Local businesses to host benefit for Burns family Jan. 23

Date: 1/18/2010

Jan. 18, 2010

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Managing Editor



HAMPDEN - On Jan. 23 two local businesses will come together to help a local family who lost their home in a pre-Christmas fire.

On that Saturday, Balance Massage of 10 Allen St and It's All About You women's boutique of 2 Somers Rd. will both host benefits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Burns family, who watched their South Road home burn in the early morning hours of Dec. 21.

Homeowner James Burns Jr. was treated for smoke inhalation following the fire. His wife, Maureen, escaped without injury. The house was a total loss.

Balance Massage owner Lee Williams told Reminder Publications that her business will be donating half of all of the proceeds for services booked on Jan. 23 to the Burns family. Balance Massage will also be collecting money for the family throughout the rest of the month.

"They are so fortunate that nobody was truly injured in [the fire] but their loss just before Christmas couldn't have happened at a worse time," she said. "I'd just like to do something to help them rebuild their family life."

Williams said Maureen is a regular client at Balance Massage.

In addition to donating half of the day's proceeds, Williams said every client who comes in for a service on Jan. 23 will be entered into a raffle for a gift certificate donated by La Cucina Hampden House Cafe.

According to sales associate Patricia Pomeroy, It's All About Me will follow a similar model for their part of the benefit, donating a portion of the proceeds from sales made that Saturday to the Burns.

"She's actually a client of ours too," Pomeroy said of Maureen. "She was in here last week trying to replenish her clothing. She said [the fire] was awful . they barely got out of the house."

To book an appointment with Balance Massage for the Jan. 23 benefit, call 566-3852. For more information about the services they offer, visit www.bmtsc.com.

It's All About Me boutique carries "everything from home furnishing to clothing to jewelry . everything that women want," Pomeroy said. She added that the boutique is currently hosting a sale that will continue through the benefit.