This morning, I was at the event that awarded Evelyn Krieger the Grand Prize in the Someday StoriesSM promotion. The event was in Wells Fargo's History Museum in San Francisco, and included donations to Habitat for Humanity 
, Boys and Girls Clubs of America , and Junior Achievement . The party was attended by media, Wells Fargo brass, and lots of people who followed the contest closely. My fellow Historians and bloggers were there.
Oh, and a Stagecoach, too.
At 10:00am, a Wells Fargo stagecoach, driven by 50-year man Paul Fellingham, rolled down Montgomery Street, bringing Evelyn and her daughter, Leah Larson, to the Museum.
Remember, Evelyn's Someday Story is to take the prize money and help Leah expand her magazine for girls, YALDAH . Enough people voted who wanted Evelyn and Leah to succeed, and they put the two over the top. Their place on the stagecoach was assured.
Also aboard were Monte Walker and Fred Brewer of Habitat for Humanity. People voted for their favorite cause, and Habitat for Humanity got prize money for garnering the most votes.
The coach reached the main entrance to the Museum, and the assembled crowd erupted in cheers. Fellingham handed a treasure box to Stagecoach Manager Lovester Law. The treasure box rode under the driver's feet during the journey, just as in the glory days of the coach 150 years ago. Lovester took the box, brought it inside and put it at the dais. The winners followed.
When everyone was in and the guests of honor seated, Experiential Marketing executive Tim Collins opened the proceedings. Someday Stories continues Wells Fargo's 156-year history of helping customers, he said. The over 10,000 submissions in the contest showed how everyone has a Someday.
Wells Fargo's Chief Marketing Officer Sylvia Reynolds spoke of the accomplishments of the three organizations, and paid special attention to Evelyn's and Leah's achievement.
"A 13-year-old with a Someday Story," she said, "With the bond and the support of a mother. I know how important that is."
She's right, of course.
In the video on the Someday Stories site, Evelyn had related that winning would help her help Leah's dream, because she herself couldn't. "I'm here today to tell you," Sylvia declared, "'Yes You Can! Yes You Do!' And today is proof of that!" It was very moving.
When Evelyn's prize was awarded, she and Leah accepted gracefully. They held the huge check and smiled for all the media. The place went nuts.
Honoring Wells Fargo's community partners also showed the Company's commitment to organizations such as those recognized today. Tim Hanlon of the Wells Fargo Foundation said money given to non-profits is another way Wells Fargo helps people reach their Someday. "Habitat for Humanity is all about helping people get there," Hanlon declared. "A place to live, a place to be, a place to settle. That's Someday!"
Accepting the award for Habitat for Humanity, Monte Walker pointed out that the Orem, Utah affiliate had campaigned the hardest to get votes for the organization, so the greater share of the prize would go to that chapter. Walker also noted, "Riding in a stagecoach was a highlight!"
He's right, of course.
With the speeches done, everyone milled around, and enjoyed cake and punch. Our events staff at HQ whips out cake every year on the anniversary of Wells Fargo's first day of business. I have enjoyed 14 such cakes and trust me — these people know how to bake a cake. But today's was unique.
Let's face it, this is the feel-good story of the year: Mom enters contest to help a child's outstanding promise, then wins contest. Love and hard work validated. With a successful finish to the Someday Stories promotion, with three good causes rewarded, with a proud Mom and a powerhouse daughter carrying home 100 large...today's cake was a whole lot sweeter!
Congradualations Leah!! I'm so happy for you!! Hope the event was great! Can't wait to see yopu!!
hey charles, do you know the names of the wells fargo stage coach horses?
As a matter of fact, I do! The horses are Molly, Polly, Ribbons and Patty.
The outrider leading the stagecoach was riding a horse named Dog.
Thanks for asking!
love the blog. It has some great history. I wish other companies would do it. So often companies keep their archives hidden, or lose them.