There will be a lot of lonely hearts this Valentine's Day in the South Sound area. With 18,000 soldiers deployed, that is a fair number of spouses, girlfriends, even boy friends without their loved ones to share the day of love. The Fort Lewis Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers recognized the need to support local spouses and other significant others with a free Valentine's Day of Pampering event at St. Martins University in Lacey on February 14.The pampering style event will be held on 2 to 6 p.m. at St. Martin's Pavilion with free activities, food and daycare for all spouses and significant others with loved ones deployed anywhere away from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. Activities planned for the party include a fashion show, a hypnotist, entertainment, tarot card readings, spa treatments, make-overs, door prizes, food, gift bags and loads of fun. Only beverages are provided at a cost..In addition, those eligible to attend may also bring a friend for support. All non-spouses and sigificant others of deployed troops may pay $10 at the door to enjoy the same party. The money will be used to defray any costs. The event is a non-profit party - not one dime of profit goes anywhere."We feel honored to be able to bring this event to our heroes - the spouses and other significant others who keep the home fires buring," said Ken Swarner, publisher of the Ranger and Airlifter. "We extended an invitation to our community partners and the response has been truly humbling. Lots of local organizations and companies have stepped up to provide goods and services to make this event something worthy of those invited."The afternoon will include a fashion show organized by Vixen's House of Shoes and Apparel in Tacoma, featuring local military spouses walking the run-way.The fashion show comprises 10-12 spouses of deployed service members. Models will show attire that includes dresses and lingerie. The show requires a lot of work on the part of the models, Ondia Shapiro, the owner of Vixen's who is hosting the fashion show. The models, who are all shapes and sizes have to devote a day to the event, she said. "I think people come out and see it goes by really fast and they think it is no big deal," Shapiro said. "But it is. Wives need to come out to the show and support their friends, and the wives of their friends. Even if they don't know the models, they should show their support to other wives who have their spouses deployed." However, despite their novice experience, these models are ready, she said. "They all came into the auditions so excited to model and get to send the photos to their husbands," she said. "They are full of confidence. They are ready to have fun. It makes me excited." For more information about the fashion show, call 253-272-1412.The Valentine's event also includes free daycare to those attending."We will have space onsite to entertain the children of the attendees," Swarner said. "Our local military kids are real heroes as well, and we plan to show them a good time too."In addition to organizations donating their goods and services, the event also includes a merchant area where organizations will set up to share their services available in the South Sound area."We have jewelry, personal care, financial services, clothing and more for attendees to sample and learn more about," Swarner added.Finally, food plays a central role in the program."We are calling it a taste of the South Sound," Swarner said. "Locla busineeses will be handing our complimentary finger foods all afternoon long.Swarner said the men of deployed troops are also invited to attend the party."We'll have a man-cave of sorts set-up for any guys that want to join us."
Comments for "Valentine's Day of Pampering" (32)
Northwest Military is not responsible for the content of these comments. Northwest Military reserves the right to remove comments at their discretion.
Camille said on Jan. 15, 2010 at 10:53pm
Too bad my husband is back on medical, or I would so take advantage of this :(
Betsy said on Jan. 14, 2010 at 6:58pm
Thanks so much for this event!! I've been really excited to find info about how to sign up for it! :) Can't wait!
RangerKen said on Jan. 14, 2010 at 4:30pm
Follow the sign-up link at the end of the story. On the RSVP site you may indicate that you need daycare. We look forward to seeing you at the event. Please pass this on to your friends.
Nicole said on Jan. 13, 2010 at 8:17pm
The company I work for would like to donate door prizes and other goodies. How can we get involved? Please contact me at nickelnm1@yahoo.com
Katie S. said on Jan. 14, 2010 at 1:53pm
I will actually be in the fashion show and have 2 kids. How can I get them signed up for the onsite childcare for this even.
cayla said on Jan. 14, 2010 at 4:05pm
I would also like to know how to sign up my 2 kids.
Mandy Wagner said on Jan. 16, 2010 at 2:11pm
Thank yall so much for doing this. I have never spent a valentines day with my husband so I usually stay at home with my son. This will be a nice change, hes not here but I am going to do something. Again thank you.
Betsy said on Jan. 20, 2010 at 11:18am
I had a question about childcare... Do you know who is providing the care and where it will be? And do you know if they will be separating the children by ages and if so how many kids/adults will there be, etc etc., Thank you!
Amy Apelar said on Jan. 22, 2010 at 9:02am
I would love to be a vendor at the Valentine event. I'm a local photographer with lots of friends and family in the military. I have always offered discounts to military families and would love to offer my services. Could someone please get in touch with me either through email or a phone call (360) 789-1710. Thank you very much! What a great idea!
LadyP said on Jan. 22, 2010 at 10:04am
At first, I was looking forward to this(I signed up without knowing all the details), and it is really a nice show of love and support, but I am now offended by the " WITCH CRAFT-Tarot Card Reading" that spoils it for me! What is the purpose of that and the "Hypnotist"?
RangerKen said on Jan. 22, 2010 at 3:46pm
The psychic services will be in a secluded area to offer people privacy. So, for those who wish to avoid it that will be easy. We hope you will join us.
