Sangamon Sun

Illinois Rep. Randy Frese introduced a visitor to the state House, as Shelby Rose, the newly crowned Miss Quincy, joined him on the House floor to announce the launch of a new charity project on March 15.

"I was proud to welcome Miss Quincy, Shelby Rose, to the House floor today; and to announce a joint project that will hopefully make relocating a bit easier on foster children," Frese wrote in a Facebook Post, including a link to a release on his website.

In the release, Frese shared a link to a video from the House floor, where he introduced Rose to the rest of the representatives and announced that he and Sen. Jill Tracy would partner with Rose's charity, Fostering Hope, to collect and donate hygiene items for children in foster care.

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Illinois House, if it looks a little brighter here in the back row today, it’s because I am joined with a radiant and very special young lady, Miss Quincy 2023, Shelby Rose," Frese said in the video. "Shelby was named Miss Quincy in January of this year and will take part in the Miss Illinois pageant in Marion, Illinois this June."

Rose, 19, is a freshman at the University of Alabama, majoring in Public Relations and minoring in digital content engagement, Frese explained to the representatives. At age 13, she founded Fostering Hope, and she has partnered with other agencies to raise $20,000 to supply foster children with school supplies and backpacks.

"She’s donated Christmas gifts to scores of foster children," Frese said. "She’s filled hundreds of 24-hour-notice bags for children emergently placed in foster care. I’m happy to announce that next month Senator Jill Tracy and I will be partnering with her in her efforts to collect hygiene products that will be distributed to foster children this May, during Foster Care Awareness Month. Shelby’s goal is to donate over 120 different duffel bags for youth in care. Shelby has also launched an initiative to mentor college students who have been involved with the foster care system and provide them with care packages," he added.

"She’s an incredible young woman, and I’d hope to ask the speaker if perhaps we’d have a special session in July when we can welcome her back as Miss Illinois," Frese said.

Rose was named Miss Quincy in January, beating out seven other candidates to earn a $3,000 scholarship and other prizes, according to Muddy River News. Rose was also named Miss Quincy Outstanding Teen 2018, and learned in 2017 that she was adopted, according to a story by KHQA.

Frese, of Adams County, was elected to the House in 2015. He has served on the Agriculture & Conservation, Appropriations-Human Services, Consumer Protection, Small Business Empowerment and Workforce Development, Veterans' Affairs, Business Growth & Incentives; and Public Private Partnerships committees, according to the House website.