During the month of April, otherwise known as Earth Month, Ivy Salon raised funds for Friends of the Reedy River through their Earth Month raffle and Block Party for the Reedy, an event at Eighth State Brewing Company. This is an annual partnership that continues to grow stronger each year. Last year, Ivy Salon raised more than $3,300 for Friends of the Reedy River (FoRR) and this year was able to raise $4,740.

FoRR cherishes the strong relationship that it has created with Ivy Salon. FoRR is a board of 17 volunteer members with one staff member, so it relies heavily on the support of the community. FoRR Staff Member Olivia Dunn states, “The city of Greenville was built because of the access to Reedy River and the economic prosperity that it provides so it’s nice to see local businesses giving back to the river. We couldn’t protect and restore the Reedy River without the support of the community - thank you, Ivy Salon!”

Ivy Salon realizes how important this natural local resource is to our economic development and that it needs an advocate. Dreama Kees, owner of Ivy Salon, notes, “Giving back has been important to Ivy from the beginning. Earth Month allows us to focus our attention on how we can have a positive impact on our environment in our community.”

Kees continues, "The best way for us to continue to grow is through helping each other - and our local businesses truly came out this year to support the Reedy. Their support ensures FoRR can fight for clean water here in the Upstate.”

Ivy Salon put a raffle basket together through donations from local business, totaling more than $1,100 in value. Donations ranging in value from $15-$250 came in from OnCall Catering, Mast General Store, River Falls Spa, Soul Yoga, Pink Azalea, CoCoBella, BeijaFlor, Sticky Fingers, Oil & Vinegar, Pure Barre, Pelindaba Lavender, Palmetto Olive Oil, and many others. Raffle tickets were $10 each.

In addition to the Earth Month raffle, Ivy Salon hosted the Block Party for the Reedy event at Eighth State Brewing Company. Dunn attended to represent FoRR and spread the word about its mission. This event was complete with live music, haircuts, chair massages, henna tattoos, and many other fun activities. Kate McAlister, an Elite Ivy Stylist at the Eastside location, offered her talents for donations, cutting hair for the majority of the evening. Ivy Salon was thrilled to partner with the community in bringing awareness to the work of FoRR and the need to advocate for the Reedy River.