Camp Sunshine

January 1, 2023  by

Freezing Again for a Reason

– Jennifer Elkhouri

For years, I’ve seen coverage of what I consider complete nut jobs jumping into FREEZING cold water in the dead of winter. I have always thought, “Why would anyone ever do that?” Then, I heard about the Virginia Polar Dip … and how it can help children battling cancer. Sold. I will do just about anything for these children. They endure treatments that are outdated due to lack of funding — in fact, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s research dollars are allocated to childhood cancer research. So, I figured the least I can do is jump into some ice cold water, scream as I am doing so, and maybe cry a little afterward, but most importantly, raise money and awareness.

Well, we’ve been jumping in this exhilarating event since 2015 and when I say exhilarating, that’s the kindest way I can put what that cold water feels like in February! And we have a few of our team members jumping this year: Olivia, Matthew, Madalyn, a Salon Khouri client and friend, Charleen, her very courageous 9 year old, my very courageous 11 year old, and myself.

Please help our by either making a donation (no donation is too small) OR signing up to PLUNGE with us on the Salon Khouri team! Our goal is to raise $5,000 as a team through donations and through the salon donating $1 for every haircut we did in January toward Camp Sunshine. All funds raised will help send children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to Camp Sunshine.

2015 Polar Dip Cutting the Ice

Gotta cut through the ice first … 2015

 

2015 Polar Dip Jump

2015 Polar Dip Jump

 

2016 Polar Dip Jump

 

2016 Polar Dip Team

 

Our 2017 team

 

Our son who jumped on my behalf in 2018 because I had the flu.

 

2020 Post Jump – adrenaline was keeping us warm … for about 2 minutes.

 

 

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January 9, 2022  by

Freezin’ for a Reason – Supporting Camp Sunshine this January

– Jennifer Elkhouri

For years, I’ve seen coverage of what I consider complete nut jobs jumping into FREEZING cold water in the dead of winter. I have always thought, “Why would anyone ever do that?” Then, I heard about the Virginia Polar Dip … and how it can help children battling cancer. Sold. I will do just about anything for these children. They endure treatments that are outdated due to lack of funding — in fact, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s research dollars are allocated to childhood cancer research. So, I figured the least I can do is jump into some ice cold water, scream as I am doing so, and maybe cry a little afterward, but most importantly, raise money and awareness.

Well, we’ve been jumping in this exhilarating event since 2015 and when I say exhilarating, that’s the kindest way I can put what that cold water feels like in February! And we have a few of our team members jumping this year: Sydney and her husband Taylor, Jelena, Olivia, Matthew, a Salon Khouri client and friend, Charleen, and myself.

Please help our by either making a donation (no donation is too small) OR signing up to PLUNGE with us on the Salon Khouri team! All funds raised will help send children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to Camp Sunshine. We are also donating $1 from every haircut we did in January to this effort!

2015 Polar Dip Cutting the Ice

Gotta cut through the ice first … 2015

 

2015 Polar Dip Jump

2015 Polar Dip Jump

 

2016 Polar Dip Jump

 

2016 Polar Dip Team

 

Our 2017 team

 

Our son who jumped on my behalf in 2018 because I had the flu.

 

2020 Post Jump – adrenaline was keeping us warm … for about 2 minutes.

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January 1, 2021  by

Freezin’ for a Reason – Supporting Camp Sunshine this January

– Jennifer Elkhouri

For years, I’ve seen coverage of what I consider complete nut jobs jumping into FREEZING cold water in the dead of winter. I have always thought, “Why would anyone ever do that?” Then, I heard about the Virginia Polar Dip … and how it can help children battling cancer. Sold. I will do just about anything for these children. They endure treatments that are outdated due to lack of funding — in fact, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s research dollars are allocated to childhood cancer research. So, I figured the least I can do is jump into some ice cold water, scream as I am doing so, and maybe cry a little afterward, but most importantly, raise money and awareness.

Well, I’ve been doing that each year since 2015 (with two exceptions: 2018, I had the flu and 2019 the event was not held). This year, due to COVID, the event will be virtual, but YES, I will still do something crazy outside involving freezing cold water. But this year, more than ever, Camp Sunshine needs OUR help.

Please help me by either making a donation (no donation is too small) OR signing up to PLUNGE with me on the Salon Khouri team! You just need to have your frozen experience Feb 6th – 14th. A few ideas for you to participate: make a snow angel in your bathing suit; have a winter water balloon fight (just make sure the balloons aren’t frozen — ouch!); fill up a kiddie pool and go for a quick dip; run through sprinklers or get sprayed by a hose. All funds raised will help send children with life-threatening illnesses and their families to Camp Sunshine.

