TV show inspires offbeat contest
Spa to help woman who had a rough year
Inspired by "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and its visit to Montgomery County last October, Bella Medical Spa announced an unusual contest in November — an Extreme Makeover of its own.
Out of 50 entries, Valerie Dirks was chosen the winner. Bella employees wanted to choose someone who had a rough year and needed a new start, and Dirks was a match, for sure. In 2009, she lost her job, then her brother was killed in what police say was a murder-for-hire plot planned by his wife. Saturday, her nephew, Gianni, 14, son of her slain brother, came from Louisiana to Tennessee to live with Dirks.
Nicole Shaver, one of the Bella employees who evaluated the entries and eventually chose Dirks, said many entrants had moving stories. They also chose a runner-up, Monica Weber, who will get all of the services Bella can provide. Nine other entrants received $100 gift certificates:
Over the next three months, Dirks will be busy working in her new job at Fort Campbell Credit Union, as well as taking care of her children, grandchildren and nephew. But she will also be taking some time for herself, a chance for a fresh, new start.
"I would like to tone and to have skin resurfacing," said Dirks, who turned 50 last July. "I also have fine lines and wrinkles, and my 12-year-old son says, 'You have upside down muscles. When are we going to get rid of them?'"
Dirks is grateful for her friends and family, and now also adds Bella Medical Spa to her "thank you" list.
"These guys here are unbelievable," she said. "I'm truly blessed."
(article written by Stacy Leiser of the Leaf Chronicle)
