Girls enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based program recently had the opportunity to attend Girls Day Out with their Big Sisters. The girls were generously treated to a fun salon day, compliments of Studio Z in Columbus.

When Big Brothers Big Sisters planned the special event for Little Sisters, they naturally turned to Connie Queen at Studio Z. A few years back, BBBS Program Coordinator Karen Dacey discovered that Queen had served as a Big Sister years ago. The experience touched Queen deeply and she still maintains a connection with her former Little Sister, Vi, who is now grown. Vi is following in her Big Sister’s footsteps and has recently earned her cosmetology license. BBBS Outreach Coordinator Mary Prioleau contacted Studio Z staff and set the plan into motion.

Queen and her daughter Karie McFalls established the Studio Z Hair & Nail Spa together five years ago this September, transforming what was last a corner variety store into an impressive space. It’s not an ordinary beauty shop, but rather a sophisticated boutique salon. Queen and McFalls responded positively to the request from Big Brothers Big Sisters, delighted to share their salon to host the event for the Little Sisters. Salon staff members Jessica Betancourt, Kelsey Doggett and Anna Sims, along with McFalls and Queen, didn’t hesitate to give up some weekend time to join the project.

On a Sunday afternoon in late August Studio Z opened their salon for a private session of pampering girls with haircuts, styles, and manicures. The Big Sisters watched faces break into shy smiles as their Little Sisters received star treatment resulting in a new hairdo or colorful nails. Compliments flowed as easily as the laughter. It was an afternoon of easy camaraderie and inspiration, with salon staff vowing to make it an annual tradition. What a wonderful crew!

Big Brothers Big Sisters is consistently impressed by the dedication of their volunteers who take the time to make life special for the children they serve. The many people involved in nurturing and enhancing the lives of our youth are fostering healthier outcomes for the children and our community.

Refreshments for the afternoon were provided by the Arthur M and Frances H Wilhelm Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation. The fund was established to support organizations that rely on volunteers, and is shared with Big Brothers Big Sisters specifically to be applied to activities for Bigs and Littles.

The Little Sisters left Girls Day Out with school supplies and a fresh new look. The Big Sisters left with complimentary Big Brothers Big Sisters T-shirts and new friends. All also went home with solar eclipse viewing glasses for the celestial event in August, and with spirits lifted by a sense of appreciation for the good that can be done by volunteering in the community.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, please call 828-859-9230, 899-9699, or email polk@bbbswnc.org.

– submitted by Karen Dacey