Please Help Soben Huon, First Cambodian-American to go to Miss USA Pageant

Miss Utah, Soben Huon, is the first Cambodian-American to compete in the Miss USA Pageant.

Soben Huon, Cambodian-American Miss Utah needs funds for national competition

By Rodger L. Hardy
Deseret Morning News

PROVO — When Miss Utah/USA 2006 Soben Huon (pronounced "who on") won her title last November, she had sponsorship money and was ready to compete in the Miss USA Pageant on April 21.

Now all that has changed, said Provo businessman Rick Kinateder. Huon, 22, a student at Brigham Young University from Long Beach, Calif., was caught in the transition when the Miss Utah/USA franchise changed hands. In the process existing sponsorships ended and new ones signed on, but Huon found herself in the middle of the transition without sponsorship money.

"She needs to raise $5,000 to meet the expenses of the national competition," Kinateder said.

The Miss USA Pageant is in Baltimore, Md.

Kinateder organized a paella dinner to be held on March 29, 7 p.m., in the Provo City Library at Academy Square ballroom, 550 N. University Ave to raise funds for her. The paella dinner is the national dish of Spain. Kinateder has done specialty dinners in the past, which he calls a "hobby-service."

All the foods are donated and include a variety of meats and seafood, he said.

In addition to dinner, the BYU Ballroom Dance Team will provide entertainment and Huon will model her contestant wardrobe. Tickets are available at the door for a minimum donation of $20. The Provo mayor's office is assisting and taking RSVPs at 852-6108.

As Miss Utah/USA, Huon makes public appearances, gives speeches and represents Utah in certain events. A senior and political science major at BYU, she plans to take next semester off to fulfill her new duties as Miss Utah/USA. She is the first Khmer-American to compete for the title of Miss USA. She has received several awards as a Cambodian classical ballet dancer and plays violin and piano. Huon speaks fluent Khmer, the official language of Cambodia and is learning Spanish and French.

Supporters have created a Web site for her, http://www.sobenhuon.com/. According to the Web site, "Cover Girl" is having a Countdown to the Crown Challenge. By registering, folks can help Huon and possibly win a trip to the Miss USA Pageant.