Beginning Wednesday afternoon, Spa Soleil, a family-friendly massage salon in Marina del Rey, will offer clients the opportunity to gift a massage to members of the armed services, wounded veterans injured in the line of duty or military spouses.
Dubbed the Giving Massage, the Spa’s unique buy-one-give-one program is sanctioned by Operation Homefront, a national non-profit that offers short-term assistance, long-term stability, and periodic support programs to assist veterans’ families.
“I grew up in Saigon during the Vietnam War,” said Spa Soleil co-owner Tracy Phan, who regards this gesture as paying back a debt.
“I saw first-hand, the way soldiers sacrificed to protect their country and loved ones.
“As a war refugee, the United States opened its arms to me. It has given me everything.”
At 1 on Wednesday afternoon, Spa Soleil will hold a kick-off event for its Giving Massage program.
At this event, the spa will host Hearts of Valor, a network of people caring for wounded, ill or injured service members, created and maintained by Operation Homefront.
As part of its mission to support these critical caregivers, Hearts of Valor sponsors retreats and support groups to help the oft forgotten loved ones of those injured in the line of duty cope with the responsibilities and daunting burdens of constant care.
“We are thrilled by Spa Soleil’s partnership with Operation Homefront, especially for our L.A.-based members,” said Hearts of Valor Director Sara Boz.
An Air Force veteran, Ms. Boz said that “we try to give our members regular spa days to help them cope with the day-to-day stress of care giving. Lately, we haven’t had the budget to do it. Spa Soleil’s Giving Massage program will give our local members a boost.”
Priced at $99, this covers the cost of a one-hour luxury service for the purchaser along with a duplicate massage for a wounded veteran or a military family member. Five dollars from the sale of each certificate will go to support the ongoing work of Operation Homefront.
Giving Massage certificates may be purchased at Spa Soleil or online at www.spasoleilmassage.com.
For more information, contact the writer at 310.822.4200, his cell at 310.402 .3263 or via email at john@thejungle.biz.
Jack Chirric may be contacted at Operation Homefront at 858.242.4991, 858.922.4538, or via email at jack.chirrick@operationhomefront.net.