Meghan Markle Gifts Fan Brittany Starks $20,000 Check on Ellen

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The Ellen DeGeneres Show is known for surprising fans with wonderful gifts and experiences, and Brittany Starks was no different.

Stark is a fan of the show and runs a Tennessee-based nonprofit called A Twist of Greatness. She went viral after offering to braid children’s hair for free on their first day of school.

Ellen DeGeneres and Meghan Markle surprised Brittany Starks, the founder of Tennessee-based nonprofit A Twist of GreatnessEllen DeGeneres and Meghan Markle surprised Brittany Starks, the founder of Tennessee-based nonprofit A Twist of Greatness (Credit: Ellen / YouTube)

In November 2021, the unsuspecting woman was called up onto the stage with show host Ellen DeGeneres and guest Meghan Markle.

Sitting down, Starks could barely contain her excitement, saying, “Oh, my gosh, Ellen knows my name, and Meghan knows.”

Inspired by Kindness

Brittany Starks was inspired by kindness to start braiding children’s hair for free when a family friend gave her a bag full of clothes and school supplies when she was between homes and waiting for her next paycheck.

She was inspired by how that made her feel and wanted to give back with what she had to offer.

The single mom took to Facebook and asked, “Is there anybody who can’t afford to get their child’s hair done that needs the child’s hair done for school?” She was blown away by the response. “I literally thought it was gonna be five to seven kids, and it turned out to be 35.”

Despite working three jobs, she made time to braid each child’s hair. Stark has launched a nonprofit that hosts free monthly hair braiding events and provides a mentorship program for children. A Twist of Greatness has helped 150 kids.

Getting Two $20,000 Checks

She was surprised with a $20,000 check from the Degeneres show, in partnership with TisBest, a charity gift card company.

Degeneres had another surprise for Stark, saying, “As soon as Meghan heard about this, Meghan and Harry want to make sure that your charity gets off on the right foot. So they also want to give A Twist of Greatness $20,000.”

Brittany Starks was gifted with two $20,000 checks for her charity and a $5,000 gift cardBrittany Starks was gifted with two $20,000 checks for her charity and a $5,000 gift card (Credit: Ellen / YouTube)

Stark was given two $20,000 checks and a $5000 charity gift card. The Sussexes aren’t strangers to charitable donations.

They gave $25 000 to a Harlem restaurant employee relief fund during their tour of New York City in September 2021.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met in July 2016 and announced their engagement in November 2017Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met in July 2016 and announced their engagement in November 2017 (Credit: WENN / John Rainford / Danny Martindale)

A few days after announcing their engagement, in December 2017 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped out together for their first official public appearance at the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair held in Nottingham.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met on a blind date at Soho House's Dean Street Townhouse set up by a mutual friendMeghan Markle and Prince Harry met on a blind date at Soho House’s Dean Street Townhouse set up by a mutual friend (Credit: WENN)

They donned stylish matching outfits as they braved the cold and interacted with the crowds eagerly waiting for them.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day eventPrince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day event at the Nottingham Contemporary Centre on December 1, 2017 (Credit: WENN)

Meghan seemed to be following in the Duchess of Cambridge’s stylish footsteps when it came to mixing high-end fashion with affordable pieces.

Meghan Markle shows off her tri-color burgundy Strathberry Midi ToteMeghan Markle shows off her tri-color burgundy Strathberry Midi Tote (Credit: WENN)

For her first official public appearance with Prince Harry, Meghan opted for black suede over-the-knee boots from KG Kurt Geiger.

Meghan Markle wears a long Mackage Elodie coat made using luxury cashmere blend fabricMeghan Markle wears a long Mackage Elodie coat made using luxury cashmere blend fabric (Credit: WENN)

She showcased her impressive sartorial sense in an effortlessly sophisticated ensemble that helped her combat the cold in style.

Meghan Markle styled her skirt with a Wolford ‘Portland’ turtleneckMeghan Markle styled her skirt with a Wolford ‘Portland’ turtleneck (Credit: WENN)

The then-36-year-old American actress and humanitarian wore a Mackage double-breasted military coat over a Wolford “Portland” turtleneck and a Joseph midi skirt.

Meghan Markle shows off her gold and diamond trilogy engagement ringMeghan Markle shows off her gold and diamond trilogy engagement ring (Credit: WENN)

Her skirt features a pleat detail from the waistband seam, slanted slip pockets, and a fluted raw hem.

Meghan Markle's Cleave & Company engagement ring features a cushion diamond and a pair of round side stones on a gold bandMeghan Markle’s Cleave & Company engagement ring features a cushion diamond and a pair of round side stones on a gold band (Credit: WENN)

She styled it with a burgundy midi tote from Edinburgh-based Strathberry and capped it off with a pair of black on-trend slouchy boots.

Meghan Markle wears KG Kurt Geiger "Violet" over-the-knee bootsMeghan Markle wears KG Kurt Geiger “Violet” over-the-knee boots (Credit: WENN)

The “Violet” boots come in classic black suede, and they feature a pointy-toe silhouette, cone heels, and burgundy lining.

Violet over-the-knee boots from Kurt Geiger LondonViolet over-the-knee boots from Kurt Geiger London

KG Kurt Geiger "Violet" Over-the-Knee BootsKG Kurt Geiger “Violet” Over-the-Knee Boots, $295

Later the same month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement photos.

Meghan Markle wears a $75,000 Ralph & Russo dress in her engagement photo with Prince HarryMeghan Markle wears a $75,000 Ralph & Russo dress in her engagement photo with Prince Harry (Credit: Alexi Lubomirski / Kensington Palace)

The photos were taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore House, which is a 17th-century English country house in Windsor owned by the Crown Estate.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement photos taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore HousePrince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement photos taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore House (Credit: Alexi Lubomirski / Kensington Palace)

They tied the knot on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Some fashion critics called Meghan‘s sheer top inappropriate for a Royal. What do you think?

Shared by @kensingtonroyal with the caption 'Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle's engagement photographs.The couple are so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives.As a way to say thank you, they have decided to share this candid photograph from the day of their portrait sittings directly with all of you.' Shared by @kensingtonroyal with the caption ‘Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle’s engagement photographs. The couple are so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives. As a way to say thank you, they have decided to share this candid photograph from the day of their portrait sittings directly with all of you.’