By Sylvia Rosen
BOXFORD — Between her duties as a mom, a volunteer and a catechism teacher, Christina Eckert has little time to worry about her appearance.
Fortunately for her, someone else took care of that. Eckert, 46, won a raffle for a fashion makeover from the Boxford Elementary School Trust. Last night was her big reveal at the Ipswich Country Club, where the mom of three showed off her new hairdo, outfit and glasses.
BEST is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining excellence in Boxford's elementary schools. The volunteers raise funds to support innovative teaching for curriculum enrichment. Michele Mathers, a member, said that BEST was down to the "bare bones" this year, and in an effort to replenish funds, they held the fashion show.
According to Mathers, the makeover couldn't have gone to a more deserving person because Eckert spends so much time taking care of her community, she leaves little time for herself.
Eckert belongs to Boxford's Parent Teacher Organization, teaches Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at St. Michael's Church in North Andover and works at Community Giving Tree in Boxford. Eckert said she feels the need to give back to her community simply because she lives in it.
"The things that I do are really worthwhile things," she said. "I have three children who are in the school, and I think anyone who is in it should try and take care of it."
Eckert found out on Jan. 23 that she was the lucky winner. She said her husband, Marcus, and three sons, Matthew, 10, Tommy, 9, and John, 6, were extremely supportive during her makeover. The rest of Eckert's family and friends had no idea she was the makeover winner. Mathers had to work with her busy schedule to make sure the makeover would be complete. Mathers was personally in charge of teaching Eckert how to accessorize.
"I'm not an accessory person. That's a whole new world for me," Eckert joked.
The makeover began at Andrew Michael's Spa and Salon in Salem, where she received a massage and hair consultation. Eyes on Main in North Andover donated new frames for her prescription glasses. GloMD in Andover gave Eckert a 90-minute facial, and Night & Day in Andover donated complimentary undergarments. Doncaster donated an outfit for Eckert to wear at the dinner, and Bella Salon in Danvers donated the outfit she planned to wear while walking the runway.
"In an economy like this, for them to dig down and give generously is really wonderful," Mathers said.
Eckert said her makeover experience was a great one. Her volunteer work and community responsibilities bring her into contact with a lot of people and she is happy to dress better and be seen by them all. She was excited for last night's fashion show and the mission BEST was trying to accomplish.
"The programs they provide for the children and school end up making the school much better. BEST makes our schools better," she said.
