Alison Furderer, a mom and model who resides in Wailua, is in the quarterfinals of the “Maxim Magazine Cover Girl 2020” online contest and needs more votes to advance.
“I chose to go after this competition because one of my friends believed in me and sent me the link to the contest,” said Furderer. “I entered on a whim, it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”
Larque Mahan of Hanama’ulu is that friend who nudged Furderer to enter the contest.
“I recommended Alison to enter the Maxim contest because she is one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I’ve ever met,” said Mahan. “Alison is so selfless and always looking out for others, I thought she deserved to do something for herself, to chase her dream, I believe in her.”
The winner of Maxim Magazine’s photo contest would receive the “Cover Girl” title, a front-page print along with a two-page spread, and the grand prize of $25,000.
Furderer said if she won the grand prize money she would pay it forward and pay off some personal expenses.
“I will be donating to a local family in need, and would love to be able to help my family due to COVID-19,” said Furderer. “Pay off some student loans and medical bills.”
In addition to winning the prize money, Furderer said she would use the opportunity to advocate with people with invisible illness and chronic pain.
On Sept. 29, 2012, Furderer was celebrating her 30th birthday at Loop Road when she ran off a 15-foot cliff while playing Frisbee.
Furderer dislocated a bone in the middle of her right foot, along with an injury on her left buttock with spinal whiplash, which left her in a wheelchair for eight months.
After the accident, Furderer was also diagnosed with autoimmune diseases: fibromyalgia and celiac.
Furderer has been living on Kaua‘i for nine years and is a certified occupational therapist assistant who is passionate about standing up for environmental and civil rights.
Furderer is also involved in the “Warrior Votes,” where 25% of all proceeds are collected for critically wounded veterans by Jack Allen’s homes for wounded warriors.
Furderer said she has been with ADR talent agency on O‘ahu for a few years and is grateful to be represented by SAG-AFTRA, a licensed franchise talent agent.
Furderer has been modeling since the age of 14 and has worked with many designers like KaiKini Bikinis, Michal Arts, Gypsy Rain, and Ainofea.
Furderer said daily voting, every 24 hours, is crucial to keep her number of votes up and is free with Facebook login, while using her Maxim link.
Maxim Magazine’s current voting schedule started on July 6 and ends on July 16.
If Furderer advances to the semifinals, which begin July 20 to 30, she will then move on to the finals, which begins August 3 to 13.
”I am grateful beyond measure for any and all who will vote for me, share my link and story,” said Furderer.
To Vote: https://bit.ly/3ejcop9
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Stephanie Shinno, community reporter, can be reached at 245-0424 or sshinno@thegardenisland.com.