model (mod’l), n.,adj.,v., -eled,-ek-ing (esp. Brit):
1.   worthy to serve as an example or model; exemplary.
2.  give shape or form to;  fashion.

We were busy bees this spring at MiB; we held our first ever Model Search. Hundreds of our customers entered, sending in heartfelt thoughts and captivating pictures. After carefully reviewing each one, several came close, but ultimately, one special winner was clear: Kelly Franke. Exemplary is a word not able to fully describe her.
  At our lunch meeting in July, I learned that she encompasses all of the above and more.
Kelly is a hard working mother of an adorable 11-year-old son. She is gleefully in love and so grateful for her family; without them she wouldn’t have entered the MiB model search!
In the military she traveled the world, visiting and living in such beauties as Italy, Greece, Spain, Holland, and France. While she may be well traveled, she is very down to earth, and the kind of girl you can relax with, grab a martini, and share secrets. Truly, she is a warm and refreshing spirit.
To add to her many accomplishments, Kelly is also in college pursuing Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. She is passionate about human rights and our country.
As a model, Kelly is stunning. Her special sparkle gives shape to our new holiday season collection. Be sure to look for her in our upcoming Winter 2007 catalog.  I've also included a letter she wrote to MiB about the whole experience.
Exciting and Exceptional!
Congratulations Kelly!

Kelly Franke:
Kelly Franke Thank You Letter excerpt:
"Dear Everyone at Making It Big,
First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the entire MiB family.  We enjoyed ourselves immensely.  Every single person we met and worked with made us feel like we were part of the family.  What a comfort when you are so far away from home!
The way I was treated even before we arrived in California was above and beyond. I was greeted with flowers and warm smiles. We were taken to lunch right away.....I really felt special that afternoon. The next morning I was treated to my all time favorite coffee and bagels. I had no need or want when I was with you at the shoot. 
Christi was truly wonderful and we wish her nothing but the best in her future. Both Valerie and Chelsea were fabulous to work with.  They put me at ease when my insides were turning from nerves!  It was such an overwhelming feeling to be catered to and made to feel so very special and beautiful.  I love what you guys do for larger women and I am so very thankful to have been a part of it. This whole experience was surreal and it really is hard to return to my day job thinking that I really did model.
I have a new appreciation for models...I didn't realize going into it how very difficult work it is for them.  I will always remember my first modeling shoot and thank you again for making it a pleasant memory.  Hopefully, you guys were pleased with the end product.  I can't imagine how tough it is to have to coach someone who has never modeled before through every frame.
Please stay in touch and keep me up-to-date on what's new out in California.  We had a great time in San Francisco and did all of the touristy things to do there.  Thanks for the suggestions! 
Take care of yourselves and keep in touch, 
Kelly