Young mom from Rostov wins Mrs. Russia beauty contest

A 26-year-old married woman from the city of Rostov won on Saturday Missis Russia-2011 beauty pageant and will represent Russia at Mrs. Universe contest this year. Maria Yeroshenko, a model and the mother of a 2-year-old son, bested other 10 contestants in three categories: national costume, swimsuit and interview with a panel of experts. "I am so happy and proud...I will put all my efforts in preparation for the next serious contest and carry this title with honor to represent Russia," Yeroshenko said. The young mom actively participates in charity events and will soon open her own actor prodigy theater in Rostov, where orphans aged from four to 16 will perform. "It should open in September. I am happy to help children from orphanages study theater arts for free in my theater," she said. Mrs. Universe-2011 contest will be held in Bulgaria on August 20-28.