Shinn column: Hair-raising event at Olive Garden on Saturday

Thursday, June 11, 2009 1:51 PM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

Denise Golden has long been a supporter of Locks of Love. She's getting ready to cut her dark blonde hair for the second time.

Denise, who works part-time as a server at Olive Garden, is spearheading a fundraiser — and hair-raiser — for the charity Saturday.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Olive Garden, 1425 Klumac Road.

The day includes a bounce castle and children's games and activities, including face painting and free Secure Child ID kits. An extensive raffle will benefit the charity that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair, either to alopecia, burns or cancer.

When the restaurant was preparing to open in February, Denise made an announcement about Locks of Love. Later, someone asked about cutting hair and taking some pictures.

We can do more, Denise said.

"Now it's taking up every bit of my spare time, which is great," Denise says of Saturday's event.

Stylists from the community will be donating their time for the haircuts.

Denise says that while the focus of the event is donations for Locks of Love — giving hair and giving money — it's also a fun day for the entire family.

All of the children's events are free.

"The kids are getting tons of free kids' meal coupons from Olive Garden," Denise notes.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or 12 for $10. Everyone who buys a dozen raffle tickets gets a free appetizer card from Olive Garden.

Raffle items include gift cards and gift certificates from Ivan's, Mr. Gatti's, Food Lion, Grease Monkey, Brick Street Tavern and Wilco Hess.

There are free passes from Horizons Unlimited, Lazy 5 Ranch, Woodleaf Lanes and The Forum.

Gifts have been donated by Childress Vineyards, Dixie's Roasting Co., Olive Garden, Domino's and Premier Jewelry.

A car wash will take donations of any amount.

Of course, Denise isn't doing all this on her own.

"I can't take credit for all of this as many Olive Garden team members have been so helpful!" she says.

Olive Garden general manager is Russ Garland.

Denise adds, "Eddie Husers, formerly of Pockets, in particular, has been irreplaceable. He knows so many people in Salisbury, and this event would not be what it is without all of the contacts he made and services and prizes he was able to attain for free."

Also irreplaceable, Denise says, have been fellow employees Kathie, Rich, Elizabeth and Cindy.

Refreshments include free Cheerwine and Johnsonville Brats by donation.

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For more information about Locks of Love and guidelines to donate hair, visit www.locksoflove.org.

For more information about Olive Garden, visit www.olivegarden.com.