Ed and Nancy Brown can always be counted on when their community needs them. It’s just one of the qualities that make Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa such a valuable institution in Northeast Ohio.
“Not only are Nancy and Ed involved personally in giving, they have gathered the resources of the salon, its students and patrons to engage in charitable giving,” says Deborah A. Foley, president of United Way of Lake County. “They not only contribute a leadership gift, they also contribute service and products to just about every organization holding a fundraiser.”
In 2009, the salon’s co-owners took on the task of chairing the annual fundraising campaign for United Way of Lake County.
“When most charitable giving was decreased, they raised a record amount for us,” Foley says. “Almost $3.7 million. They took a hands-on approach and offered to go the extra mile to raise awareness and funds. They contacted other salons to hold events in their salons with all the dollars going to charity.”
The Browns can provide pages and pages of names of companies and organizations they have helped just in the past year, but it’s not the recognition that pushes them to be so philanthropic.
“Their charitable giving sets them apart because they, time and time again, show they have a big and generous heart,” Foley says.
Both Ed and Nancy serve on numerous community boards and commissions. In 2009, they were named Leaders of the Year for Lake County. They have been big supporters of Leadership Lake County, which helps train young leaders about the value of leadership.
Their desire to bring others along and involve them in the great things that they do is what makes them truly stand out.
“Often, when I go to the salon, they may be collecting for a staff member who has a sick family member or it may be for a charitable cause for which they are reaching out,” Foley says.
The spirit of giving will remain strong in the future, states a letter from the salon.
“Our mission at Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa is to provide services to our community with dignity and respect,” the letter states. … “With the current stress on our economy, it is increasingly important that we continue our work.”
How to reach: Ladies & Gentlemen Salon and Spa, (877) 888-9670 or www.ladiesgentlemen.com
