Miss Wayne County rolls up her sleeve for blood donations

Even so, she admits she was a little nervous the first time she gave blood.

But the pageant winner knew she was rolling up her sleeve for a good cause. Besh had spent the past several years encouraging others to give blood. And now, after a change in asthma medications, she was eligible to make her first donation.

“Giving blood is a little thing you can do that makes a big difference. Each donation can save three lives,” she said. “The need for blood is critical, so it was exciting to be able to make a difference in this way.”

Of course, it wasn’t the only big moment for Besh in the last year. The University of Michigan-Dearborn business student was crowned Miss Wayne County in October and will represent the county in the Miss Michigan pageant in June.

In addition to winning the overall crown, Besh took top honors in talent—she sang “Let Me Be Your Star”—and community service for her work encouraging others to give blood.

Besh became interested in the cause when her grandma needed blood during surgery. She soon began volunteering for the American Red Cross and now serves as a blood services administrative intern for the Washtenaw County chapter.

“There’s no substitute for blood,” Besh said. “And every day, 3,000 pints are needed just in Michigan.”

These days, she’s using her time as Miss Wayne County to spread her message throughout the region: Roll Up Your Sleeves to Save Three Lives. The North American International Auto Show, the American Business Women’s Association, schools, firehouses, children’s hospital—her schedule fills quickly with outings and appearances.

And that’s all on top of working toward her degree in finance and accounting.

“I always have my planner with me. I have to manage every little detail to keep on top of everything,” she said. “It’s a lot to manage, but it’s very rewarding.”