By Lisa Trigg
TERRE HAUTE — A relaxing massage can be a great way to alleviate the stresses of the workplace.
On Friday, a massage fundraiser also helped alleviate some of the stress of a funding shortfall for the Council on Domestic Abuse.
Licensed massage therapists Marie Hendry and Kristin Arikian set up their chair and table in a classroom at Terre Haute Regional Hospital to offer the 10-minute relaxation massages in exchange for donations to CODA. In just two hours, they gave almost 25 massages and raised $185.72, which was matched and more by a $1,000 donation from Regional Hospital.
Their effort is part of a five-week fundraising push organized by Sherri Wilson and Lakshmi Reedy. When CODA announced a $20,000 funding shortfall for the year, Wilson said they decided to challenge 200 people to have their own $100 fundraisers.
“It’s for an awesome cause, and in the short time we’ve had, people have been supportive,” Wilson said.
To sweeten the pot, anyone who brought in a $100 donation became eligible for a drawing for a $5,000 prize package that included items such as a Tony Dungy-autographed football, a Joseph Addai-signed Indianapolis Colts jersey, a $1,000 golf package to Eagle Creek Park, and numerous restaurant and business certificates.
The fundraiser wraps up today with an evening event at The Landing at Fort Harrison.
Wilson, who is a corporate sales manager for Avon Corp., said she has several Avon representatives who are helping in the effort. The company, itself, has always taken a strong stand against domestic violence, she said, and she recently began to volunteer for CODA after several years of donating her time and Avon makeovers to help unwed mothers and teens needing better self-esteem.
“My heart’s desire has always been to help empower women,” Wilson said.
As of Thursday evening, the fundraising had brought in close to $8,000, not quite half of what Wilson hoped, but more was expected to come at the closing event.
At Regional Hospital, just fresh from his own relaxation massage, Chief Executive Officer Chris Hill said the hospital was happy to provide the space for Hendry and Arikian to help those charged with healing others.
“We’re just happy to support in any way we can,” Hill said. “It’s nice to have an event to mix support for the community and do something to benefit employees.”
Anyone wanting to donate funds to CODA can deliver it to 1400 Hulman St. in Terre Haute. To volunteer, call (812) 234-3441.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
