Eureka Business Owner Helps Family Readiness Effort

When Eureka resident and beauty salon owner, Laura Wingbermuehle, was looking for a worthy cause for her business to sponsor this holiday season, the answer came from an unlikely source -- the Missouri Army National Guard recruiting office located next door. 

Wingbermuehle owns Salon 231 on Telegraph Road in south St. Louis County.

"Every year, around the holidays we like to sponsor a charitable organization," said Wingbermuehle, who made the decision to support the Family Readiness Group when Spc. Dave Meyer made the suggestion they consider sponsoring the food pantry at Jefferson Barracks.

Meyer is a National Guard recruiter who occupies the office next to the salon, and said he was well-aware of Wingbermuehle's seasonal charity efforts.

"I brought it to Laura's attention that the National Guard had the Family Readiness Group and other organizations that need help, and she was more than happy to oblige," Meyer said.

Family Readiness is an organization that supports military families in times of need. In addition to providing some financial assistance, the organization operates three food pantries in the state.

After speaking to Meyer, Wingbermuehle solicited food donations to benefit the Jefferson Barracks Food Pantry. The salon also raffled off a basket containing $300 worth of beauty products and conducted a bake sale. 

"So we have client donations to the food pantry, and we'll be giving $500 to Family Readiness from the baskets and the bake sale," Wingbermuehle said. "We're doing this in memory of our local fallen soldiers."

"Those families want the memory of their loved ones to live on, and this is a great way to do that," added Meyer.

The generosity of Wingbermuehle's clients and staff is not going unnoticed at nearby Jefferson Barracks.

"To have businesses and individuals voluntarily step forward to assist us, especially at this time of year and during this particularly difficult economic time, is quite touching," said Christine Betcher, Family Readiness coordinator for the 70th Troop Command, the largest brigade in the Missouri National Guard.

"While we can identify those in need, without the contributions of our generous and thoughtful donors, such as Salon 231, we would be unable to assist in the capacity our military members deserve for the sacrifices they make willingly for each of us."

Editor's Note:  Thanks to Bill Phelan, unit public affairs representative, 70th Troop Command, Missouri National Guard, for contributing details for this article.