Schools Rewarded for Community Outreach

A new program recognizes massage-therapy schools for community service.

BIOTONE, a manufacturer of massage lubricants and spa body-treatment products, recently announced the creation of its Community Outreach Award Program.

The company will award five schools $1,000 each for volunteer massage-therapy programs that help individuals in their communities and provide students with an educational experience.

“We are very aware of the considerable work on the part of many massage schools to help those in need in their community through the healing powers of massage,” said Jean Shea, BIOTONE founder and CEO. “Our award program is in recognition of the important work they are doing. Our program also underscores our continuing strong partnership with massage schools to help expand the knowledge and training of their students.”

BIOTONE already funds massage-student scholarships (www.massagemag.com/Students/News/2006/scholarship.php) and supports massage-therapy research (www.massagemag.com/News/2007/October/
Biotone-Funds-massage-Therapy-Foundation-Projects.php).

Among the criteria for Community Outreach Award Program consideration are: impact of the program on the community; benefit to recipients; and ability to meet stated goals. Projects must be completed by the end of 2007. BIOTONE will select 12 schools among all entrants and invite the massage industry to vote online for the top five finalists during the first two weeks of 2008. Awards will go to the five entrants receiving the most votes. BIOTONE will announce the award recipients in January.

Submissions for the BIOTONE Community Outreach Award may be made through December 31. Schools can request information by contacting communityoutreach@biotone.com. For an application form, go to www.biotone.com/awards.php and click on Community Outreach Award.

—Karen Menehan, MASSAGE Magazine Editor in Chief