In my continuing series of articles on North Kingstown High School senior projects, I can’t help but think of the totality of these projects.  Yes, the project is school work and the senior is learning organizational skills, business and marketing practices, and communication skills.  But there are many more layers to the long term benefits which these seniors will take with them throughout their lives, whether they enlist in the military, go to college, or jump right into the workforce.  Understanding a cause, embracing it, involving the community to help spread the message, and of course donating time and money to worthy charities are just some of reasons why these projects are so personal and so special.

I recently interviewed senior Shay Greenman, who is hosting a “Fashion Show for A Cause” event for her senior project.  The event date will be March 18th at 4:00 pm at North Kingstown High School auditorium.  The order of events will be welcome statement, 1st walk, raffle, 2nd walk, then a closing statement. Tickets will be $5.00 each and are available for purchase ahead of time from Shay by contacting her via email at shay_greenman@students.nksd.net.   Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

Hello there, nice to meet you Shay.  Sounds like a fantastic project. Why did you chose this particular charity or cause?

I chose the Ronald McDonald house in honor of my best friend since the second grade Kaitlyn Natal. She has battled kidney disease her whole life. A little over a year ago, she had a kidney transplant at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. It means a lot to me to donate to this charity in honor of Kaitlyn. 

What would you like people to know about the Ronald McDonald House?

Hasbro and the Ronald McDonald House treated Kaitlyn and her family with respect and were very accommodating. All the money will be donated to The Tarbox family and the Ronald McDonald House at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. 

What is the connection with the Tarbox family?

I choose to donate to The Tarbox family because I am best friends with Samantha Tarbox. She recently lost her mother Kim Sullivan Tarbox to cancer. The Tarbox family will use the money to make a garden at their new home in honor of their mother.

Shay, best of luck with the fashion show.  Great project and great cause.  I encourage everyone to contact Shay Greenman at shay_greenman@students.nksd.net to learn more about the event and to buy your tickets.  Event is set for Saturday, March 18th at 4:00 pm.

Here is more information on the Ronald McDonald House from Nicole Anderson, Director of Development & Communications:

• “The Ronald McDonald House of Providence is the only organization in the Rhode Island to provide a Home to families with critically ill children.  RMH Providence offers 28 private bedrooms, each with private bath.  Additionally, we offer a full kitchen, home cooked meals each night, laundry, family room and fitness room, all just steps from Women & Infants, Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital  To provide these services, it costs approximately $150 per night. We do ask families for a $10 nightly contribution however, no family is ever turned away for inability to pay. In addition to the House, we have the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the 4^th floor of Hasbro Children’s Hospital.  The Family Room  offers parents a non-clinical respite within the hospital, giving them free access to computers, laundry, coffee and snacks.  Each year we must raise approximately $1.4 million to provide the services that allow families to spend additional time with their sick child. We receive about 10% of our budget from McDonalds related sources with the remaining coming from our great community of supporters including foundations, business and individuals including students like Shay.  We are tremendously thankful to all who contribute and help keep families close when it means the most.”

Here is more information about Closet Revival and Curl Up & Dye Salons:

• Closet Revival, 30 Broadway, (401) 845-0592. Closet Revival, located within walking distance from downtown Newport, is the largest of the four shops, so stop here first. Owners Amanda Gallagher and Judith Shumway always keep their well-organized store stocked with funky vintage and contemporary consignment (low- to high-end). They have stacks of designer jeans (Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind), shelves of gently worn shoes, designer bags (Gucci, Coach) and vintage coats. They even have racks of men’s clothing and designer ties. I once bought a 1980s Diane von Furstenberg long-sleeved top here for only $22.  Source – www.jennifernicolesullivan.com/newportconsignment

• Located in Newport’s trendy Broadway Neighborhood, Curl Up & Dye Salon Newport RI was established in 2004 by owner/stylist Jill Greenman. Focusing on cutting edge color, highlight techniques and precise cuts Curl Up & Dye has acquired a state wide following. We have received praise from our clients by winning “Best Mens Cut” 2009, “Best Womens Cut” 2009, “Best Kept Secret” 2009, and “Best Hair Salon Newport RI” 2010, Newport Life Magazine and “Best Stylist, Jill Greenman” 2008 & 2009, “Best Hair Salon Newport RI” 2009, Mercury Love Awards. In addition to our hair services Curl Up & Dye also offers Esthetic services, icluding, Dermalogica facials, full body waxing, lash & brow tinting, and special occassion/bridal makeup. Curl Up & Dye gives back to our community with bi-yearly fundraisers. We have raised close to $60,000 for local families in need as well as state & national organizations over the last four years. Please feel free to contact us with any questions Tuesday through Saturday by phone or by using our “Contact” page. XOXO Curl Up & Dye Salon Newport RI Source – www.curlupanddyenewportri.com

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