Congratulations to Donna Swanberg of Palos Heights, IL, who has been chosen for the Patti's Butterflies Fan Spotlight! Thanks to all who submitted entries for this contest.
Donna's Winning Butterfly Story:
On a chilly winter evening in 1999, I was channel surfing and suddenly saw Patti passionately singing with tears streaming down her flawless face. The song was, If You Love Me, which was made popular in the 1940's by French singer, Edith Piaf. Ms. LaBelle's deliverance far surpasses that of the original singer. I was mesmerized by her performance as Patti's image seemed to take on a 3-D appearance, reaching through the TV, collecting me as one of her butterflies. It was surreal! This is when I discovered my inner butterfly.
In November 2001, Patti was in Chicago, my home town, for a book signing of Patti's Pearls, which I attended. Following the signing, Patti allowed the fans to have more photos taken with her, but shy me stayed off to the side watching and enjoying people make a fuss over her. Patti kept looking at me with those BAMBI eyes as if she was trying to communicate something to me but, I just smiled back. Finally she said, "Donna, come here." That was a magical moment, she made me feel so special. I felt her "fan love." Patti shows her fans so much love and respect and that is one of the many reasons I vow to love and support her always.
Patti, like a precious gem is multi-faceted. She can do it all, inspire us with her speeches, entertain us with the actress which lives within her but, for me her anointed vocal cords, her incomparable singing is her "creme de la creme" talent. When Patti's Timeless Journey CD was released in 2004, I wanted it to receive plenty of radio time. I called my favorite local DJ and made many requests. I heard this DJ was making an appearance at a department store so I went there, introduced myself and presented her with Patti's CD. She was thrilled as she waved it in the air telling people passing by that Patti's BIGGEST fan was here and just gave her Patti's latest CD. Since then we've become friends and she dedicates Patti songs to my husband and I on a regular basis.
I have done many things to keep people aware of what Patti is doing. At the Flori Roberts cosmetic counter while purchasing Patti's fragrance I will start up a conversation about Patti telling them of the books she had written, videos, acting parts, etc. I always make sure to tell everyone of Ms. LaBelle's benevolence and humanitarianism. I can make people drop their jaw because I know so much about her. They come back to me saying since they have met me they see Patti in a different light, that she really is sincere, it's not an act. She's FOR REAL! Down to earth, approachable Patti. I've been told I should be her P.R. person, I believe my actions prove I am a big fan of the beloved Ms. Patti LaBelle.
