LOCAL BUSINESS SADDLES UP TO RAISE MONEY FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Salon 322 of Agawam, Massachusetts is doing more than just raising money for Multiple Sclerosis, they’re putting their feet to the pedals in the Bike MS: Praxair Ride in Windsor, CT. Salon 322 is marking their fourth year as a team in the Connecticut Chapter MS ride on Sunday, June 7th. The local team is hoping to raise $10,000 this year’s ride. Since 2012, they’ve raised $17,400 for MS. According to the National MS Society, MS affects more than 2.5 million people and Salon 322 is working to change that.

Salon 322 owner, Maria Summers became involved with the Connecticut Chapter MS ride when her friend’s sister became a client of hers. Tanya Pugliano, a mother of two was diagnosed with MS 16 years ago. “Tanya has been an inspiration to me since the day I met her, says Maria Summers, Owner of Salon 322. “She is a wonderful mother who does not let this disease stop her from doing anything. She is determined and will not quit at anything. Tanya is such a joy to be around and we wanted to do our part to help find a cure for MS,” says Summers.

Shortly after Maria met Tanya, Scissor Me Timbers Fundraising team was born. Each year the team has an average of 50 riders who take part in the race. They bike anywhere from 2-100 miles.

The Scissor Me Timbers team is CT Chapter of the MS Society’s “face of the race.” The team will be on cover of the CT Chapter’s May edition magazine along with their story and journey with Tanya. “Everyone at the CT chapter of the MS society has done so much to include us and make our team feel so important,” says Summers.

One of biggest ways for Salon 322 to raise money is through their annual fundraising event. On Saturday, May 16th the business will host its community fundraiser from 11-3 at their 1106 Springfield Street location in Agawam. The event includes blow dry styles, curls, makeup application, spray tans, raffles, food (provided by Bruno’s Pizza), adult beverages and face painting. Local businesses have also teamed up for the event to include LoveMich Collection, Fallons Favorites, M.Mills Co. and Gina of Bella Wreaths and Bottles.

For more information on the fundraising event, follow Salon 322’s Facebook page for updates.