CORAL SPRINGS, FL – More than $2,000 was raised by Body Heat Tanning for a foundation created in memory of two salon clients recently killed in an auto accident.
On Sunday, November 17, Marisa Catronio and Kaitlyn Nicole Ferrante, both 21, were killed in a collision with a car driven by 20-year-old Kaila Mendoza. Since then, the story has gone viral because Mendoza allegedly posted “2 drunk 2 care” on her Twitter account hours before she drove her car east in the westbound lane of the Sawgrass Expressway at 1:45 am. “Both of these girls were tanners here,” said Rhonda Culligan, Body Heat co-owner. “My son was a close friend of Katie’s and I knew both girls, so we wanted to join the other local businesses who are doing something to help.”
Body Heat Tanning hosted a fundraiser on November 23, with all proceeds going to “Marisa’s Way.” The foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about wrong-way driving accidents, as well as taking measures to help prevent them in the future. Those who made a $10 donation received a lotion packette, while a $20 donor received a lotion packette and tanning session, and those donating $25 received a packette and a high-pressure session. “More than 50 people participated,” Rhonda added. “We’re just glad to have been able to help.”
Tanning industry professional who would like to take part in this cause can make a tax-deductible donation by check or credit card. Contact Rhonda at Body Heat Tanning for more info. The salon’s owners and staff also urge everyone to “like” the Marisa’s Way Facebook page for the latest on the case, as well as the efforts to make changes to protect others from wrong-way drivers.
After tanning at the salon for about ten years, Rhonda and Jack Culligan purchased Body Heat Tanning in October 2011. The salon offers six tanning units with four levels of tanning as well as custom spray-tans.
