It definitely runs in the Rose family of Houston.

Even in the midst of the pandemic, three generations, and four members, of the family have made history, recently winning titles in the first-ever virtual Texas Legacy US Pageant.

We spoke to two of the winners, Cindi Rose and Erica Rose Sanders, to find out about their passion for pageantry, extensive charity work and goals for the future.

What led you to pursue pageantry?

Cindi Rose: I was first introduced to the pageant world when I was in college at The University of Texas at Austin. My peers actually nominated me for a few pageants, and I went on to earn titles such as Miss Austin, Miss Venus, Runner-up for Miss OU, Miss Hundred Pipers Scotch and Miss Tanglewood.

Erica Rose Sanders: For this pageant, our family was nominated by our friend, Lilly Paxton—Mrs. Legacy Universe, who first wanted my children, Holland (3 years old) and Aspen (18 months), to enter. After we decided to enter the girls, Lilly suggested that my mom and I enter as well, so we could enter as a family.

At first, we thought it was going to be overwhelming. Then, we found out that the pageant, due to the pandemic, switched to a virtual format, a first in the pageant world. So, mom and I decided to enter as well. It ended up being a really fun and bonding experience for the whole family while we were all in quarantine.

Tell us about your charity work. Is it in Texas or on the national level?

Cindi Rose: Our philanthropic efforts are in Texas as well as at the national level. I founded the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, created in honor of my sister who was lost to cancer, for surviving cancer patients.

I am also a board member for numerous organizations, including City Artworks, the Guild of American Paper Cutters, the University of Houston Moore’s School of Music, the American Heart Association and the Heart Guild. I have also chaired the Arthritis Foundation’s Bone Bash and have worked with many hospitals as a chair, including Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. I was also named one of ABC 13’s “Women of Distinction” in 2009.

Erica Rose Sanders: My mom and I have been and are actively involved in a number of charities. As a result, we have served as the chairs and honorees of numerous events and galas. Together, Cindi and I received CKW Luxe Magazine’s “2020 Top 20 Mother Daughter Impact Maker Award.” I also serve the community as an attorney for The Rose Sanders Law Firm, PLLC, which I recently opened with my husband, Charles Sanders.

How have you been giving back during the pandemic?

Cindi Rose: We are raising funds for Today’s Harbor for Children, a foster care program for abused children and teens, and we have joined the Anti-Defamation League.

Erica Rose Sanders: We have also been donating meals to children through Kids’ Meals. We wanted my daughters, Holland and Aspen, to participate so they could learn the importance of giving back and giving to those less fortunate. Holland and Aspen decorated brown bags for the sack lunches while my mom and I packed the bags with healthy snacks. We donated around 50 meals for children at risk who are not in school and need a free meal. We also tie-dyed face masks to donate to healthcare facilities in need.

What are your plans for the next year?

Cindi Rose: We are hoping to hold a fund-raising event for the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation called The Kentucky Derby Party. I am also participating in a national art show in Philadelphia with the Guild of American Paper Cutters.

Erica Rose Sanders: We are going to continue our philanthropic efforts and help out our community and the causes we are passionate about in whatever ways we can. Also, I will continue to advocate for my clients and serve my community through my practice.

Cover photo Ashton Mullins on Unsplash

 Abimbola Farinde is a healthcare professional and educator. She serves as a freelance writer and enjoys writing on a variety of topics that include health care, mental health, Houston lifestyle and much more.