Dreams Come True for EC Live! Winner

Britney Reynolds knew that winning EC Live! would mean prizes valued at over $3,500, but what happened in Grand Boulevard last week was priceless.

Britney Reynolds, a theatre major at Gulf Coast State College, won EC Live! earlier this month. When her name was announced, Britney took the stage with tears in her eyes to claim her prize and sing One Night Only. For Britney, the financially-out-of-reach opportunity to shop for a new styled wardrobe and star in a professional photoshoot was the best part of the EC Live! grand prize--or so she thought.

Darlene Elkins, Britney's vocal instructor, visited Lilly Pulitzer, Anthropologie, and VineyardVines in Grand Boulevard to help Britney select pieces for her new fashion-wardrobe. Darlene wrote ECTC immediately after the trip to share their experience:

"All tree shops were helpful and accommodating. However, ...something very special which happened at Vineyard Vines. We went in, I introduced Britney and explained we were there to cash in a gift card she had won and that we were specifically looking for photo shoot wardrobe. The sales rep was curious about ECLIVE so I explained to her it was a "voice" competition. She helped Britney choose a couple of things and quickly went into the back and brought out both the assistant manage and manager. Both took much time speaking with Britney, analyzing her body type, puling several outfits for Britney to try. They asked if they could take pictures of Britney in their clothing, commenting that she looked more perfect in their clothes than the pics on their website! At one point the two managers excused themselves with calculator in hand, returned with a smile and informed me that they wanted to help Britney. As the "perfect" dress for the Habor Walk Memorial event was much more than the gift card....even on mark down...the managers wanted Britney to be able to have the dress, so they offered her a 20% discount on top of the gift card. Well....the more clothing they brought her, the more she tried on, the more their bond developed....again the managers grabbed their calculator, excused themselves, returned minutes later with an even bigger smile and whispered to me while Britney was changing..."we will offer Britney our OWN employee discount to allow her to have TWO dresses." My eyes being a bit wet (wonder why?), I thanked them and told them I wanted Britney to hear it from them...Britney and I left the shop with the understanding that we would visit the other two shops to make sure the choices overall were the right ones....for Britney, this was serious business...AND...would return to Vineyard Vines within the hour to make her final choice. We visited the other two shops made selections, being assisted by very helpful sales staff, and eagerly returned to Vineyard Vines. When she walked in all of the sales reps greeted her...the assistant manager quickly brought out Britney's top 3 choices. I told Britney the assistant manager had something to tell her. When the manager revealed their plan to allow Britney to have more than the gift card allowed....she added a very important and extremely generous third part: They would offer the 20%, they would offer their OWN employee discount...and the assistant manager said that she, herself, wanted to make up the difference to allow Britney to have ALL THREE outfits! Britney literally fell to the floor, hands over face, crying and overwhelmed with the level of care, generosity and personal investment the management had displayed in this very generous offer. This, indeed, was a gesture that will continue to make a difference in the life of this young gal who might not know the name of this clothing line....but given the opportunity….DOES know how to sing! The managers requested to know when she was going to perform because they were dying the hear her. I suggested to Britney that she play the clip someone had posted on Britney's Facebook of her performance which won ECLIVE , but Britney has only a small "welfare" phone (her words not mine) and it does not have wifi. I happened to have the mp3 vocal track on my phone and suggested a LIVE performance! Britney was more than happy to sing for them....so all 6 of the sales reps took their spot...and Britney sang for them...right there in the store! Well wishes, applause, and many, many hugs were exchanged! The assistant manager told Britney she, herself, was in charge of special events at Vineyard Vines and wanted Britney's contact information for a possible invitation to model and sing for Vineyard Vines later this summer. Britney was very excited about the opportunities which might materialize. She recognizes any and all opportunities to sing publicly an important step in her journey. A lengthy narrative, I know.....however, I wanted to relay to ECTC the level of importance of what YOU do to help change and mold the lives of many. There was beautiful "loveliness" which took place at Grand Boulevard last Wednesday afternoon. An opportunity for people to be gracious and for some to be thankful....and most important, an opportunity for Britney to learn a lesson in humility and willingness to share the gift God has given her. Britney has a story to tell and no doubt she will remember that story each time she puts on one of those outfits.

Britney has corresponded several times with the management of Vineyard Vines. They have suggested she apply online for part-time employment…to which Britney was “over-the-moon”…head spinning and big smiles from ear to ear. However, her current transportation (or lack there of) prevents her from a commute. She definitely needs employment, however, even in the greater Panama City area she will need to negotiate a ride until she can manage to procure some sort of car.

The photo shoot yesterday with Laura Holloway was an exceptional opportunity for Britney. Laura volunteered to come to Panama City…again, a transportation problem for Britney to get to Santa Rosa Beach….THANKS LAURA! Britney felt very honored, extraordinarily special! Britney learned so much about lighting, pose, elements of what makes a good photograph…composition! The time and care Laura has taken with Britney is again one of generosity and personal investment.

Britney will be performing at Harborwalk Village this weekend for