It’s not uncommon for our team to tackle the planning, promotion and execution of a client event. In fact, it’s one of our favorite challenges! For the last three years, however, one particular event has tugged at our heartstrings. So this week, we’re doing something a little different on the blog. We’re sharing more about Preston Dental Loft’s Third Annual Cary Cares Makeover.
Three years ago, Dr. Meenal Patel, Owner & Founder of Preston Dental Loft in Cary, NC had a conversation with our team about a “crazy idea” she dreamt up. The idea was a makeover designed to pamper a select group of women in the community who truly deserve it. From a hard-working entrepreneur or a stay-at-home mom to a woman battling an illness or simply down on her luck, this campaign would be for any and every woman. The goal would be to work with fellow business owners to put together a day filled with TLC for women that had been nominated by family, friends and neighbors. Together, Dr. Patel and participating business owners would select three lucky winners from the pool of nominations.
The inaugural event received coverage from a number of local publications, including Cary Citizen, and even led to a number new partners for the 2018 makeover. This year, Dr. Patel and the Preston Dental Loft team received nominations from all over the Triangle and ultimately narrowed it down to three inspiring women: Michaela Tomás, Amanda Hudson and Emma Butler.
Michaela Tomás, a mother of six, recently had colon surgery due to cancer. Michaela was nominated by her daughter Teresa who wrote, “My mom, instead of turning bitter, has embraced the challenge and has looked for ways to improve herself and look after her own mental health. She has finally started to take care of herself after so many years of taking care of everyone else. She is a role model.” In the past few years, Michaela lost over 50 pounds by eating healthy and exercising. She is a two-time marathon finisher and has completed half-marathons and bicycle races over 60 and 120 miles.
The second recipient of the Cary Cares makeover package, Amanda Hudson, is a Pre-K teacher in Cary and works with children with disabilities. In April 2017, Amanda was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer at the age of 27 while her husband was deployed overseas. She eventually had a double mastectomy and multiple surgeries for reconstruction. Now that Amanda is cancer-free, she continues to spend her time advocating for breast cancer research, and helps plan and organize the Race for the Cure in Raleigh.
Emma Butler, the final makeover recipient, is a mother working multiple jobs while earning her Bachelor’s degree. In his nomination, her boyfriend wrote, “She works so hard taking care of me and our daughter, that she barely has time to care for herself. She works six days a week (sometimes seven) and is the most amazing mother of all time.”
On December 13, the day began at Paintbase in Park West Village with manicures and pedicures. The winners were thrilled by the luxe decor, variety of polish options and incredible hospitality. For one of our winners, it was the first time she had ever had a manicure or pedicure! The day continued with lunch at B. Good before heading to Triniti Salon. The winners received blowouts by the Triniti team and makeup from Beach Beauty before striking a pose for a series of fresh headshots.
This year, each makeover prize package was valued at more than $1,600. Before the official makeover day, each winner received a complimentary haircut and color from Triniti Salon and a full dental consultation and teeth whitening from Preston Dental Loft. Additional prizes include Mylina Russell Photography, who offered to capture headshots and family mini sessions; The Mayton Inn, who contributed massages; Holl & Main Boutique, who donated gift cards for each winner; Hustle Fitness Studio, who provided a month of unlimited fitness classes and Enrigo Italian Bistro, who provided gift cards to their restaurant.
Our team is thrilled to have been part of Dr. Patel’s dream for the third year in a row and we’re already looking forward to planning next year’s big day!
Need help planning your next event? Contact the Social Ape team to learn more about how we can assist your brand or business in the new year.
