Neighbors
Spa helps Alternatives
Blackstone Valley T&GSeptember 2006
The Spa at Nicholas Michaels in Northboro held its first health and wellness fair to benefit Alternatives, a non-profit organization in Central Massachusetts serving individuals with disabilities.
“We wanted to connect and educate people and to give our customers an opportunity to experience wellness-oriented techniques,” said Deb Bordeaux, a nail specialist and events coordinator with the spa, in a prepared statement.
“At the same time we decided to make it a fundraiser as well, to help a wonderful organization, Alternatives.”
Ms. Bordeaux’s daughter, Amy Ferrandino, is the health and wellness coordinator at Alternatives. Initially, the spa chose to raise money for Alternatives because of this familial connection.
After the decision was made, they found another connection: An employee of the spa had a son who was served by Alternatives. “It all came together,” said Ms. Bordeaux.
More than 30 staff members of the spa came in on a Monday, a day they usually have off, to provide their services. They spent a full day highlighting health and wellness techniques such as reiki, reflexology and massage.
Donations were made and all of the fees for the spa’s regular services were donated as well. In all, the spa raised more than $8,000 for Alternatives.
Madeleine Ahlquist, co-owner the One Eleven Chophouse in Worcester, donated her time to cater the event and created a party-like atmosphere. “We had never done a fundraiser before,” said co-owner Nicholas Olivieri in a prepared statement. “We were ecstatic that our employees came together and worked so hard.”
“The community is so good to us, it felt good to do a benefit for the community,” said co-owner Michael Abdella in a prepared statement.
The fundraiser was such a success that there are plans to make it an annual event. “The spirit of giving not only enriches the lives of others, but our own lives as well,” commented Ms. Bordeaux.
