Invisible Children event at salon raises $2,500

Meleesa The Salon hosted an evening of dance, music and fun to benefit Invisible Children, Inc. on May 28 at Black Bull Chop House in Huntington Beach CA.

Black Bull Chop House loaned out their space for the evening that attracted more than 250 attendees, with many donating $25.00 to compete in the mechanical bull-riding contest. The event raised $2,500. A spokesperson for Invisible Children, Rachel Burney, started things off with a brief presentation and video screening of the work that Invisible Children, Inc provides for children in their orphanages in Northern Uganda.

Members of the dance ensemble Samba Passion performed a short set. Bully Mob aka BMOB performed their brand of hip hop dancing to the delight of the crowd.

Guests were treated to a fashion show by event sponsors Soleille Swimwear and Sustainable Collective by Convoy. Hair and makeup for the fashion show was provided by Meleesa The Salon. Mr. Preston presided as Master of Ceremonies and succeeded in getting the crowd excited for the festivities. DJ Big John provided music for the entire evening. The grand prize of a Cloud Surfboard for longest time on the mechanical bull was awarded to Nick Cataldo

Gift baskets with prizes including Coach Sunglasses, Vestal Watches, spa treatments and gift certificates from local businesses were raffled off for $5.00 to 50.00. Sponsors included Cloud Surfboards, Signal Snowboards, Jim Kennedy Photographers, Vitamin Water, Vestal Watches, Pinky Pop 123, Quiksilver, All Over Tan, Pristine Motors, Tosh Townsend Skateboards, Spa Addicts, Coach’s Mediterranean Grill, Hard Body Training, Smokin’ Mo’s BBQ, Sugar Shack Café, Sustainable Collective by Convoy and Soleille Swimwear.

Invisible Children Inc. was started after the founders (Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey and Lauren Poole) created a short documentary film on the subject of child soldiers in Uganda, called Invisible Children. The organization is also responsible for raising significant sums of money, which go toward a number of programs they have developed in Acholiland. These programs mainly focus on education of war-affected youth in Northern Uganda. For more information, see https://www.invisiblechildren.com

Meleesa The Salon owner Meleesa Miller has created a space in the downtown Huntington Beach community where people can come for excellent salon services, but also to be entertained and informed. She hosts monthly events in her salon including an event to benefit non-profit organization Angel Faces and recently a bridal expo featuring local bridal vendors. The Invisible Children event marks the first off-site event for Meleesa and her staff.

Meleesa had been inspired by the work of the Invisible Children organization and wanted to contribute to their cause. Meleesa states ”Invisible Children and the work they are doing in Northern Uganda is so tremendous and I wanted to see if there was any way that I could help,

so we put this event together to raise money and awareness. My staff has been incredible by supporting me with this endeavor and helping to curate all of the wonderful talent and the sponsors for our raffle”.

Meleesa the Salon will continue taking donations for Invisible Children at the salon or individuals can donate directly at www.invisiblechildren.com

Meleesa The Salon is located at 221 Main Street Suite E Huntington Beach CA 92648 For more info see: www.meleesathesalon.com 714-969-7133