"We thought she had a chance," said Brenda Murphree, who serves as Trista's guardian along with her husband Robert. A little more than $17,390 was raised through Trista. The proceeds from the contest, sponsored by Belz, Sevierville Kiwanis, Smoky Mountain Babies and Gary Woods Photography, will go to East Tennessee Children's Hospital at its annual telethon.

"(Trista) worked really hard for the Children's Hospital in just her second year to raise money," Murphree said. "I wanted to thank the employees and customers of John Deere Toys, Clothes and Gifts for raising the money for Children's Hospital." Parents paid a registration fee to enter their children in the contest, but most of the money is raised by the "votes" cast for the children.

The parents had two weeks to raise money by whatever method they wished. In addition to prizes, they received gifts for raising different levels of money. The event has raised more than $29,000 over the past two years.

u Jordan Nicole Ewell, first place for ages newborn to three u Sarah Jessica Clark, first place for ages four to six u Ayanna Marie Arnold, second place for ages newborn to three u Travis Lee Petrey, second place for ages four to six u Landon Watson, third place for ages newborn to three u Mark Anthony Rayfield, third place for ages four to six "It feels awesome," said Jerri Ewell, father of Jordan Ewell and owner of Smoky Mountain Babies in Gatlinburg. "We say (Jordan) is the owner of the Smoky Mountain Babies. We wanted to participate this year by helping out with the Children's Hospital by donating prizes and raising money.

We will put the trophy in the store so everybody can see it." Alexis Lombard, annual-giving coordinator for the hospital, said she was pleased with this year's fund raising efforts. "We got $5,000 more than last year, so it was great response," Lombard said.

"East Tennessee Children's Hospital is grateful for the support and generosity of the residents of Sevier County who make this event such a success year after year.