Boo Bash 2010 Press Release

Encountering Faith

An Essay by Rebecca David, Age 19, Phoenix, Arizona, a client of Michael's Garden

Rebecca David (L) with her mom Karen Toenjes.

I had waited for this moment for a very long time...months, practically. I was finally here at the Hassayampa Inn, in all its rustic antiquity and splendor. Said hotel was known for its resident 'haunts,' as well as all the stories told about them. However, as riveting as they all were, there was one in particular that I really looked forward to seeing...Faith, the 'Ghost Bride.' Her story is as well known in the old town of Prescott, where the Hassayampa is located, as a classic fairytale. But, being a believer of the extraordinary among the ordinary, I believe she exists and had the great honor of meeting her face to face. This is the story of my encounter with Faith.

The preparation for my adventure began several months earlier, when I started work at my first job. In June of 2009, I had been hired by a crafts store called Michael's Garden, which also served as a program for adults with special needs. This goes hand in hand with the fact that it is in link with ACCEL, a school that serves the needs of special needs kids. I felt very blessed to have this job, as I had been searching for work prior to graduating high school. Furthermore, it served as a pretty stress-free job, which was good considering my high anxiety, but I digress.

My adventure was propelled by my passion for creating fantastic drawings. For as long as I can remember, I had held drawing as a fun pastime. But, as time went by and I got better and better, I realized that I could earn great recognition for my prowess. Said 'prowess' was the main reason for earning me the chance to meet Faith.

One day, My mother and I were talking with my boss and longtime caretaker, Sarah Joswick, and she brought up the annual fundraiser, called the 'Boo Bash,' which was being held at the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott. The theme of the celebration hinged around the Ghost Bride, so Sarah not only asked us to volunteer at the 'Boo-tique,' but also asked me to do a special commission of Faith herself to be auctioned off at the dinner. My heart burst with joy as I found myself exclaiming, "YES!" So, for the month of September, in between helping out with decorations and preparations for the Boo Bash, I worked on not one, but five drawings of Faith. Ultimately though, only one drawing was picked to be auctioned off, and the other four would be sold in the Boo-tique. The honor of having my artwork sold made me feel honored...professional, almost.

Rebecca’s drawing of the Ghost Bride ‘Faith’.But, the biggest moment would come as soon as the celebration itself.

When the day finally arrived, one sunny day in October, I read through pamphlets provided on the hotel's history and finally learned the story of my model. Apparently, Faith and her new husband were spending their honeymoon at the Hassayampa when the man went to get a pack of cigarettes. He never returned. In despair, Faith hung herself in the room's closet. To this day, many strange reports float around the vicinity, such as the cold spot of the room she stayed in, and the scent of roses lingering there. Hearing about this, I was even more excited. I was going to meet Faith.

As I walked into the lobby with my mother, I could already feel the goose bumps popping up on my skin. I could just feel the eerie atmosphere, and the dusty antique furniture, combined with the gravestones and light trees that Michael's Garden had made, only upped the creepy factor. Even so, the main thing on my mind was Faith. I just had to find her, to tell her that I meant no harm and that I only wanted to honor her with the drawings I created. I made my way to the defunct piano that stood in the middle of the boo-tique, surrounded by our signature hats, candles, not to mention a few of my drawing. However, the thing really caught my eye was the large statue of Faith that stood on the piano. A wistful smile and glittering, mischievous eyes graced her hauntingly pale face; something I managed to incorporate into my drawings, as I believed they were always present in her. That smile reassured me, in a way, that I would encounter her later...and 'later' came sooner than later.

As night fell and dinner commenced, so did the anticipation. We had already dug into our meals eagerly when the moment had finally arrived: the dinner auction. My item was the second one to be auctioned, after a lovely Ghost Bride costume made by the clients of Michael's Garden. As soon as my work made its way to the front of the dining hall, my heart had the same burst of joy I spoke of when Sarah first asked me to do the commission. I simply couldn't believe it was there. My artwork was being recognized! I was called to the front to deliver a few words on my piece, and I poured my heart out about how very blessed I was to be recognized for my talents. My mother was in tears by the time I finished my mini-speech.

Then, as the actual auction commenced, it hit me. I had already met Faith, in more ways than one. I had already seen her twinkling eyes and reassuring smile. That faith was the faith in myself; what I do as an artist. I realized that this special ability could take me places and give me a possible-and successful-career. After that weekend, my whole outlook on life changed. I realized that I could create my own artworks and have more faith in what I do. Faith now hangs in the office of ACCEL's director, Gail Curran. Whenever I see her in her office, I remember a fantastic weekend; a moment in time that will never be recaptured.

I guess you could say my encounter with Faith had indeed given me faith.

Rebecca David

Michael's Garden client