LEXINGTON, Ky., March 24 /PRNewswire/ — It's easy to get wrapped up in the doom and gloom of the economy. You can't turn on the TV or open a newspaper without reading about the stock market tanking, home foreclosure rates rising and increased unemployment. The International SPA Association is giving you permission to put the negative aside and take in the good that spas, both big and small, are doing across the country, and how they're strengthening their communities by giving back.

"From complimentary chair massages to donating gift certificates to favorite charities, spas are reaching out and touching the lives of folks in their communities," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "It's easy to get involved – at each ISPA Board meeting we plan a service project. It's our way of giving back to cities across the country."

Everyone could use a pick-me-up now and again, and here's a sampling of how spas are providing that.

     --  Sorrento Spa has teamed up with the Vail Valley Medical Center's         'Caring for the Caregivers' program, which offers free chair         massages to nurses, doctors and orderlies. (CO) 

     --  Remember Hurricane Katrina?  It wasn't that long ago (August 2005)         that it wiped out most of New Orleans.  The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New         Orleans is offering chair massages for guests who conduct relief efforts         as part of their stay. (LA) 

     --  Sundara Inn & Spa is hosting its 1st Annual Golf & Spa Classic         to benefit  Breast Cancer Recovery, an organization dedicated to helping         women with breast cancer heal emotionally, spiritually and physically.         (WI) 

     --  In the past several months, Oasis Day Spa has provided free chair         massage and pop-up spas at 16 charity events including 'Go Red for         Women' for the American Heart Association.  (NY) 

     --  ESSpa Kozmetika Organic Skincare recently had a 'Dress for         Success' day for women looking for work. They were given a         makeover, clothing and interview tips for landing a job. (PA) 

     --  The Whiteface Lodge & Spa annually gives gift certificates to the         'Joy to the Children' benefit, which exposes local children to         the arts. (NY) 

     --  Spa Shiki hosted a 'Go Red for Women' night to raise awareness         for the American Heart Association.  The event featured complimentary         chair massages and a free $10 gift card. (MO)

About ISPA

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. www.experienceispa.com

      Megan Newquist     859.226.4374, megan.newquist@ispastaff.com

SOURCE International SPA Association

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