They asked her to step back while questions concerning her department’s expenditures were examined.

The gala proceeded without her.

I attended reluctantly, wearing a simple navy dress that Ruth had helped me choose.

I was afraid people would whisper about the planted gun instead of the scholarships.

Some did whisper.

Most wanted to talk about the students they had come to support.

A young woman named Becca told me she had used a foundation scholarship to complete hospitality training and now supervised front-desk operations at one of our hotels.

“My mom cleans rooms,” she said.