Spa for Sandy rejuvenates storm victims a year later

On the evening of September 12, the Green Spa opened its doors to a local Hurricane Sandy effort Big Apple Big Hearts to celebrate Spa For Sandy! This evening honored those affected by the storm’s destruction and raised money and awareness that many people still need help in their recovery.

The evening began in the Zen garden where Long’s Wines and Liquors provided guests with local wine and spirits from Cocao Prieto & Red Hook Winery. Big Apple Big Hearts and The Green Spa prides themselves on local outreach, and using two companies also burdened by the storm was a great way to show support for business that can also celebrate their recovery.

The guests received fantastic spa treatments including facials, makeup refreshers, spray tans, hand treatments, and hypnosis. Everyone noshed on delicious food and desserts from Cebu and Sweet Surprise. Jessie Murphy and Danielle Greenstein, the founders of Big Apple Big Hearts, kept the celebration lively, chatting with guests and making sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Danielle showcased her talents with makeup application for their honored Sandy survivors while Jessie sold hurricane relief t-shirts and raffles featuring great companies like Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Classic Impressions, Paneantico, Foodtown, Thirty-One, 3 Guys from Brooklyn and many more.

As the evening partied on, it was time for the best part, presenting two families with monetary donations for their continued rebuilding and recovery. Everyone was teary eyed as Sandy survivors told their story and expressed their gratitude to Big Apple Big Hearts and The Green Spa.

It was truly a successful night and the love and strength New Yorkers have through adversity showed through. Jessie and Danielle spoke about how over the past year they have raised over $15,000 making it their mission to get 100 percent of the funds directly to the people.

Big Apple Big Hearts is a grassroots effort who attributes their success to perseverance, word of mouth, and the generosity from others who believe in their mission. They continue to work tirelessly, explaining that the more that people donate, the more families they can help.

The Green Spa ended the evening with a surprise complementary message for every guest who attended the event to use on their next visit. Spa For Sandy showed the true meaning of paying it forward with support and help for those that need it the most. This is just the beginning of the future of Big Apple Big Hearts and The Green Spa.

Hundreds of dollars were raised that night and donations are still being accepted. Come by The Green Spa and purchase a Big Apple Big Hearts Hurricane Sandy relief shirt to show your support! For more information, contact BigAppleBigHearts@gmail.com.