On Nov. 19, BJ Grand Salon & Spa presented a check to Dr. Aziz Khan of Simmons Cancer Institute, representing a donation of $12,375 raised from the most recent Beautiful Bras fundraiser. Proceeds from the October event will be used to purchase hair loss accessories including wigs, hats, and scarves for the wig boutique at Simmons Cancer Institute, the purchase of a specialized port draw room chair for infusion patients and will assist with dietician services for patients.

Throughout the month of October, BJ Grand Salon & Spa held the Beautiful Bras Fundraiser for cancer awareness and support at both of their locations, 3055 Professional Drive and 3300 Robbins Road in Springfield.  Area designers were invited to decorate a bra that represented their individual story or business.

“This year we had 40 participants and the bras were wonderfully creative again. We are so thankful for our designers and their supporters,” said Gail Lorenzini, vice-president of BJ Grand Salon & Spa.

Prizes are awarded to the bras at each salon location that raise the most money. A team of judges also award bras with the Grand Design Award, deeming it the best or most creatively designed bra at each salon location. Each winner receives a BJ Grand Salon & Spa gift card, along with other prizes.

The designers who raised the most money were Pam Speer (south) with $380 and Nancy Bradbury and Linda Strutz (west) with $1870. The BJ Grand Salon & Spa employees who raised the most money were Tia Wilson (south) with $530 and Richard Green (west) with $875. Grand design winners were Angela Nation from Ala Nar (south) and Jessica Vollmer from Jim Wilson Interiors, Homescapes and Westside Stories (west).