Beatrice inspected the supplies.
“These labels should face outward!”
A businessman beside her laughed. “Does it matter?”
“Presentation is everything!”
“Actually,” I said, handing her another bag, “food is everything.”
Twenty minutes later, Beatrice marched toward Walter.
“I’ve demonstrated enough.”
“Have you?”
“I packed six boxes!”
“Wonderful. Only one hundred ninety-four to go.”
“Walter!”
“Fortunately, other volunteers are helping.”
She appeared ready to explode.
I returned to the microphone.
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
Beatrice turned toward the entrance and immediately recognized a familiar blue coat.
Margaret had arrived.
I escorted her to the
microphone.
“My grandson was sick this week,” she began nervously. “I wanted to make him soup.”
Beatrice stared at the floor.
“Sometimes ten dollars makes a difference. Sometimes kindness makes an even bigger one.”
Margaret surveyed the guests.
“Needing help doesn’t make somebody less important.”
The audience applauded.
I handed Beatrice a grocery package.
“Would you give Margaret the first box?”
After hesitating, she accepted it.
“Here.”
“Thank you,” Margaret said.
Beatrice looked directly at her.
“I’m sorry about this morning.”
“I appreciate that.”
I couldn’t determine whether her apology was sincere.
But Walter still had another announcement planned.
Once the final packages were loaded for delivery, Walter returned to the microphone.
“Tonight reminded me what our foundation should represent.”
Beatrice immediately stood straighter.
“We need leadership that understands ordinary families and isn’t afraid to work beside them.”
She adjusted her necklace.
“Rachel demonstrated those qualities today.”
Beatrice’s smile disappeared.
Walter continued.
“I’d like Rachel to lead a new community food assistance program.”
I blinked in surprise. This hadn’t been discussed.
“Rachel, would you consider it?”
“I’d love to discuss it.”
Beatrice jumped up.
“Excuse me? You’re giving her a job?”
“I’m offering her an opportunity.”
“She’s a complete stranger!”
“An experienced event planner who organized tonight’s activities in hours,” Walter replied.
“She stole my position!”
“Nobody stole anything. The board hasn’t appointed anyone.”
“But this is a family foundation!”
“Charity isn’t a family title you inherit.”
