Sheryl entered Mrs South Africa in 2007 because of her involvement within her community and wanted to create a platform to further her community work. She was involved in so many different charities, fundraisers and continuing to create the awareness of breast cancer whereever she could. She received so much support from all over and so many kind sponsors who made this journey easier to obtain her goals. At the finals in December 2007, she walked away with the title of Mrs. Western Cape for the following year.
Mrs. Western Cape 2008
During her reign as Mrs. Western Cape, Sheryl continued with her charity work as before but even on a larger scale. She became very well known in the Western Cape and had the continued support of all around her and the work that she did. She became involved in orphanges, supporting the homes for the aged with fundraisers, collecting clothing, shoes and toys for the less fortunate as well as assisting with the Xenophobic attacks which lasted for over 3 months in her area. She got a team of helpers together and along with her family and some muslim friends and their community, she fed over 2000 homeless people who sheltered at Killarney racetrack. For this she and her family received a "Humanitarian Award" from Western Province Motor Club.
"Lion's Woman of the Year" 2010 - Louis Volks Humanitarian award.
In 2009 Sheryl wanted to put some more thrills and excitement into what she was doing, still continuing with her charity work as before, but this time to create a very specail and unique charity drive. She founded a charity for children and adults with life threatening illnesses like cancer, down syndrome, special needs, and many other disabilities and diseases. She named it: " Race to live". This charity involves participants whom have various dreams and ambitions and with the assistance of Race to live, they can come true. They are called her “dreamers”. "Race to live" is an organization of a few individuals with Sheryl who volunteer their time and efforts and raise sponsorship to enable children and adults to have their dreams fulfilled. Some of them only dream of being taken around Killarney Raceway in a race car can now have their dream come true by some of the charities members whom have offered their time and dedication to create a need and give those the opportunity to make their wish a reality before they are no longer able to. Various activities include events booked for racing car drives and go karts rides. each participant is kitted out with a full racing suit, helmet, and made to feel the part of a racing driver, whilst their families are invited to come watch and are treated to refreshments and snacks. The thrills and smiles on these children's faces make Sheryl's simple little dream for them a reality that they never will forget.
She studied Developmental Child Psychology so that she could understand more about the children she works with, some whom are abandoned and abused, some orphans etc. Again Sheryl was recognized for her work within the community and working with these adults and children and she did not go un-noticed. She was invited to a ladies lunch where she was a nominee for "Lion's" Woman of the year and won the title, she received the "Louis Volks' Humanitarian Award by the Lion’s Club Milnerton, in recognition of Dedicated and Distinguished service to the benefit of the community which exemplifies the ideals of the International Association of the Lions’. What an honour!
Mrs. Smile Western Cape 2010
In November 2010, Sheryl was nominated to enter Mrs Smile Western Cape and she won the title as well as personal prizes including a Lize Sloan photo shoot, make-up and hair etc for her functions during the year.
Mrs. Worldwide "Queen of Hope" - International 2011 - 2012
Sheryl has won the title of Mrs Worldwide 'Queen of Hope' International Pageant where the finals took place in Phoenix Arizona in July 2011. She represented South Africa and continues to inspire others out there that there is HOPE after cancer!
The "Queen of Hope" pageant is not your traditional beauty pageant. Dedicated to the philosophy that everyone has his or her own sense of style and beauty, they are a "presonal style and achievement" competition. They truly want to see unique and special qualities shine. Queen of hope means the spirit of H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People is Empowering), as well as spirit of pageant camaraderie and sportmanship. Mrs Worldwide is an international philanthropic organization, dedicate to serving the world community.
Along with the title, she received the one and only overall award : "Spirit of Hope" award which is awarded to a single individual whom has committed herself wholeheartedly to her community and has done the most community work within a single year. Remarkably Sheryl was tops in that division. She also received an award for "Spirit of giving" for her selfishness in her community and for supporting her community by giving of her services and own time selfishly.
MISSION OF THE QUEEN OF HOPE PAGEANT: to cure the stigma, fear and disease of (breast) cancer. The pageant is designed to be a 'crown for the cure', and Sheryl works towards raising the awareness of breast cancer, lending her personal experience in the survival of the disease.
Sheryl continues with so much community work, even more than before, arranging food parcels, homes for the aged, orphanages, being involved with celebrity functions, parties, events, fundraisers, hospital visits, fashion shows, judging various beauty pageants and getting involved where necessary as and when is needed. She always offers her helping hand to others and has a positive driving force that enables her to do everything that she wants to achieve and more. She does all of this out of love and passion for others and always wants to see them smile, if that is all that she can achieve.