Local business raises funds for local non profit

During the month of April, otherwise known as Earth Month, Ivy Salon raised funds for Friends of the Reedy River through their Earth Month raffle and an event, Block Party for the Reedy, at Eighth State Brewing Company. This is an annual partnership that grows stronger each year. Last year, Ivy Salon raised over $3,300 for FoRR and this year they were able to raise $4,740.

Friends of the Reedy River (FoRR) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, volunteer-based, conservation organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and restoring the Reedy River. For over 25 years, FoRR has carried out its work through education, action, and advocacy. They envision a safe, clean, and accessible river corridor that enhances the quality of life for all residents, businesses, and visitors. FoRR hosts at least two large clean-up events each year, along with organizing smaller clean-ups for businesses and communities to get involved. Find out how you can get more involved with FoRR at their website, friendsofthereedyriver.org.

Ivy Salon is a first-in-class AVEDA salon where the true art and professionalism of hair care can be nurtured and shared within a friendly – almost family-like – ambiance. Many of Ivy’s guests have come to describe the salon as a haven, a sanctuary where they can enjoy a bit of down time as its stylists take care of them. Ivy’s enriching experience has become one of its hallmarks. Ivy Salon has two locations, one in Downtown Greenville and one in Eastside Greenville. Follow Ivy on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Friends of the Reedy River cherishes the strong relationship that they have created with Ivy Salon. FoRR is a board of 17 volunteer members with one staff member so they rely heavily on the support of the community. FoRR staff, Olivia Dunn, states, “The city of Greenville was built because of the access to Reedy River and the economic prosperity that it provides so it’s nice to see local businesses giving back to the river. We couldn’t protect and restore the Reedy River without the support of the community- thank you, Ivy Salon!” Ivy Salon realizes how important this natural local resource is to our economic development and that it needs an advocate. Dreama Kees, owner of Ivy Salon, notes, “Giving back has been important to Ivy from the beginning. Earth Month allows us to focus our attention on how we can have a positive impact on our environment in our community.”

Kees states, “The best way for us to continue to grow is through helping each other – and our local businesses truly came out this year to support the Reedy! Their support ensures FoRR can fight for clean water here in the Upstate.” Ivy Salon put a raffle basket together through donations from local business, totalling over $1,100 in value. Donations ranged in value from $15-$250 came in from OnCall Catering, Mast General Store, River Falls Spa, Soul Yoga, Pink Azalea, CoCoBella, BeijaFlor, Sticky Fingers, Oil & Vinegar, Pure Barre, Pelindaba Lavender, Palmetto Olive Oil, and many others. Raffle tickets were $10 each and Susan Cyr took home the grand prize. “I just can’t believe I won,” she said.

In addition to the Earth Month raffle, Ivy Salon hosted the Block Party for the Reedy event at Eighth State Brewing Company. FoRR staff member, Olivia Dunn, attended to represent FoRR and spread the word about their mission. This event was complete with live music, haircuts, chair massages, henna tattoos, and many other fun activities! Kate McAlister, an Elite Ivy Stylist at the Eastside location, offered her talents for donations, cutting hair for the majority of the evening. Ivy Salon was thrilled to partner with the community in bringing awareness to the work of FoRR and the need to advocate for the Reedy River.