Relax for NOW to feed children in need

Jeanne Salveson plans to pamper clients for a purpose. The owner of Creative Image salon has prepared an assembly line of relaxation aimed at feeding homeless youth.

“These kids are our future,” Salveson said. “They need to know we care.”

During the “Relax for NOW” event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 3, anyone can sign up for an hour of primping – a mini-manicure, mini-pedicure and mini-facial – for $30. Guests can also enjoy hors d’ouevres and beverages before, during and after their beauty session. Prize drawings will be held during the event. All proceeds will be earmarked for the Nutrition on Weekends (NOW) program, which provides food over the weekends to homeless youth in the Superior and Solon Springs school districts.

“When I opened the salon seven years ago, it was about making a difference in the community,” Salveson said. She previously held a walk for Locks of Love, but wanted to focus on something local.

Cindy Theien, a mortgage banker for the National Bank of Commerce, is one of Salveson’s clients. They got to talking about the NOW program, which was launched in 2010 by employees of National Bank of Commerce. Currently, the program provides food to roughly 88 students a week. From Oct. 17 to Feb. 1, 1,320 backpacks full of food — packed by volunteers and funded by donations — have been distributed.

“I really appreciate all the community’s been willing to do, what they’ve done to help,” Theien said.

This school year, the program partnered with Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank to provide food kits to fill the backpacks.

“They’ve been great to work with,” said Nicky Wilson, family services coordinator for the Superior school district.

Because of the partnership, every $1 donated equals $10 worth of food, according to Salveson.

“That’s 10 times better,” she said.

NOW provides a service to families in need, Wilson said.

“It’s still surprising to me the need that’s out there,” Theien said. Yet many community members are shocked to find there are homeless youth in the area, according to Wilson. These students don’t fit the stereotype of someone sleeping on a park bench, but they do fit the federal definition of homelessness. Often their families are doubled up in housing or living in motels. NOW strives to meet their nutritional needs when they can’t eat at school.

“I think it’s a great organization, what they’ve done for kids,” Salveson said.

Since she started putting up fliers about the “Relax for NOW” event, the salon owner has received great feedback.

“I haven’t asked for anything,” Salveson said, but business owners and clients have offered food, prizes and cash. “It’s crazy.”

Creative Image has been rooted in Superior’s south end for seven years. The salon offers a full array of services, from hair styling, manicures and pedicures to waxing, massage and new chemical peels. On March 3, they will also offer a chance to make a difference.

“I think it’s awesome,” said long-time client Birdie Talarico of the “Relax for NOW” event.

Salveson hopes to book 30 people during the event, which would net $900 for the NOW program. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call (715) 395-2965 or stop by Creative Image, 5901 Ogden Ave.

The NOW program accepts monetary donations at any branch of the National Bank of Commerce.

Tags: news, money, health, family, food