Wise-Kelleher Family Benefit Raises Funds

NORTH CAPE MAY –– A lot of people in Lower Township are prettier this week and in the process they helped a family that experienced one of life’s unexplainable tragedies.
They lined up outside the Serenity Day Spa at 3704 Bayshore Road Oct. 28 to have their hair styled and nails polished with all the proceeds going to the family of Donna Wise-Kelleher.
When Wise-Kelleher passed away Oct. 15 from a brain aneurysm, she left behind three children, a husband and a huge hospital bill.
Self employed as the owner of Salon Allure Beauty Salon here, she had no medical or life insurance.
While she was responsible for the fine hairstyles of many residents; she had also won a place in their hearts.
“It’s been crazy,” said Donna Reed, owner of Serenity Day Spa, who organized the event. “We opened at 9 o’clock and it was like an explosion of people.”
Reed said Wise-Kelleher passed away at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital following emergency surgery and a week in intensive care.
Hair stylists, nail technicians, and aestheticians volunteered their services including doing skin care and foot reflexology.
“Every single penny that comes in is being donated to the family,” said Reed.
Wise-Kelleher and her husband Marc had three children, Sophia, 5, Hanna, 7, and Christopher, 14.
Folks filled the spa’s waiting room spilling out to chairs outside, where tables of items and gift certificates donated by 38 local businesses for raffles and Chinese auctions were on display.
“It leaves me speechless, it gives me goose bumps,” said Reed. “It is amazing how many people have come together to help.”
“It is better than I could have ever wished for,” she continued.
A banquet of donated food that rivaled the serving line of any restaurant buffet filled a neighboring empty storefront. Those waiting for various beauty services were well fed, helping to pass the time.
Ray Trexler, of North Cape May, had his hair cut by volunteer Jennifer Allen of the Lisa Renee Salon of Rio Grande. Trexler said Wise-Kelleher had been his barber.
“It’s great to see the community come together,” said Marc Kelleher, Donna’s husband. “It is exactly what she would have wanted and that’s how she lived her life, giving back to the community.”
He said he had no idea how large a medical bill he was facing. He said if enough funds were raised to pay the bills, anything extra would go to a college fund for the three children.
As of Tuesday morning, $15,000 had been raised, according to Reed. She said she was very grateful to all the volunteers that participated.
Donations may be sent to the Kelleher Fund, Crest Savings, 3301 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, N.J. 08260.