Women make up a majority of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s membership. Three years ago, Nancy Hines, the Chamber’s conference facility and office manager, decided it was time to celebrate that fact. A year later, the first Women Helping Women Spa Day took place.
Part networking opportunity, part fundraiser, the shopping and pampering event is back for a second year. The 2008 Spa Day is set for Dec. 5 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Chamber, 730 Keny Blvd., London. This year’s net proceeds will go to The Path, a non-profit mentoring program for girls in Madison County. Spa Day is open to all women; Chamber membership is not required.
There are three parts to Spa Day:
1. Pampering—Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, and reflexology sessions will be given. The cost for any one of the treatments is $50; the cost for any two treatments is $100. A pre-paid appointment guarantees a treatment time during the event’s hours. Interested individuals can sign up for themselves or purchase a gift certificate to treat someone else.
2. Shopping and hors d’oeuvres—Finger food and access to a unique “shopping market” come with the purchase of a spa treatment—or, for $10, participants can skip the spa treatment and go straight for the food and shopping.
Vendors include London Florist, Fine Designs, From My Daddy’s Heart, and consultants for Longaberger baskets, Tastefully Simple and Xango. Jewelry and beauty supplies likely will be part of the offerings, as well, Hines said. Brenda’s Cakes and the Tolles Career and Technical Culinary Arts class are the refreshment sponsors.
3. Raffles—The Chamber is selling chances on gift baskets of all kinds, including one from Natoas Designs featuring candles, soap, and other goodies assembled by Susan Dunham of Deercreek Honey Farms in London. Big-ticket raffle items also are in the works.
“The Spa Day is a great way for women to get together with other women to network,” said Hines.
It’s also a way to give back to the community. Each year, Spa Day proceeds go to a different non-profit organization that deals with women’s issues. Last year, A Friend’s House, Madison County’s domestic violence shelter, was the beneficiary. Representatives for this year’s recipient, The Path mentoring program, will be at Spa Day to pass out information and sign up potential mentors.
“Especially in a county like Madison, we don’t have the resources of a Franklin or even a Clark county. We have smaller non-profit and social service agencies. The way we can all do the most good for the most people is to collaborate,” said Sean Hughes, the Chamber’s executive director.
To make a spa appointment, reserve a $25 vendor space, become a sponsor, or get more information about the Women Helping Women Spa Day, call Nancy Hines or Ginger Kronk, the Chamber’s director of membership, events, and development, at 740-852-2250.
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| Bre’Ann Poindexter (left) enjoys time with her mentor, Angela Harris. |
Path Mentoring Program makes eight mentor matches for teenage girls
The Path, a mentoring program for teenage girls in Madison County, is off to a great start with eight solid matches for the program year.
This is the program’s second year in existence, and four of the mentors and mentees have returned from last year. The program plans monthly events focusing on community service, safety, cultural and career possibilities. The matches meet weekly on an individual basis, enjoying activities such as cooking, walking, biking and talking to build a stable relationship.
December’s event will consist of a Christmas party, including a meal and an etiquette lesson led by Paula Nawn, St. Patrick School teacher. To warm up in January, the participants will be treated to facials conducted by Kelly Fairbanks with the assistance of the mentors featuring Mary Kay products. Many more events are being planned for the 2008-2009 program year.
For more information, call Denise Domingus at 740-852-5822, ext. 2. This year’s program has been made possible by the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, Juvenile Judge Glenn S. Hamilton through a grant from the Department of Youth Services, Fraternal Order of Eagles 950, Career Women’s Club and UPS.
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