2015 Polar Dip Cutting the Ice

Gotta cut through the ice first … 2015

 

2015 Polar Dip Jump

2015 Polar Dip Jump

 

2016 Polar Dip Jump

 

2016 Polar Dip Team

 

Our 2017 team

 

Our son who jumped on my behalf in 2018 because I had the flu.

 

2020 Post Jump – adrenaline was keeping us warm … for about 2 minutes.

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January 1, 2020  by

Freezin’ for a Reason in 2020

This is our fifth year jumping as a team into the ice cold water of Lake Anne. But, we sort of have a soft spot for kids, particularly kids fighting life-threatening diseases such as cancer. We encourage you to join our team and jump with us on February 3rd! Or, make a donation to support our jump. No amount is too small! We have learned that little makes big and appreciate every dollar you donate to support Camp Sunshine.

2017 Salon Khouri VA Polar Dip Team

This year, we are again jumping in memory of precious Kate Rhoades. Kate was just four years old when she lost her battle to leukemia on Jan 12, 2016 after a sudden and unexpected relapse. To know Kate was to love her. Her sweet little smile and curiosity about life was contagious. We will never forget her and are honored to jump in her memory so that we can share her story with others.

Adorable Kate.

Adorable Kate.

100% of money raised goes to send local families who have children battling a critical illness for a week of respite to Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides encouragement, relaxation, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to supported illnesses.

We will be donating $1 from every haircut from both our Fairfax an Dulles locations this January to Camp Sunshine.

 

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January 6, 2018  by

Freezin’ again for a Reason!

This is our fourth year jumping as a team into the ice cold water of Lake Anne. But, we sort of have a soft spot for kids, particularly kids fighting life-threatening diseases such as cancer. We encourage you to join our team and jump with us on February 3rd! Or, make a donation to support our jump. No amount is too small! We have learned that little makes big and appreciate every dollar you donate to support Camp Sunshine.

2017 Salon Khouri VA Polar Dip Team

This year, we are again jumping in memory of precious Kate Rhoades. Kate was just four years old when she lost her battle to leukemia on Jan 12, 2016 after a sudden and unexpected relapse. To know Kate was to love her. Her sweet little smile and curiosity about life was contagious. We will never forget her and are honored to jump in her memory so that we can share her story with others.

Adorable Kate.

Adorable Kate.

100% of money raised goes to send local families who have children battling a critical illness for a week of respite to Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides encouragement, relaxation, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to supported illnesses.

We will be donating $1 from every haircut from both our Fairfax an Dulles locations this January to Camp Sunshine. Additionally, we will be drawing one lucky winner for a 60 Minute Signature Facial at Salon Khouri from everyone who donates toward our jump!

 

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January 4, 2017  by

Freezin’ for a Reason in 2017!

This is our third year jumping as a team into the ice cold water of Lake Anne. But, we sort of have a soft spot for kids, particularly kids fighting life-threatening diseases such as cancer. We encourage you to join our team and jump with us! Or, make a donation to support our jump. No amount is too small! We have learned that little makes big and appreciate every dollar you donate to support Camp Sunshine.

2016 SK Team Polar Dip Jumpers

2016 SK Team Polar Dip Jumpers

This year, we are again jumping in memory of precious Kate Rhoades. Kate was just four years old when she lost her battle to leukemia on Jan 12, 2016 after a sudden and unexpected relapse. To know Kate was to love her. Her sweet little smile and curiosity about life was contagious. We will never forget her and are honored to jump in her memory so that we can share her story with others.

Adorable Kate.

Adorable Kate.

2016 was a relentless year for cancer. Our local community lost several amazing kids to this disease – Kate, Alex, and Daniel. SK Stylist, Jelena Williams, also learned that her friend’s daughter, Savvie, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We are also jumping to honor these sweet and amazing kids. Our heart is broken into a million pieces each time another child is taken by cancer. We hope Kate, Mathias, Gavin, Gabby, Erin, Delaney, Alex, Chris, Isabella, Casey, Kylie, Erin, Declan, Shannon and others who lost their battles too soon are watching us jump like maniacs into the ice cold waters of Lake Anne with tremendous grins on their sweet faces!

100% of money raised goes to send local families who have children battling a critical illness for a week of respite to Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides encouragement, relaxation, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to supported illnesses.

We will be donating $1 from every haircut from both our Fairfax an Dulles locations this January to Camp Sunshine. Additionally, we will be drawing one lucky winner for a $100 Gift Certificate to Salon Khouri from everyone who donates toward our jump!

 

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January 1, 2016  by

We are once again Freezin’ for a Reason!

Updated 1/15/2015: On Monday evening, January 11, 2015, I learned that Kate Rhoades relapsed to ALL just four short months after celebrating her end of treatment for the incidious disease.

