Due to the lackluster economy, Michael M. and Bridal Rings Company, wanted to bring smiles to the faces of a couple in need of a bridal ring. Peter Meksian and his father Michael Meksian, owners and designers of the award-winning fine jewelry brand Michael M., partnered with the top-rated radio station, with over 3.5 million listeners, and retailer Bridal Rings Company, to give away a 1.21 total weight diamond ring, set in 18 karat white gold, with a center diamond of .75 carats graded G color, VS2 clarity. The spectacular ring is valued at over $10,000.
The winner, Tracy Bennett, was presented the ring on Friday, February 13th at Bridal Rings Company. With family and friends in tow and ready to celebrate, Tracy was romantically proposed to by boyfriend Frank
KIIS-FM listeners logged onto
http://www.kiisfm.com/ and entered keyword “diamond.” They filled out an entry form on why they deserved to win. Thousands of heartwarming stories were received by the radio station. After days of deliberation, a young couple from La Mirada, CA was chosen. Tracy Bennett, age 27, an evaluator for an educational non-profit called, THINK Together in Santa Ana, CA., and her boyfriend, Frank Arroyo, age 31, a 7th grade PE & Health teacher at Willard Intermediate also located in Santa Ana, were chosen as the winners.
The couple of over two years met while teaching together at Willard Intermediate. Last spring the couple became engaged and within a week of the proposal, Frank received a letter, along with thousands of other teachers statewide, that his teaching spot may be cut because of educational budget cuts. Tracy also received disappointing news; her position was officially eliminated as of June 2008. With the tough financial circumstances that suddenly ensued, the couple felt it was not the right time to celebrate being engaged, as they were unsure as to where they would be living, let alone working. They mutually decided to postpone the proposal, and return the ring, until they could afford it. Tracy decided to enter the KIIS-FM “Ring in the New Year” contest, on a total whim, never imagining that she would win. In her entry she wrote, “This ring would prove to me that sacrifices made for love actually pay off.” Upon finding out that she was the winner over the phone, Tracy cried with excitement and disbelief, “When we spoke about sacrifice in our entry we were referring to being unable to move forward due to financial constraints. It was a contradiction of sorts because even though we felt ready, deep down we knew it just didn’t seem completely right. We wanted to be able to enjoy our engagement. And now we can!”
Peter Meksian, of Michael M. said, “Bridal Rings Company and the entire Michael M. team feel so joyful and honored to help this touching couple.” Peter continued, “Providing this ring is an emblem of love, and the beginning of a new life for Tracy and Frank. Their story really changed my perspective: I realized it goes much more beyond just a ring.”
Thank you KIIS FM, Michael M and The Bridal Rings Company!
