congratulations to our mother's day contest grand prize winners! there were so many great stories that zach scott awarded several honorable mentions. each honorable mention winner will receive a free pair of ticket's to tomorrow night's show!!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive a pair of $250 Gala Circle Seating Tickets, admission to the private post-concert party with Hennifer Holliday, Town Car limo service for the evening - and dinner for two at Ms. B's! SUBMITTED BY: stacey jefferson ON BEHALF OF: azie taylor morton ESSAY - My mother, Azie Taylor Morton, deserves an evening of elegance because she gives 100% of herself to her family and those around her. My father passed away in January 2003 and she has suffered the loss of her life companion of 37 years. In the midst of the mourning, she is managing to financially support the weddings of both my sister and myself - within the same year - despite the loss of financial support provided from my father. Prior, to my father passing, my sister set her wedding date on the same date as my parent’s anniversary. This year will be especially difficult for my mother to experience the gift of joy and loss with the coming event on May 29th. She also provides a home to my daughter and myself until we are able to move into our own home, and she asks for nothing in return. My mother also gives selflessly of herself to the community around her. In order to give back to her alma mater – Huston-Tillotson College (HTC) she has put her own financial resources on the line to provide a bookstore for the college. She also gives of herself by inviting students to her home who are unable to spend holidays with their own families. Also, at various times, she has provided furniture, clothing and gift items for students that either could not afford them, or had no other means for obtaining what they needed. In addition to running the bookstore at HTC, my mother is involved in the brokerage business. However, with the downturn in the economy, she is struggling to keep business opportunities afloat. However, even in the face of all these challenges, she has never ceased to help someone that comes to her in need. I love my mother and I am proud of her never ending strength and determination to continue forward in the midst of adversity and still remain a loving, caring and giving soul. It is for all these reasons that I feel she deserves to have the same love and care showered upon her. SECOND AND THIRD PRIZE WINNERS will receive a pair $75 concert tickets to the show and dinner for two at Iron Cactus Downtown! SUBMITTED BY: nicky mccollough ON BEHALF OF: daisy johnson ESSAY - My mothers name is Daisy Johnson. She is my best friend, confidant, mentor, spiritual guidance, and the ONLY person I model myself after. There are hundreds of reasons why she deserves an Evening of Elegance, but I'll only give you a few. My mother raised herself, like most women her age. She's the fourth youngest of a tribe of 9, and she took care of EVERYTHING. SO she had a rough start. My father left when I was 4 leaving her with the responsibility of raising me alone. Not only did she raise me alone, but she put herself through school in the process, achieving a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Fast forward several years, and she's gone back to school at 45 and gotten her Masters in Public Administration. In between work, school, church, and caring for my sister's 3 year old child she hardly has any time for herself. She's too busy taking care of everyone else. This phenomenal woman does all of this as though that's what she was put on earth to do. Without complaint. Finally her body said 'enough' and she had to have surgery on a herniated disk. She was out of commission for 6 weeks, but somehow still managed to keep her house and life intact. She has recovered VERY well and deserves SOMETHING for everything she's been through and done. She adores Jennifer Holiday, and if I wasn't working on a state salary I would've bought her tickets weeks ago. My mother is my rock, I am nothing without her, and everything with her. She has brightened my life and the lives of countless others. She embodies what it is to be a mother. I just want to pamper her in a way she'll never forget because she's worth it. SUBMITTED BY: mary ON BEHALF OF: adrianna perez ESSAY - My daughter Adrianna Perez deserves a night of elegance as she has always been a tremendous help to me and to her siblings. At the age of 10 she, along with my nine year old son, helped me in caring for their 3 other siblings so that I could continue my education at UT. She did not have much of a childhood and from then on has always been there when I needed her. She is a single mom of 3 gorgeous children and is a very caring and attentive mom to them. She goes without to give them what they need and has not had much luck lately in life. She is not able to work as she cannot afford childcare. She is currently looking at entering ACC the latter part of this month to get a degree in culinary arts. Did I mention she was a great cook! She has always been a hard worker and contributor to her family and this setback of not working