Just a few short hours later, on Tuesday morning, January 12th, 2015, I learned that Kate, at just four and a half years young, had passed.

I have known her mother, Lindsay, for nearly twenty years. Kate was born just three months after our youngest, Ellie Grace. For two years, Kate underwent treatments. We prayed for her. We prayed for Mike, Lindsay, and Cheryl, Kate’s grandmother who was with Kate non-stop throughout. We celebrated from afar the good days. We cried for the bad days. We rejoiced at being at Kate’s End of Treatment party in September. And now we mourn the loss of a precious, sweet child, to cancer.

Cancer, I despise you. You keep taking precious children from their parents. You are taking mothers and fathers from their children and husbands and wives from their soulmates. I will continue to spread awareness about childhood cancers. I will contiunue to pray for a cure. I will continue to pray for these families enduring barbaric treatments.

This year, our team is jumping for Kate Rhoades. We hope to honor you well, precious Kate. We hope to raise a ton of money so that little ones fighting can enjoy time with their families at Camp Sunshine. I promise to continue to raise money for treatments in your honor, as well. You will not be forgotten. Ever.

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In 2015, a team made up of Salon Khouri team members and friends plunged into the frozen waters of Lake Anne in Reston by participating in the Virginia Polar Dip to raise money for Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine. We are once again taking the plunge and participating in the 2016 Virginia Polar Dip. We are humbly asking for your support.

All money raised goes to support Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to supported illnesses.

Please help our team reach our goal by making a donation to our team or, better yet, become a member of our team and take the plunge with us!

  • Anyone who donates will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE haircut or facial.
  • Anyone who joins our team receives a FREE haircut!!!

EVENT DETAILS

Event Date: Saturday, February 6th, 2016

Plunge: 2 PM

Registration: 12 noon

Location: Reston Community Center, Lake Anne Village Center, Reston, VA

Additionally, Salon Khouri will be donating a portion of our proceeds from both our Fairfax and Dulles Landing locations in January to The Virginia Polar Dip!

VA Polar Dip 2016

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January 5, 2015  by

This seemed like a great idea … in July!

Updated 3-3-2015 … here are some photos of our 2015 Polar Dip … brrrr!!!! The salon raised and donated over $5,000 toward the event and the event overall raised over $114k for Camp Sunshine! We are looking forward to teaming up again for next year!!!!

Since 2007, Salon Khouri has been holding various fundraising events and donating to childhood cancer groups to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. In July, we were asked by the lovely founder of the Reston Virginia Polar Dip, Gail Toth, to jump in the Virginia Polar Dip. It seemed like a GREAT idea … in July. Now that it’s January, and the dip is sneaking up on is in February, it seems like a CRAZY idea. However, we will do just about anything for these kiddos, so we are happy to take the plunge!!!!

All money goes to support Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys. The year-round program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support. Camp Sunshine also provides bereavement sessions for families who have lost a child to supported illnesses.

Please help our team reach our goal by making a donation to our team or, better yet, become a member of our team and take the plunge with us! Anyone who donates will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE haircut or facial. Anyone who joins our team receives a FREE haircut!!!

DETAILS

EVENT DATE: 02/07/2015

Plunge: 2 PM
Registration: 12 PM

Location: Reston Community Center, Lake Anne Village Center, Reston, VA 20190

With the strength of an event such as the Virginia Polar Dip and the resources of Camp Sunshine, it is our goal to raise in excess of $100,000.00 in 2015. That is enough to send 50 families from the Mid-Atlantic area (including VA/MD/DC/DE/PA/WV/NC) to attend Camp Sunshine.

PolarDip2015

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December 26, 2014  by

Silpada Fundraiser for Camp Sunshine

For years, I’ve seen coverage of what I consider complete nut jobs jumping into FREEZING cold water in the dead of winter. I have always thought, “Why would anyone ever do that?” Then, I heard about the Virginia Polar Dip … and how it can help children battling cancer. Sold. I will do just about anything for these children. They endure treatments that are outdated due to lack of funding — in fact, only 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s research dollars are allocated to childhood cancer research. So, I figured the least I can do is jump into some ice cold water, scream as I am doing so, and maybe cry a little afterward, but most importantly, raise money and awareness.

Here’s how YOU can help. Silpada is having a retiring pieces sale — up to 40% off! Your purchase will directly help me raise money for Camp Sunshine. You can shop here to support the fundraiser: https://bit.ly/SilpadaCampSunshine. (You can also join the Salon Khouri team from that link and jump with us!!!) Or, if you are all blinged out at the moment, you can donate to the Salon Khouri team directly here: https://bit.ly/SKPolarDip2015.

EndOfSeason

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