunshine League because I knew that they were in desperate need of funds," said the 17 year old. "Additionally, I chose to give to the children's home because as Miss Teen Bermuda 2007 not only did I want to contribute to the community as a whole, but especially teens my age. I would like to encourage others to give, because its always good to help others especially others in need."

When she was crowned Miss Teen Bermuda 2007 Miss Lightbourne had no idea that she would accomplish so much.

"I had a host of experiences throughout my reign," she said.

"Highlights from my year were being guest speaker twice at the Hamilton Rotary Club and placing Third Runner Up in The Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant, making history for Bermuda and St. Kitt's.

"The whole year was an unbelievable experience. I matured so much during my reign and I confirmed my leadership ability. I also proved to myself that anything is possible."

But after her travels, experiences were nearing an end, she decided to do something truly special for someone else.

"As my reign as Miss Teen Bermuda 2007 drew near, only six weeks prior to the closing ceremony, my thoughts centred on what contribution I could make to my community," she said.

"I decided to organise a Charity Concert to give part proceeds to a local charity. I then contacted my favourite artist, Miri Ben-Ari, the Israeli hip-hop violinist, and asked what would be needed to have her perform in Bermuda.

"Surprisingly, details for the event started to unfold and the charity concert took place at City Hall last summer on August 15, 2008."

Admitting that it was a daunting task, because of a lack of funding, she said: "I solicited sponsors who jump-started the planning of the event.

"My dream was realised. The concert was a near sell-out. After the event, I then had to wait for a few sponsors to deliver on their commitment so that I could pay my debt. Finally, I was able to donate the $1,000. It felt good to accomplish my goal and make a contribution to the Sunshine League and to my community.

I not only wanted to help young people, but I also wanted to prove to Bermuda that there are young Bermudians who are trying to be positive role models for their peers."

Hosting the benefit concert was a monumental task, but she continued: "Fortunately, I managed to find willing hands that ended up being my committee members. "Additionally, I was blessed to have sponsors who placed confidence in me as a sixteen year old with a big dream.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to my sponsors BTC, The Market Place, The Bermuda Arts Counsel, Triangle Press, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Kitson Group of Companies and Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

"I am indebted to Tiffany Fox, Chris Darrell, Kevin Bean and Morley Productions for their help to make this event an overwhelming success. "Last, and by no means least, I want to say thank you to my mom, Dr. Andrea Lightbourne for her relentless support."