MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- As Pendleton Marines wrap up combat operations in Iraq, local support for families left behind on the homefront appeared to remain steadfast Sunday as members of Salon 21 donated a full day's earnings to the Enlisted Wives' Club here.
Carlsbad's Salon 21 offered a myriad of services to customers - from haircuts and manicures to waxing and massages - for a minimum donation of $10.
According to Linda A. Rogers, a co-owner, the salon does similar fundraisers yearly for various causes. This year the salon decided to help raise money for the families of deployed Marines.
"Barbara Osborn (the other owner) and I both have great nephews, one in the Army and one in the Navy," said Rogers. "And we have a lot of Marine clients, so we decided to contact the Enlisted Wives Club."
"The vision for the fundraiser was to raise money for the children of Marines and sailor's that are deployed - to (help) keep their lives as normal as possible while their parent is gone," said Rogers. "For example, if a child needs dance lessons, soccer uniforms or money for camp they could contact the Enlisted Wives Club."
The salon's fundraiser drew an estimated 500 people.
"The event was supposed to start at 11 a.m. and we had people (already) coming in at 10 a.m. to get their hair and nails done," said Julia L. Kreschmer, the president of the Enlisted Wives' Club here.
A silent auction of 85 items was also held thanks to donations from other local establishments, to include restaurants, other salons, a local golf course and doctors' offices.
The fundraiser marked the first time Salon 21 has worked with the Enlisted Wives' Club.
"I am grateful to Salon 21," said Kreschmer. "They are gaining nothing from this and they have been the nicest people to work with."
A few local residents who participated in the event expressed their gratitude for the salon's efforts and the military families.
"It's nice to see so many people trying to make a difference," said Joe Tosto, a fundraiser contributor.
"I am here to support our troops because they are doing a lot for our country," said Jill A. Nash, another contributor. "They are doing a lot for us."