GreenEyes said on Jan. 27, 2010 at 11:14am
I would love to attend, but don't have anybody to watch my two small children. Since childcare is full, will children be allowed to attend? Or will more childcare be provided so that all who want to attend are able to do so? Thank you :)
RangerKen said on Jan. 27, 2010 at 2:18pm
Believe us, we are really disappointed we couldn't convince a local daycare or church to help support our spouses. If anyone knows someone - please have them contact us. Otherwise, no I am sorry, the event is adult only. There's just not much else we can do at this point :-(
Vicky Mohler said on Jan. 27, 2010 at 8:14pm
Ken, SAAF will be there with lots of nice gifts
Rachael said on Jan. 30, 2010 at 11:12pm
hi...thanks for this event. i'm very much looking forward to going since my husband is deployed. i think it will be a lot of fun; i wish others would see it as fun, and not see it as something that it's not....but that's all i'm going to say about that. anyway, i RSVP'ed to the event for myself and my daughter ....she is a teenager, she does not need child-care. Both of us have our Military ID's . Please respond to let me know if I can, in fact, take her with me to the event. If you would like, you can email me.....but please respond soon. Thank you so much!
Linda said on Feb. 01, 2010 at 8:58pm
What about babies 6 months and under, and baby is in carrier?
RangerKen said on Feb. 02, 2010 at 7:49am
Six-months on the list are fine. We have a fully accredited daycare running the show.
As for 16-year old daughters, they would count as a guest, which is $10. We would love to accept them for free, however, as you can imagine, the event is expensive and for the spouses and significant others.
Tami said on Feb. 04, 2010 at 3:57pm
I have been a military spose for many, many years and this is the first time I have heard of anything like this. I am so excited and thankful for all of those who are putting this together! It is nice to be recognized by the community for OUR sacrifice and feel a little "love" back from them on this holiday! I just can't wait! ;)
Carmen said on Feb. 07, 2010 at 7:56pm
Hey RangerKen, I am a vendor. My understanding was that this event is 2pm to 6pm but I see a Stryker Brigade FaceBook page is advertising it as 2-7pm. www.facebook.com/4SBCT2ID?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=222554522501&index=1
Does it end at 6pm or 7pm?
Thanks!
Monica said on Feb. 07, 2010 at 9:19pm
What a fantastic day planned. I am excited to celebrate with ladies who truly know what each other is experiencing. Thank you for doing this and for giving us a day to be pampered and remembered.
RangerKen said on Feb. 08, 2010 at 6:26am
It's 2-6 p.m.
Carmen (Three Cedars Day Spa) said on Feb. 09, 2010 at 9:56pm
What a worthy cause! I am thrilled to be a part of this and the opportunity to show my appreciation for our armed forces and their loved ones. Three Cedars Day Spa is donating dozens of spa gifts and prizes and will be providing serveral lucky folks with COMPLIMENTARY COSMETIC TEETH WHITENING at our booth!
I am also an ordained minister. So if you and your loved one come to my booth with your valid marriage license and 2 witnesses, I will perform your wedding ceremony for FREE.
Rachael said on Feb. 10, 2010 at 12:22am
hi, i really need to know this before i go....my daughter is 14, and 1/2 (if that counts :), anyway, can she go?? it doesn't matter if i have to pay the $10. it's just that , if she can't go, then i can't go. thank you.
Rachael said on Feb. 10, 2010 at 7:46pm
ok, problem solved....just in case my daughter can't go, she is going to stay with a friend so that i can go. i am so looking forward to this event!! so all we need is our Military ID??
RangerKen said on Feb. 11, 2010 at 6:24am
Sorry, just 16 and over. But I am glad you figured something out.
Carrie said on Feb. 13, 2010 at 11:41am
Is it too late to RSVP? I'm not seeing a link...
Lisa said on Feb. 13, 2010 at 12:16pm
My friend would like to sign up for this event - her husband passed away September 2008. Would she be able to attend since he is not currently deployed. If she can attend how can she RSVP, this website does not have a link to registration that I can see.
Natasha said on Feb. 13, 2010 at 5:25pm
Wanted to know more about the daycare...Will they feed the chillos and what is needed? Just more info please...
RangerKen said on Feb. 14, 2010 at 6:33am
We will offer the kids a snack and entertain them. We won't have formula, however, or any "full" meals.
RangerKen said on Feb. 14, 2010 at 6:35am
Registration ended Friday a.m. You may still attend, bring your trooper's APO address.
Lisa, by all means, have your friend attend at no charge.
Jessey said on Feb. 14, 2010 at 5:43pm
Thank you so much for a wonderful evening! I couldn't believe all the goodies we received. I really enjoyed the cooking class and massages. My evening was perfect. The only problem that happened to me that evening was another spouse actually took my gifts that I left in my chair when I won a door prize. I claimed my prize and when i returned someone else was in my chair and my bag was gone. I saw a lot of ladies leaving their things at tables, so hopefully no one else had this unfortunate experience.
Crystal said on Feb. 14, 2010 at 8:18pm
I had a fantastic time this afternoon! Thank you so much for putting this event together. It was the best turn out I've ever seen at a free event for military spouses, by far! It was nice to have a couple kid-free hours. I enjoyed the entertainment, food, and not to mention the free gifts! Thanks again.
Leave A Comment
Respond on Your Blog
Create an Account
or
Login
If you have a Northwest Military Account you can not only post comments, but you can also respond to articles in your own Northwest Military Blog. It's just another way to make your voice heard.