Of Billionaires and Banquets

Published in The Fauquier Times-Democrat on June 29, 2012

When was the last time I got to shake hands with a billionaire? Yes, that’s billion with a B. A big B. It was the same night that I had dinner with the former daily columnist of The Washington Post.

No, really. And here’s the more incredible thing; it had nothing to do with my merits (or demerits) as a writer. I know. You’re probably as shocked as I am. So while I would like to give you the impression that I was having dinner, tête-à-tête, with columnist Bob Levey, the two of us hobnobbing about the trials and travails of putting together 700 or 850 words to form some cohesive, yet entertaining or informational or opinion-laden piece, that would not be accurate. Heck, it wouldn’t even be true.  Read about Bob Levey.

I just happened to be there, a genetic bystander, while my eldest son (who is my third child) received an award from Junior Achievement of Greater Washington in their 2011 Junior Achievement Essay Competition, sponsored by billionaire philanthropist David M. Rubenstein. Visit Junior Achievement of Greater Washington's Essay Winners' page.


My son’s award, first place in Virginia, came along with a $10,000 college scholarship. In fact, eight other students had each also received a $10,000 scholarship. That’s first, second, and third place in each of the three regions: Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. One student, the grand prizewinner, received a hefty $ 20,000 scholarship. Not only that, but to encourage participation, three schools (one in each region) with the highest number of entrants received a cash award of $6,000 each. That’s $128,000 in cash prizes. I haven’t even considered the cost of the dinner for members of the organization, the judges, plus up to fifty people associated with the students (their parents, school principals, and district superintendents).


While Dr. Lewis and Mr. Sites were unable to attend due to other official obligations, the head of the English department at Fauquier High School, Mrs. Carolyn Parks and her husband Mr. Larry Parks, attended. Mrs. Parks had sponsored my son Sergio in the Rotary Club of Warrenton’s speech contest in January of this year, where he won first place and went on to two additional rounds in the region and district, winning first and third place in those respective competitions.


Now back to that sumptuous dinner we were treated to at the Capital Hilton. My husband had taken the day off. Clothes were collected from the dry cleaners. Cameras were loaded with batteries and tested to make sure the charging on the batteries “took.” Yes, indeed, we parents were a little excited.


For my son, the day dawned with two comprehensive AP tests to be taken. (Advanced Placement classes are the ones taken in high school that have a specific exam attached at the end of the course.) Depending on the score, with 5 being the highest, a student’s chosen institute of higher education may give them college credit for those courses, so it is definitely in the student’s interest to do as well as possible.


The food was delectable, with the little pats of butter each shaped like the Capitol building. They served slabs of cheesecake the size of a Nerf football. You’re right; it doesn’t take a whole lot to impress me. After all, I’m still delighted that all of my children are, and continue to be, potty trained. The youngest child is seven, so this “achievement” was some time ago. But still.


When I shook hands that night with Mr. Rubenstein, I had only a vague idea then of who he is. It was later, when I read through David Montgomery’s piece in the May 14th Lifestyle section of the Washington Post that I realized the level his of giving.  Read the Washington Post article on David M. Rubenstein.


I don’t know about you, but it seems that lots of people have opinions on how others should spend their money, and the farther away that money is from their own wallets, the stronger that opinion gets.


It makes me think of Elinor Sauerwein, a frugal woman who never bought anything she felt she didn’t absolutely need. She had lived through the Great Depression. (The original one.) She lived in Modesto, California, in a small home, and never owned a dishwasher or a clothes dryer. She mowed her own lawn until the age of 92. She only allowed herself one vacation and “indulged” in the extravagance of cable television in the final year of her life of 96 years. Reportedly, she was thrilled with being able to watch the History Channel. After her death in October of 2010, when her accounts were settled and cleared, her financial advisor prepared a cashier’s check in excess of $ 1.7 million, all of which was given to the local Modesto chapter of the Salvation Army.  Read Jeff Jardine's column in the Modesto Bee.


As you might expect, I’ll have to finish this thought next week.