Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sizzle (05/02/13)
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TITLE: Green Eyes Aren't Always Pretty | Previous Challenge Entry
By Brenda Rice
05/09/13 -
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"Uh, what is she doing here? They don’t even live here." Melody fumbled with the straps of her dress, as she straightened herself after her drive. She kept her eyes on her former classmate, Alicia Myles as she ascended the steps to the Gathering Place.
"I thought she would have gained 100 pounds after having three children back to back to back. Well, her hubby is a doctor. He can afford to keep her nipped and tucked."
“Melody is that you? Girl, you look just gorgeous!
“Oh...uh…Alicia, it’s a surprise to see you.”
Music blasted from inside drawing the ladies attention to the fact they were still standing on the front steps. Apparently, they were the last to arrive.
Melody headed for a table in the front to sit with her friends. “You won’t believe who’s here. Alicia Myles. She’s back there in that extravagant red dress. You couldn’t miss her if you tried.”
The other ladies craned their necks to get a glimpse of Alicia. “Wow! I bet that dress cost a thousand dollars,” whispered Amy Jones. “She can afford to sizzle. She snagged herself a well-known surgeon while she was in college.”
Melody fidgeted and her face was as red as Alicia’s dress.
Just then, Martha Addison, a local television personality and mistress of ceremonies gave a welcome. She reminded everyone that the silent auction would begin as soon as the dinner was served. “Ladies, remember this is the final fundraiser for some young women from Lakewood High School.”
“Do any of you know who is receiving the assistance this year?” Melody asked.
“I hope it is one of the girls our church nominated.” Janie Henderson mused.
“Well, I heard there are three recipients, and someone has donated a substantial amount of money.” Melody was pleased to have this information to share.
“Do you know who?” Amy asked.
“No. I have no idea, but my source says none of the sponsors came close the giving what the mystery donor gave. That’s difficult to understand because my church always gives several thousand dollars.”
The silent auction was held during the meal, but it hardly interrupted the speculation going on between the friends at the front table.
“Ladies it is time to reveal how much money was raised from the auction tonight. My assistant tells me we raised $10,550.00. Give yourself a hand. That is a wonderful gesture on your part.
“Now, I have a surprise for everyone. This year we were overwhelmed by the generosity of a family from nearby Crossville. They are personally sponsoring one of our young ladies.
"Before I introduce our mystery sponsor, I want to tell you that our churches donated $30,000. Add your donations tonight and the grand total is $40,550. This is the best year since your alma mater began offering assistance to deserving young women who could not attend college without this help.
“Without further delay it is my pleasure to introduce our mystery sponsor, Alicia Myles.”
Alicia walked confidently to the stage. Melody’s shoulders drooped. Her friends clapped with enthusiasm and fake smiles.
“If that doesn’t take the cake. Flaunting her money like some rock star,” whispered Melody between clenched teeth.
“Although I don’t live in Lakewood, I am a graduate of Lakewood High. My husband and I are thankful to be able to sponsor one of the nominees. I went to college because someone other than family cared enough to provide the money for my education.
“A few years ago my husband was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease. He was robbed of his surgical career. For a time, I was seething, but a wise person told me about a loving savior who died for me. I realized my anger had paralyzed my spirit and closed my heart to the needs of others.
“We were a young couple with three small children, and my husband could not provide for us. I learned to live by faith in God and believe in miracles.
"Although my husband is still unable to perform surgery, he has improved enough to manage a team of skilled surgeons which allows him to make an annual salary above what he could have made alone. God is more than faithful.
“Gregory and I are humbled to have this opportunity to help someone receive a college degree. We are donating $50,000. Giving is more blessed than receiving.”
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