Miss Cape May County Teen and Her Pet Start Work on Spreading Smiles

Madison Kennelly was her most excited when she was crowned Miss Cape May County Outstanding Teen on March 3. But now the 13-year-old student is getting down to work raising awareness for her platform.

Kennelly's platform involves her best friend: Peanut.

Kennelly's pet dog accompanies her on visits to the sick and elderly, bringing smiles to their faces through the charities Leashes of Love and Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

Proceeds from her events will go to the Miss America Outstanding Teen Program and to the Kristen Santiago Memorial Fund for Pet Therapy Dogs. In the coming months, "Begging for Change" donation cans will be places around town. The cans will include a photo of Peanut. 

"When they see Peanut's face, they will donate," Kennelly laughs. 

Kennelly and her family may also try to extend fundraising efforts for the charity through an iPhone application.

Kennelly hopes to continue her efforts as she works toward the Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen Pageant in January.

Since she was 3 years old, she has been competing in and winning pageants. Her most recent routine is a theatrical jazz dance to Footloose, which won her the title. 

The Kennelly's are originally from Gloucester Township, and Madison has been attending Ocean City Intermediate School since September.