Go Pink & Pamper self for good cause
Being pampered is something most women enjoy, but it can be especially rewarding if it’s for a good cause.
For the past five years, Pink Pamper has held a health and beauty fair open to anyone who wants to feel special while helping organizations that support those battling cancer or medical hair loss.
This year’s event will be held 10 a.m-5 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South. It will benefit the UPMC Cancer Center Patient Assistance Fund, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Ladies Hospital Aid Society Orchid Fund.
Pink Pamper was founded by Marian Geisler and Marsha Davis. They both serve on the board of directors. Geisler is president of Pink Pamper and Davis is vice president and director of sponsors and donations.
More than $60,000 has been donated to Pink Pamper’s beneficiary organizations and last year more than 500 people attended the event, said Lea Ann Rattigan, vice president and director of pampering services. Rattigan said about 35 volunteers from the Pittsburgh area will be on hand to provide services such as hair cuts and styling, mini-facials, make-up application, chair massage, Reiki, facial waxing and manicures.
“A lot of people come to the event,” said Rattigan, who owns Your Personal Image Salon in Bethel Park. “We see those who are well or those who are battling cancer.”
Jackie Lyle is a cancer survivor. The Brentwood resident has been in remission from squamous cell skin cancer for nine years. Shew has attended the past three Pink Pamper functions.
“I go every year,” Lyle said. “It’s a nice day out to have fun.”
During her outing, Lyle gets her hair cut at the event. Aside from the beauty services, Lyle enjoys meeting and talking to new people. It’s her favorite part of the day.
“The people there are great,” Lyle explained. “I often come away from the day with a few phone numbers from new friends.”
Keeping in touch is just as important as the touch-therapy offered at that beauty fair says Rattigan. The touch-therapy, including the massage area, will be in a separate area for privacy. “They get to see how they can touch people’s lives,” she said, of people who attend the event. She added that a 15-minute massage can do “someone wonders,”
In addition to the health and beauty services, vendors will be on-site selling jewelry, apparel, shoes, purses and home décor. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Pat.
For the fourth year, the “Extreme Pink Pamper Makeover” will be offered. Three women in treatment for cancer will have the chance to win one of three makeover packages. The packages include human hair wigs, manicures and pedicures, massages, makeovers, skin care products and clothing. The winner will be revealed at the end of the event.
Several silent auctions featuring Pittsburgh Steelers items and jewelry as well as more than 60 Chinese auction baskets will be available. One includes the chance to win 52 weeks of dining from several local eateries.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door. Visit www.pinkpamper.org for advanced tickets.