Salon Services was recognized as the largest team and also the highest fundraising team with more than $40,000 raised collectively at this year’s 4th Annual Wings of Karen 5k Bra Dash.

Sydney Berry, Owner and President, personally raised over $23,000 and was recognized on stage with the honor of highest personal fundraiser. Stacy Kurtz, Sydney’s daughter and Brand Development Manager was honored as the second place personal fundraiser, bringing in just shy of $10,000. Many more were recognized as “Local Heroes,” signifying that they had personally raised more than $1,000 for the cause.

Sydney Berry, Owner and President of Salon Services is recognized on stage by foundation founder, Kristi Blair.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without our generous supporters and donations. We wish to extend a huge thank you from Salon Services to each and every one of you. From our vendors, manufacturers, personal connections and local salons and spas, so many came together to allow us to exceed our fundraising goals. Breaking fundraising records, this year’s event raised more than $186,000 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting breast cancer research locally through the partnership of UW Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.


For Salon Services, the annual 5k Bra Dash is more than just a race, it’s personal. Many of the Salon Services staff are survivors or have family who have been directly affected by this disease.

Sydney Berry and her family have battled breast cancer for more than 20 years and, in 2015, she was diagnosed again but with the news that her cancer had metastasized. Sydney continues to have a positive outlook on both life and business. Throughout every step of her journey with her health and personal endeavors, she is driven by her “why.” Giving back is just one way that Sydney and Salon Services continues to fuel the mission.

“Witnessing the impact cancer has had on my mom in the lives of those around us has given me the drive to support and fuel a greater purpose to make a difference by supporting local research through Salon Services and in my own life,” Stacy Kurtz said.


Salon Services team including Lauren Baumann, Education Coordinator, Syndey Berry, Owner and President and Stacy Kurtz, Brand Development Manager.
 
Wings of Karen is a non-profit breast cancer foundation supporting research with a sense of urgency, benefiting women everywhere. ​The mission of this community based organization is to fund promising breast cancer research in the Pacific NW.

The foundation is committed to finding a cure, while empowering and educating women with a positive, helping hand. In the spirit of Karen Denmark and many survivors, Wings of Karen is a resource that shows the strength, courage and beauty of those fighting back at cancer.​

Partners and participants in the 5k Bra Dash help fund the study of all aspects of breast cancer, including but not limited to prevention, detection and treatment. Sydney and Stacy sit on the Leadership Board for Wings of Karen as a mother and daughter team.

The Salon Services team was empowered by witnessing Sydney as a breast cancer survivor and began influencing and encouraging others to support each other and work together for the cause.

“Giving back to the community and fighting for a greater cause is something that we as a team and company rally around. It doesn’t seem like we ever make a move without a bigger purpose,” Steph Hilfer, Director of Marketing, said.

Sydney, guiding the company, ensures the team that it is “business as usual,” while she continues to fight her battle. She mentors and leads the company with her resilience.

“Her clear intentions and resilience is what fuels her and makes her a passionate leader,” Stacy said.
Once again, we wish to extend a huge thank you from Salon Services to each and every one of you. From our vendors, manufacturers, personal connections and local salons and spas, so many came together to allow us to exceed our fundraising goals. Please visit wingsofkaren.org to learn how you can show your support year round.


The Wings of Karen 5k Bra Dash was hosted at Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley, Washington. See you next year!