Polly Glynn was all smiles Friday when she accepted her banner as Mrs. Mower County.

Glynn, of Grand Meadow, will be the county's representative when the Mrs. Minnesota Pageant takes place in March.

Friday's ceremony at the Mower County chapter of the American Red Cross also gave Glynn and others the chance to talk about the need for tissue and organ donation. That subject is also Glynn's platform for the pageant.

Glynn's nephew, Danne, died in a traffic accident and Glynn's sister decided that his organs and tissues should be donated.

The result? An estimated 150 people were helped because of her gesture.

"This is a real honor for me to do this," Glynn said.

Melinda Lockard of the American Red Cross said donating one's organs can be a critical help for someone in need.

"Tissue donation is amazing because one person can help so many lives," she said.

Elaine Hansen, the executive director for the American Red Cross' Mower County chapter, said Glynn will benefit greatly from the experience of competing in the pageant.

"It's an opportunity for a very talented person that continues to give," Hansen said.

Glynn's sponsor for the pageant is also her employer -- the First State Bank of LeRoy.

"They are extremely supportive," she said.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at :mailto:dan.fields@austindailyherald.com