Local Salon and Spa 'Rocks the CASA'

Fort Lee's hosted its Fall 2011 “Forbidden Fruit” Fashion & Beauty show Saturday in its loft space. The event doubled as a fundraiser for the Bergen County division of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, a program that helps recruit and train volunteers to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care due to abuse and/or neglect.

The salon has a rich history of involvement with the program for the better part of a decade. The silent auction portion of the evening was entitled “Rock the CASA” and encouraged everyone who attended – “fashionistas” and more – to help the program by placing bids.

“100 perecnt of the funds raised from the silent auction will go to CASA for the children of Bergen County,” salon manager Kris Fidler-Ballard said. “I will find out on Friday, Nov. 18, the final amount of monies raised as they are giving time for everyone who took mail envelopes to get them back in with donations.”

The fashion show was a huge hit. Both sides of the salon were packed with chairs and goodie bags. Despite limited space and the show taking place inside a salon, the entire staff made the place look fabulous.

Creative Director Ona Diaz-Santin denied it being a difficult endeavor for the salon.

“It’s not difficult when you have an outstanding team,” she said.

Fidler-Ballard thanked his entire staff in the middle of the show and called them all up so the audience could properly applaud them.

“We as a whole put a lot of work into this event and it is really satisfying to see all of the hard work pay off,” he later told Patch.

The fashion show was hosted by Felicia Verna. Models were provided by Xpozure Modeling. Among the designers were Duane Fish, Adrian Alicea, Nailah Lymus, Mo Hom and Tyrell Mason.

Jennifer Murrin, the CASA representative in attendance, who helped start the program in Bergen County, gave a tearful thank you speech to Fidler-Ballard and Diaz-Santin. Diaz-Santin has spoken to Patch in the past about her involvement with CASA, which supports children ranging in age from birth to 18, and her personal connection to the organization. 

Anyone interested in volunteering with CASA can find more information on their website. 

"I cannot thank this woman enough for what she’s done for CASA,” Murrin told Patch, while hugging Diaz-Santin.           

What’s next for 5 Salon & Spa?            

“I can't give anything away, but let's just say we are going to have packed next six months,” Fidler-Ballard said. “I guess [people] will just have to stay tuned to 5salonspa.com and like us on facebook at facebook.com/salon5 to find out.”