Studio 2 staff, customers and Red Hats come together for fire department toy drive
There was a big pile of presents under the tree at local beauty salon Studio 2, thanks to a combined effort of the owners, staff and steady customers. Local Red Hats also joined the effort, to help brighten the holidays for numerous local children and families.
Receptionist Kennette “Kenny” Lapman, who also happens to be the mother of owner Theresa Aver and mother-in-law to owner Walter Aver, talked about the group effort that led to the success of the drive. “It was important because we know there are kids out there that could use this (the toys.) No kids should do without at the holidays.
“The entire staff, family, friends, customers and the Red Hats group were all part of the effort,” said Walter Auer.
“Our customers and employees were a big part of this – they donated toys and clothes,” added owner and stylist Theresa Auer. “We couldn’t single out any one person, everyone was generous. All of our clients are our guests, and they have made it possible to have this many donations this particular year even though this was a tough year for many others to donate. They have been so generous.”
One patron even gave 30 Barbie Dolls, which will make a lot of area little girls very happy.
“Customers know we collect – regular year round customers and our snowbirds who come back. We never pressure anyone but they always do,” added Lapman.
Outside of the salon Lapman puts on another hat – she’s known as Queen Mother of the local Razzle Dazzle Divas Red Hat group. A social and service club known for their red and purple couture and generous spirits, she said her group is based in North Fort Myers but also has members from Cape Coral.
Another local Razzle Dazzle Diva Red Hatter who was on hand the day donations were picked up was Nancy Erikson, with club donations to the drive. The local Red Hatters care about causes year round, she said.
“After we have a lunch, we make bags to take to the women’s abuse center. So far we have made over 455 bags of toiletries, clothes and other things for people there. Sometimes we have to take two cars to take everything. Little things mean a lot; at the center sometimes they come with nothing and it is something to get them started.”
Firefighters Shawn Stackhouse and David Purcell loaded up a fire truck.
“Our drive was a joint venture with Alva, Tice and Fort Myers Shores fire districts,” Stackhouse said.
“The support in the community from businesses like Studio 2 and other groups are what makes our toy drives successful,” said Bayshore Fire District Chief Lawrence Nesbet. “We wouldn’t be able to help these local families without the help we received from them.”
He added that without the extensive work of the district’s office manager Theresa Sharp organizing this year’s campaign, it would have been tough to be successful.
“Studio 2 did a great job, they not only came up with toys, but much need food for us,” Sharp said.
The district hosted a sit down dinner and toy distribution Dec. 20, and donated food to Seminole Campgrounds.
“Donations were down with the economy this year,” Sharp continued. “We are thankful for everything we got.”
She wanted to note a few other local benefactors.
“We give special thanks to Lee Civic Center because they donated the location for our sit down dinner and the New Hope Christian Church who sponsored the food. There was also the emegency room staff of a local hospital who wishes to remain anonymous that donated,” she said.
Concerning Studio 2, while the regular client base is a loyal and welcome group, the salon staff said they are looking forward to the return of the snowbird clients, who are now coming in.
Theresa Auer has been a stylist in the area for 16 years, three at the current location. She said her phiosophy of running a great salon comes a relaxing atmosphere, a great group of stylist professionals and keeping clients up to date on the latest fashions and trends and how to do upkeep at home.
The full service salon specializes in colors and cuts, and offers massage therapy and facials.
“We also have $10 men’s haircuts every day, no matter how long or short the hair.”
One of the receptionists also does alterations.
Studio 2 is located at 19001 N. Tamiami Trl # 2 in North Fort Myers. Hours are Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 567-0660. Their Web site is ourstudio2salon.com.