Community Contributors: Local Businesses Step Up And Give Back

The months of November and December were a busy time for local businesses that sought to make the community a better place.

The team at Rumors Salon & Spa recently held its second annual Christmas with the Princesses event, when the stylists dressed up as Disney heroines and welcomed local girls for an afternoon of pampering as a way of collecting toy donations for families in need. “They are all such giving, caring people,” owner Jessica Kenealy said of her staff, who volunteer their time to make this event happen. “I never have to convince them of anything. Their hearts are large, and they are always ready and willing to participate in anything we come up with.”

With more team members participating than in their successful inaugural year in 2017, Rumors provided hair services, nail services and some makeup for a group of 101 girls. Attendees also enjoyed crafts, light refreshments and a visit with Mrs. Claus. Although an official number was not available when the Pasadena Voice went to print, the Rumors team expects to top the 120 gifts it collected in 2017.

Christmas with the Princesses is one of many charitable projects undertaken by Rumors. “We try to do at least one thing a quarter,” Kenealy explained. Other causes have included a fundraiser for Kennady Chamberlain, a local youth who was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, as well as Rockstar Moms, a contest to honor hardworking mothers from the area with a day of pampering.

Kenealy is motivated by her faith and sees giving back as an opportunity she has as a business owner. “Earning money might be my reward, but my purpose has to be greater than making money,” she said. “I’m called to touch the lives of all people who work as part of my team but also touch the lives of people in the community.”

Another local business owner working to help others this season was Mike Hall of Severna Park Lanes, who held the second annual Strike Out Colorectal Cancer concert, featuring Nashville artist Chad Bearden and Baltimore-based duo Case & Barley. Through sponsorship, silent and live auctions, tickets and donations, the event raised $20,500 – essentially doubling last year’s number – for the Fight Colorectal Cancer Organization, which undertakes research and clinical trials. Sponsors for the event were Landmark Roofing, Outback Steakhouse, Tree World Tree Experts, ServPro of Annapolis, University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center, AM Gable LLC, DynaSplint Systems Inc., Gardiner & Appel Group Inc., Huff Insurance, Maple Family Bowling Centers, Savvy Consignment and Lauer’s Supermarket & Bakery.

Last but not least, the Pasadena community tree in Lakeshore Plaza was decorated by go-getting volunteers from the Pasadena Business Association, including Pasadena Signs and Gable, which donated equipment to reach the higher branches of the festive evergreen. “Pasadena Signs has been part of this community tradition for many years, and each year, we look forward to being part of the team of volunteers to help decorate the tree,” said Jerry Sterline Jr., president of Pasadena Signs. “This really is a magical time of the year.”