AN AMERICAN celebrity will be a special guest in the Illawarra next month.
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RJ Mitte, star of hit USA drama Breaking Bad, will join rising Wollongong model Kirra Jones as celebrity guests for the Illawarra’s Top Model final on October 10.
The pair will also attend the Highlights for Mental Health Ball on October 17.
Mitte is known for his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr in the Emmy Award-winning cult hit but is also in demand as a male model in North America and Europe.
But life has not always been easy for the Louisiana-born celebrity who as an infant was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and later bullied at school.
Mitte’s ability to overcome such challenges and succeed has made him an inspiration.
He champions his disability to try and help remove any stigma associated with handicaps.
He is supporting the Light & Hope Mental Health Clubhouse in Wollongong because he is aware of the difficulties people with disabilities or mental health issue scan have, such as being bullied at school
He uses his profile to bring awareness to those who suffer from life threatening illnesses in the community.
Mitte is a highly-regarded public speaker who often talks about his own experiences with bullying and prejudice.
He is the official ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Childrens Hospitals and has launched his own anti-bullying foundation called Cut The Bull.
Ms Jones, of Towradgi, is living her dream modelling on the runway in Europe.
The 17-year-old is in demand in London, Paris, Milan and New York after confidently striding the catwalk at the Berlin fashion shows mid year.
Her modelling debut in Germany was made possible by CORE Artist Management, run by Paul James Hay.
Mr Hay is the son of Robyn te Velde, the driving force behind the Highlights on Mental Health fundraising campaign for the Light & Hope Mental Health Clubhouse.
Ms Jones is presently part of the international autumn campaign Europe and North America.
Her success is already an inspiration for the 12 Illawarra’s Top Model finalists hoping to win a similar opportunity.
Mitte and Ms Jones will both take to the catwalk being built in the mall for the final and then at the ball.
Bookings at www.novotelnorthbeach.com.au.
