The Richard Willes Fundraiser Gala

Every year for the last nine winters we reunite New York´s finest families in the Bartow-Pell Mansion to contribute with a great cause: Try to erase hunger, bring medical first aid, build a new school and a water supply for the community to access clean water.

This would be my first year hosting without my husband Christopher, I´m very nervous. Two months have passed since we sign the divorce papers and after thirty days of completing all the process I was no longer Mrs. Carpenter. He comes to the house every afternoon to see Noah supervised by Mason. Things seem practical and mature from his part but I always sense that the worse will happened in any minute. Knowing how competitive my ex- husband is he won´t let Edward and me win this one easy. I will be prepare.

Everything is ready; this year´s theme is the 1920´s and the American Dream. The Mansion´s garden was recreated into the Roaring Twenties. According to what I read: “The spirit of the Roaring Twenties was marked by a general feeling of discontinuity associated with modernity and a break with traditions. Everything seemed to be feasible through modern technology. New technologies, especially automobiles, moving pictures and radio proliferated "modernity" to a large part of the population. Formal decorative frills were shed in favor of practicality in both daily life and architecture. At the same time, jazz and dancing rose in popularity, in opposition to the mood of the specter of World War I. As such, the period is also often referred to as the Jazz Age.”

I never knew that Jazz was the music of the soul, the illumination and the amazing band made us go back to that amazing age. Everyone was absolutely into the theme, the music, the amazing food and dancing their hearts out. I arrived in a crashing crazy red 1923 Duesenberg model A.

-“The 1920's gave us some of the most beautiful classic cars. It was the transition period from the bland and practical Model T to the stunningly beautiful and luxurious road machines”. - Rhys Gerholdt said.

He was absolutely right.

My gown was an inspired Loretta Young Channel dress that would blend with my silhouette softly. I was hair styled accordingly and my neck and ears were covered in all the jewelry from the Harry Winston house. The foundation always throws the best parties so I´m always treated with the best but that just doesn´t go with my personality, I like simple and comfortable. However, is for a good cause and I only have to endure this craziness once a year.

I  reunited with old friends, met new ones and in any opportunity I can, I encouraged them to accompany us in our upcoming medical outreach but as usually  excuses of schedules were presented, some prefer to contribute with money and a few signed in to volunteer. The important thing is that we could involve everyone with whatever they can support.  

I was escorted to my table and Mason was three steps away from me. Even after Edward and I got back together he didn´t accept his old job back, his loyalty was to me and Noah. He has managed to coordinate my life´s agenda in an IPAD and advises me with everything I request council for. Edward went back to England one month ago to settle all the things with his companies and the final settlement of his divorce. Senior isn´t happy and eventually we´ll feel the consequences of his wrath. Bring it Senior; today I feel I can conquer the world.

The waiters offered us with the finest champagne, the event´s program and menu. All so 1920-like and with such elegance that sometimes it surprises me how I’m part of the circle of life where I can be with the people that can make a difference and change the world. In the program I see that there would be a Single Ladies Auction:  BHB- “Beauties Helping Burundi”. My friend Lydia, who is sitting next to me, starts talking about it.

-Edith, you should participate. You need to get out there and find a hot date. – She´s winking her left eye.

-No, Lydia. That´s for the youngest single ladies. I think I’ll pass. - I was trying to be polite.

And before I could prevent her from ruining my night she wrote my name and places it in the silver plate the waiter was holding.

-You will be fine, you need to have fun. It´s not a secret that Christopher was never the right match for you. Light up girl! – She said.

Lydia is an afro- American goddess from a very wealthy family in Long Island, we´ve been friends for a long time now and even when sometimes we spend  lots of time apart she gets me and I her. Honesty is the signature in our friendship and I thank her for that.

The nigh takes it´s curse and I completely forgot about the auction since I´m busy telling everyone about how beautiful Burundi is and all the necessities we can help with. In less than a few minutes I have a big crowd listening to me and writing checks like crazy. I believe this would be a great night for us.  Then the Master of Ceremony calls our attention and my stomach starts to tremble.

-Ladies and Gents is time for our BHB auction, get together and prep your check books we have a great list of sophisticated single ladies.

We were instructed to join the stage and one by one waited to be present to the crowd. The young girl that went before me with such perfect blonde hair and stunning figure got thirty five grand. Good for her! Lord, have mercy. Here we go.

-And now, our beautiful host and President of the Richard Willes foundation. She doesn´t need any description boys. Who wants the pleasure of dancing this evening with her? Are you ready boys! She deserves all of your attention. The beautiful Edith Willes.

I go into the stage and they were all clapping, I turned into Poison red, please God make this go fast. The MC continued.

-Look at that reception Mrs. Willes! Boys bring the money. Who gives ten? Thank you gentleman in the purple suit, very eclectic Sir. Let´s go crazy here, who raises to fifty, isn´t she worth it look at her boys.

-I give fifty five thousand dollars!- Said  a guy in a black suit.

-I´ll raise him to seventy thousand dollars! - Someone in the back said. I could not see him.

-I will meet the same amount and will raise you to ninety thousand dollars!- the Guy in the black suit was proud and look to the back to see his opponent.

-Look at that, ladies and gents these two are going for the kill. Do I hear anyone offering two hundred thousand dollars?

The guy on the black suit raises his hand to agree with the amount. I can´t see his face but he must be at his limit because he looked at his phone like he was checking something.

-          I will give one million dollars to the foundation to dance with that beautiful woman.- the guy in the back said.

Everyone started clapping and talking to each other trying to recognized him. All the girls were shocked because there I was the oldest of the pack, recently divorced yet someone has found me interesting. I could hear them mumbling and almost choking on their own envy.

-One million dollars going once, going twice. Sold the the mysterious man in the back come and claim your price.- the sound of the wooden hammer made me go back to my reality.

I was still locked in the outrageous offer; I went down the stage to meet the winner. The path opened and I could see the man who was insane enough to offer all that money. Then it hit me and yes I was shocked and surprised.

-Hello Ms. Willes, do you think I went overboard? - He approached my ear and my entire body felt it.

-Edward, are you mad? - It was all I could say.

The music started and so was our dance.

-I couldn´t refuse to help the foundation plus I got a beautiful prize and there was no way I would let anyone dance with you except me.  So, relax and let´s enjoy this together, deal? - He said and I blushed as I smiled.

I could see Lydia smiling and telling me from a far:

-Lucy, you have some explaining to do!

Edith Willes.

TO BE CONTINUE