has really stressed her out. She is involved in all her children's sport activities and helps out at the school when they need her. She gives so much of herself and I would pray that she be given a night of elegance and one she will always remember. I love her dearly and she deserves this chance.:: ALL HONORARY MENTION PRIZE WINNERS will receive a pair of concert tickets. there are too many stories to post all of them. below is a randomly selected sample of some of the honorary mention winners. SUBMITTED BY: lavanne scott ON BEHALF OF: joyce scott ESSAY - My wife, Joyce, was told as a teenager she might never be able to bear children. All I knew after we married was that if we had children, she would be a wonderful and loving mother. My guess was an underestimate. Today we have two grown and wonderful sons. Besides my wife, there are no other people I would want to be with (other than my sons). Joyce not only gave our sons love, but she painted a sky of opportunity for them. She made them men of character, warmth, spirit and self-awareness. I could not have loved a woman more, nor had a better partner in raising our sons. Joyce is deserving of an Evening of Elegance, because her love for life, family and friends is as elegant as a morning sunrise. When she walks into a room she lights up the place with her charm, intelligence and energy. She has a knack of bringing any lifetime experience into new light and relevance to almost any group of people. I kid her that she has a sign on her forehead, “You can talk with me; I will listen and understand”, because people naturally gravitate to her. Joyce is a woman of impeccable virtues. I am proud to be her husband and proud our sons have been raised in her likeness. She has helped all three of us become better men. SUBMITTED BY cedric mitchell ON BEHALF OF mary mitchell ESSAY - My name is Cedric L. Mitchell, III, and my mother deserves an Evening of Elegance. First of all, this is not a sob story. This is the truth about my life. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia in a family of five. My father left my mother when I was six years old. My mother had no formal training, not even as a skilled worker. My mother became a maid to support us and, after some schooling, a nurses aid. My mother, at times, had to work both day and night to make sure we were fed and never hungry. Even when our meals (during the summer months) were grits for breakfast lunch and dinner. We grew up across the street from Clark College, Spelman College and Morehouse in Atlanta, Georgia. And even though many of our friends and loved ones were there also, we seem to not know the value of the institutions that were surrounding us. But my mother always stressed a good education was the key to us leaving the projects of Atlanta, and to someday own our own homes and to lead very successful lives. My mother made sacrifices for us in so many ways. And the sacrifices she made cost her many things such as her health and an opportunity to become married again. I truly love my mother and have forgiven my father. My mother is greater than any hero I know- she's my mother, my friend, and she's a strong spiritual rock for our family. All of my brothers and sisters are successful today because of the love and spiritual guidance of my mother. My brother Phillip works for NDC in Accounting; my sister Selena is a corporate tax attorney; my sister Carla has gone back to school and will soon be a computer technician, and she is also a minister of the gospel. And I am Cedric, A professional consultant living here in Austin Texas, and Pastor of the Emmanuel Baptist Church. This is why I know my wonderful mother deserves a night of elegance and song. SUBMITTED BY rochelle simmons ON BEHALF OF catherine simmons ESSAY – My mother has devoted her life to others as a wife, mother, and a nurse (before she had to retire for health reasons). She has never complained or asked for anything in return. Caring for others has been, and still is, a labor of love for her. Five years ago her husband of forty years (my father) died suddenly. Since that time, she has not been out for an evening. She has never had the opportunity to ride in a limousine unless it was for a funeral. It would take more than a lifetime to show her the gratitude that I have for her. However, an evening of elegance with Jennifer Holiday would make my mother's year! My mother is very special and this would make her very happy. She is a big Jennifer Holiday fan. SUBMITTED BY deanne kerr ON BEHALF OF val kerr ESSAY - My mother just turned sixty years old this past March. She has raised one daughter and two sons. This woman has taken into her home three foster girls who are all sisters (she has had the girls for three years), and my parents adopted a little boy when he was two days old (he is now four years old). She puts in fifty hours at work each week, then comes home for her second job with all these kids. My mother has always helped other people and I believe she deserves a night out with my dad (her husband) or a friend to enjoy herself. I do somewhat of a part (not often) of watching these girls, and my little brother, so my mom can get out