Morgantown, PA - To the victor goes the spoils… or, in Marietta Ware’s case, the victor gets spoiled.

Ware is the winner of ‘Just For Mom’ $500 makeover contest, sponsored by area businesses, which was launched over this past Mother’s Day.

The ‘Just For Mom’ Makeover was created by Melynda Wagner, the owner of Elverson’s French Creek Boutique. Wagner said that she came up with the contest because of her interactions with her own mother at the boutique.

“My Mom and I got the idea for the makeover because I am always trying to give her makeovers,” she said. “We always have fun as a mother-daughter boutique and we thought it would be wonderful to offer that experience to another mom.”

Wagner ran with the idea, and approached other businesses which she thought would complement her own in offering a great combination of makeover elements. Her efforts brought along local businesses Bella Do Salon (Elverson), Dr. Marsha M. Kirschner, D.M.D, of Family Dentistry (Honey Brook), Silpada Designs Jewelry (Morgantown), Wendy Sheaffer Photography (Lancaster), and Café 110 (Morgantown).

Ware, of East Earl, was chosen as the winner based upon a letter submitted by her daughter, Melinda Brown, to the ‘Just For Mom’ judges. It was a heartfelt letter describing why Ware, a person who always puts others before herself, deserved the makeover’s special treatment.

“As soon as I read about the contest in the (Tri County Record) I knew that I wanted to nominate my Mom,” Brown said. “We get together every week and when we go out she is more of a window shopper, so it is great for her to get spoiled like this. I wrote the letter, and then rewrote it, but it was easy and natural to write because of who my Mom is and what she has done for other people (throughout) her life.”

It was late in May when Brown discovered that her letter had being picked as the contest winner.

“I actually found out by listening to a voicemail that Melynda (Wagner) left on my phone,” she said. “We decided to wait to tell my Mom, but I had to tell someone… …so I told my brother and my Aunt Lucy.”

When the finally day came to inform Ware that she was getting her makeover prize, she was understandably shocked - having no knowledge of even being entered into the contest. Brown, joined by Wagner and Brenda Shirk (General Manager of French Creek Boutique and a representative of Silpada Designs Jewelry) came to Ware’s home to give her the good news.

“We surprised Marietta at her house,” said Wagner, “Brenda and I brought some flowers and met with Melinda outside before going in.”

Ware’s son, David Brown, was there when his mother got the news and described the scene.

“When she found out that she won her face got red – she didn’t believe it. At first she was looking at (Wagner and Shirk) like ‘Who are these people in my house?’ but when they gave her the flowers she was grinning from ear to ear. She really thought it was a joke, and when she found out it wasn’t she was really excited.”

The makeover day came on July 23, when Ware spent the day in the company of her ‘style team’ (the nickname given to the members of the sponsoring businesses who assisted with the makeover) picking out clothing, accessories, having her hair and makeup done, and soaking up the overall joy of a day for herself.

Wagner said that spending the day with Ware gave her a taste of the generous personality that she is recognized for.

“She is so sweet and so kind, plus she was really fun to work with. She has a great attitude and she looked awesome in almost everything she tried on.”

Deb Iveson, of Bella Do Salon, said that bringing Ware into the salon was a pure joy. While owner Cathy D’Orsaneo did Ware’s makeup, Iveson provided the haircut.

“Marietta was really easy to work with, she is such a sweetheart. I love that I got to do her hair because she has great hair. The change in her appearance was very flattering. Her new look is just wonderful.”

Dentist Marsha Kirschner who contributed a teeth whitening service to the prize package, said that she had a lot of fun being involved in the makeover.

“For all of us to work together as businesses and provide a well-deserving person with this transformation feels wonderful. She is someone who does so much for others, and it is good to give back to her.”

Photographer Wendy Sheaffer photographed everything which took place throughout the day.

“To be able to capture this from behind the lens was amazing. The coolest thing was seeing her smile at herself after being transformed at the salon.”

The culmination of the day came when Ware appeared before nearly two dozen family and friends to show off her new look at Café 110 in Morgantown (whose owner Bridget Graul gave the gift of a special meal for Ware and one other as part of the prize package). As the guests gathered to witness the Mother’s Day Makeover’s ‘Big Reveal’ they enjoyed food, drinks, and conversation. There was a feeling of genuine excitement and appreciation for Ware – who all in attendance recognized as a selfless and loving person.

“I am very proud and happy for her,” said Ware’s son David, “She put a lot of time and effort into raising me and my sister, and she did not have a lot of time to herself. There are plenty of times that she went without so that others could have something. We owe a big thanks to all of the businesses – our family appreciates this gift. It’s a dream come true for her to get this kind of pampering. It is a real blessing to have it happen to her.”

David’s wife Jaime Brown added, “This (makeover) was very well deserved. She works incredibly hard to take care of her family and dedicated a lot of time to her grandchildren.”

When Wagner announced to the assembly that the time for The Big Reveal had come, all attention turned to the spot from where the grand entrance was to be made. As she appeared, resplendent in a long black dress, a chorus of claps, cheers, and whistles filled the air.

Wagner took Ware by the hand and turned her around amid the flashing of cameras.

Once the room quieted, Wagner read for Ware for the first time the letter written by her daughter.

(The following are excerpts from Melinda brown’s letter)

My name is Melinda and I would like to tell you about the most wonderful woman in my life, my Mom… … (she) is a very caring and wonderful person… …Growing up my Mom was a single parent who tried to give my brother and me what she could… …She puts everyone else before herself and doesn’t expect anything in return… In 2001 my Grandmother had a stroke and could no longer take care of my Aunt… …My Mom quit her job in order to care for my Grandmother, Aunt, and my Aunt’s daughter… …I feel my Mom deserves a makeover because she never takes time for herself.

Once Wagner finished reading the letter Ware and her daughter shared a long, strong hug. Ware then made her way around the room to visit with everyone.

“It was so nice of Melinda to nominate me and it feels amazing to win. I was so surprised because I never win anything!” she said. “My favorite part of this was being pampered and having this nice look to share with my family and friends. The whole thing is so overwhelming. I have the most fantastic kids – they are there for me whenever I call whether it’s night or day.”

She also had kind words for the makeover sponsors.

“This whole thing was just great and I am really grateful for all of their help – they are fantastic people!”

To see photographer Wendy Sheaffer’s online phot blog of Marietta Ware’s makeover go to http://wendysheafferphotos.com

Follow the Tri County Record on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tricountyrecord.