Spas Lend a Helping Hand

LEXINGTON, Ky., March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- It's easy to get wrapped up in the
doom and gloom of the economy. You can't turn on the TV or open a newspaper
without reading about the stock market tanking, home foreclosure rates rising
and increased unemployment. The International SPA Association is giving you
permission to put the negative aside and take in the good that spas, both big
and small, are doing across the country, and how they're strengthening their
communities by giving back.

"From complimentary chair massages to donating gift certificates to favorite
charities, spas are reaching out and touching the lives of folks in their
communities," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "It's easy to get involved -
at each ISPA Board meeting we plan a service project. It's our way of giving
back to cities across the country."

Everyone could use a pick-me-up now and again, and here's a sampling of how
spas are providing that.

-- Sorrento Spa has teamed up with the Vail Valley Medical Center's
'Caring for the Caregivers' program, which offers free chair
massages to nurses, doctors and orderlies. (CO)

-- Remember Hurricane Katrina? It wasn't that long ago (August 2005)
that it wiped out most of New Orleans. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New
Orleans is offering chair massages for guests who conduct relief
efforts
as part of their stay. (LA)

-- Sundara Inn & Spa is hosting its 1st Annual Golf & Spa Classic
to benefit Breast Cancer Recovery, an organization dedicated to
helping
women with breast cancer heal emotionally, spiritually and physically.
(WI)

-- In the past several months, Oasis Day Spa has provided free chair
massage and pop-up spas at 16 charity events including 'Go Red for
Women' for the American Heart Association. (NY)

-- ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare recently had a 'Dress for
Success' day for women looking for work. They were given a
makeover, clothing and interview tips for landing a job. (PA)

-- The Whiteface Lodge & Spa annually gives gift certificates to the
'Joy to the Children' benefit, which exposes local children to
the arts. (NY)

-- Spa Shiki hosted a 'Go Red for Women' night to raise awareness
for the American Heart Association. The event featured complimentary
chair massages and a free $10 gift card. (MO)

About ISPA
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and
voice of the spa industry. www.experienceispa.com

Megan Newquist
859.226.4374, megan.newquist@ispastaff.com

SOURCE International SPA Association

Megan Newquist of International SPA Association, +1-859-226-4374,
megan.newquist@ispastaff.com