now and then. This would be something that she would really enjoy. SUBMITTED BY elissa benford ON BEHALF OF lydia gardner ESSAY – My Friend, Ms. Lydia, is the mother of seven children. Like most good mothers, she works hard to make sure that her children grow up to be responsible citizens. She gets up every morning to cook breakfast, while helping them prepare for school. She makes sure that the older kids are off to school and then she takes the younger kids to school. Sound like a normal day for a mom, right? Well, the different in this mom is that she’s single and she adopted all of her children. Lydia was once known to many in Austin as a high-profile criminal attorney. While practicing law, Lydia was able to afford the adoptions and take care of her children. Now, she is known as a struggling single mom of seven children. I didn’t know Lydia, the attorney, but I have learned to love and respect her as a good mom. I have witness many unpleasant events in Lydia’s life during the three years I have known her. The first year I met her, one of her sons died in her arms due to an accident. She has struggled with going from having a great income to not having any money. She has gone from having a beautiful home for her children, to a not so desirable home. She lost everything. She has had many of her old friends say to her that all she has to do is give the children back. Well, therein lies the problem, because she adopted all of these children when they were babies. These children came from mothers who were either on drugs, alcohol, or suffering from AIDS- and one was just left at her door. Lydia lives in a rural area (outside of Austin. Last winter, Lydia had major car problems, and was without transportation for a while. She walked several miles in the rain and cold with her younger children to catch the bus and ride to school with them, just to make sure they arrived safely. Even though she no longer practices law, she is now a substitute teacher. And even though Ms. Lydia has had many challenges, she has made sure her children excel in school. Being a single mom with six children to care for keeps Lydia very busy. Lydia has sacrificed her career and life for her children. One day I ask her how is it that she has been able to endure and survive all the hardships, and her answer was that she does it because of love and to keep her family together. She never asks for anything from anyone, but seem to always be willing to help others. She truly has a BIG heart. If we could look into a crystal ball and see our future, would we do things differently? Well, just ask Ms. Lydia and she would say she would still have adopted these children. Ms. Lydia’s goal is to practice law again, but for now she is just busy being the best mom she can be. I am writing this nomination because I know Lydia deserve this special Evening of Elegance out. And I guess I am a little selfish because she has been such a dedicated volunteer for my organization for three years, which has allowed me to take a day off here and there, and I want to do something very special for her. SUBMITTED BY glenda wright ON BEHALF OF la wanda wright ESSAY - My mother is LaWanda Wright of Austin, Texas. I feel that my mother deserves the Evening of Elegance because she is Elegance. My mother is Power, she is Will, and she is Magnificent. Coming up, my mother was my best friend(and still is). She has fought a hard battle to get where she is. You see, my mother is a recovering addict. Though I won't dwell on that subject for long, I am proud to say that my mother has been clean for 8 long years now and still going. Since she has been clean, my mother has pushed her way to the top of the chain, by holding down two jobs and working seven days a week to make ends meet. She is a chef at Westminster Manor, and she runs the kitchen a Cedars International Academy. Just recently she was diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis (for those who don't know what that is... it is the narrowing of the spinal canal). The pain is excruciating and almost unbearable. But with the good grace of God she has made it through. I have an understanding mother. A mother who is a friend and a confidante. She is the type of person who will give anyone her last to help them and not think twice about doing so. She is one who thinks of others before thinking of herself. Her 50th birthday was April 28th, and I gave her and my father a surprise birthday party. I have to say, my mother ages well because you would never know that she was even a bit of forty years old. So you ask me why my mother deserves this gift... I say because my mother is the mother of all mothers- she is a hard working, dedicated individual that, despite everything that has happened throughout her life, is not allowing anything to hold her down. She is a great inspiration to me and others. She strives to make her dreams come true. My mother is LaWanda Wright- not just a person but a surviving black woman who is continuing to give it her all. SUBMITTED BY kim harris ON BEHALF OF faye davis ESSAY - Mrs. Faye Davis is not my mother, she is my mother-in-law to be. Miss Faye is the only mother that I have. I