7-year-old to host fundraiser in RSF Dec. 9 to help the homeless
December 7, 2006 - Rancho Santa Fe Review

Casa Blanca Salon and Spa in Rancho Santa Fe will provide the location for a hot chocolate stand and gingerbread-man cookie fundraising event on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to benefit homeless individuals. Kendra Checketts, 7, was inspired by the "Pay it Forward" Challenge by Oprah Winfrey, who is encouraging Americans to spread kindness to perfect strangers and people in need. In the midst of wealth and privilege of Southern California, Kendra is mobilizing the more fortunate to share their good will with those most impoverished.

For a donation of $6 for each cup of hot chocolate and cookie, she will gather the proceeds and purchase new sleeping bags for homeless individuals on Skid Row in Los Angeles and for the San Diego Rescue Mission. Each sleeping bag costs $15 each. On Sunday, Dec. 17, she will accompany her parents to Los Angeles to deliver the items, which will be documented and sent to the Oprah Winfrey Show, and she will make a separate visit to the San Diego Rescue Mission.

Kendra's parents, who are the owners of Casa Blanca Salon and Spa, will also donate personal hygiene products from their salon to the San Diego Rescue Mission and are helping Kendra collect gently used beanies (knit caps), scarves, gloves, socks, T-shirts, pillows, blankets, children's sweaters (18 months to 10 years old) plush toys diapers and new undergarments.

Casa Blanca Salon and Spa is located in the Del Rayo Village Shopping Center at 16081 San Dieguito Road, Suite G1, Rancho Santa Fe. For more information, visit CasaBlancaSalonSpa.com, or call 858-759-8998.