Tucson’s Gadabout SalonSpas sure have come a long way since 1979. To celebrate their 30-year anniversary, Gadabout held the “Gadagirls” contest, the winners of which were recently announced after months of selections and voting. Not only did they find three lucky ladies to represent the Gadabout brand, but three well-deserving community organizations will benefit from the results as well.

After owner Pamela McNair-Wingate opened her very first Gadabout location in an 800-sq.-ft. space with only eight staff members, this family-owned business eventually grew to be one of the most respected salon and spa names in town with seven local salons and even one in Italy. In addition to offering top-notch treatments and services, Gadabout is known for their contributions to local nonprofit organizations. In honor of 30 great years in business, Gadabout started the Gadagirl contest in April—and by doing so, they found three incredible women who embody what it means to be beautiful from the inside out.

In seeking out a Gadagirl winner (in this case, three winners), the company was looking for women who embody the “true spirit of Gadabout by having true beauty inside and out, charisma and a genuine and compassionate nature.” Hundreds of women submitted their photos and applications, while more than 12,000 people logged on to vote for the 12 finalists. In addition to the honor of being chosen, each winner received highly coveted rewards like a Gadabout makeover including a hair style and color, make up, manicure, pedicure, facial and massage; a starring role in a Gadabout photo shoot; the opportunity to appear in future Gadabout advertisements; and a $300 donation to their favorite local charity.

Audrey Marie Koomer pictured above. 

The vote resulted in three winners—one to represent each decade that Gadabout has been in business: Audrey Marie Koomer (playfully described as being from the “Hannah Montana generation”), Florencia Turco (from the “Boy Band generation”), and Suzanne Herring (from the “Beatles generation”).

Florencia Turco pictured above. 

As the youngest winner, Audrey Marie Koomer truly is an example for young women. Not only is she a high school student, but she is also involved in her school’s Key Club organization for community service, and has participated in Red Cross blood drives, Locks of Love and Ronald McDonald House activities. Koomer’s $300 donation will go toward Casa De Los Niños.

 

Suzanne Herring pictured above.

The third and final winner, Suzanne Herring, is a volunteer at In My Shoes, a local program where adults who used to be housed in foster care serve as mentors and role models for teenagers currently involved in foster care. Fittingly, her $300 will go toward the In My Shoes program. “I think it is important to let young women know that you can be your best at any age,” she said in a recent press release.

The second Gadagirl winner, Florencia Turco, is one of the founders of the E.L.L.A Group, a nonprofit organization that teaches self-defense to women and children. “I want to be an example that anything is possible in this world,” Turco said in a recent press release. Turco’s $300 donation will go toward Las Familias, an organization that facilitates the healing process of children and adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

For more information about Gadabout SalonSpas, visit www.gadabout.com.