have been living here in Austin for the past six years, alone, with no family and very few friends. Miss Faye is a petite woman, but her heart if full of love for all. Their family has adopted me. I attend all family functions. Just this past week I made some gumbo and took it by her house, because I know Miss Faye does not cook during the week. Miss Faye’s day starts up at 5:00 a.m. (every weekday) to take her husband to work. She is then off to work where she cares for, cleans, and prepares meals for an elderly couple in East Austin. At 2:00 p.m. she picks up her husband from work and start her errands (if she has any). Miss Faye also adopts families as well. She helps all that seek for her assistance. She also is a big contributor at her church. She does not get in bed until ten or eleven o’clock at night. From helping with church meetings, bible study and helping other people. I would love for her to have a great Mother's Day to show that she is loved, and that she can slow down and treat herself. I was laid off from my job a few months ago and really can't afford to get her something good for Mother's Day. Please consider Mrs. Faye Davis as a recipient of tickets for Jennifer Holiday. SUBMITTED BY lesley pleasant ON BEHALF OF jean pleasant ESSAY - My mother is a woman of perseverance. She not only raised three children by herself, but one of those children has epilepsy and is mentally challenged. My sister will never be able to care for herself, but my mother has refused to send her away. This, even though many people have advised that it would be in her best interest. My mother is a demanding woman who has set very high standards for herself and her children. She never allowed us to believe that there was anything we could not do. She made many sacrifices for us, such as going without new shoes or clothes so that we could have those things. My mother has been in several car accidents that have left her with severe arthritis and a permanent limp. She has always given her very best to us. She even led a Girl Scout troop when my daughter was old enough to join. Now, my mother doesn't get out much because she can't take my sister anywhere (the medication my sister takes causes her to be very aggressive). When I went back to college to earn my degree, my mother was there to help me with my classes and my children. My mother may not be elegant all the time but I can say that she will always persevere. SUBMITTED BY lynda moreno-johnson ON BEHALF OF lucy moreno ESSAY - My mother is a lady who has such a big heart that she would give you the last dime in her purse, the last meal she has, and the clothes off her back- just so you could make it to that job interview or to your job. My mother has not only been our mother, but [some of our] friends mother too. If I could pull the sun from the clouds to give her joy and pull the moon from the sky to give her peace and relaxation, I would. Thank you, mom, for being a friend, a best friend and a mother. SUBMITTED BY elvia myrie ON BEHALF OF kamilah myrie ESSAY - On January 5, 1996, this mother graduated high school six months ahead of her class, with honors. Her father passed away in her junior year of high school. Not knowing previously of his deadly disease, she plunged into a deep state of depression. This might not seem to be a special accomplishment, but being the last child living at home, against these odds, she still kept moving forward while holding down a full time job, and working as a part time volunteer in Anchorage, Alaska. Following graduation from high school, Kamilah (along with her mother) relocated to the lower 48’s. While Kamilah’s mother searched for employment and housing in Texas, Kamilah enrolled at Grambling State University in Louisiana. Kamilah took on a full class schedule of fifteen credit hours. She also decided that she needed to supplement her meager financial aid allotment by working. She found a full-time waitress position and braided hair on campus while still maintaining academic excellence. Another (potentially discouraging) event took place in her sophomore year. She became pregnant. Pregancy has caused many young women to give up on their dreams. The unplanned pregnancy, however, did not stop her from still moving forward. She took a leave from Grambling, and enrolled for teleclasses in San Antonio. She continued her studies as she waited to have her child. Once her child was born, Kamilah, determined not to make her judgmental error become burden to her family, returned to Grambling State University with her son. She maintained her grades, held down another full-time job and continued to raise her son alone. On December 13, 2002, Kamilah Myrie graduated from Grambling State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is currently living in San Antonio with her son and does volunteer work with unwed mothers and at risk youth. She was recently accepted into a graduate program and will begin her studies in August 2003. This mother is phenomenal in her diligence and perseverance for excellence. She is spiritually grounded and has a profound belief in God. Against many odds she has remained steadfast. I’m proud to be her mother.