Eden Spa and Salon honors Dolly Parton through library donation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A downtown Cape Girardeau business is honoring Dolly Parton’s legacy by giving back to its customers and supporting free access to books in the community.
Eden Spa and Salon offered clients 20% off services and is donating to the Cape Girardeau Public Library in Parton’s memory.
The downtown business offers hair services, pedicures, facials, body scrubs and other spa treatments. Owner Sarah Kilpela describes it as the only full-service spa and salon in downtown Cape Girardeau.
Kilpela says Parton inspired her because she remained true to herself while using her success to help others.
“She was truly herself, so unapologetically herself,” Kilpela said. “She was so real, and she did not care. And I love that about her. I love that she did so much good with her life.”
For Kilpela, Parton’s legacy raises a larger question about how people use the opportunities they receive.
“God gives you these really amazing platforms and opportunities, and it’s like, what are you going to do with that?” Kilpela said. “How are you going to make the world around you a better place?”
Kilpela is a mother of seven and says several of her children have received books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides free books to children from birth to age 5.
That personal connection helped inspire her decision to support the Cape Girardeau Public Library.
“I love that it’s completely free, and people deserve access to knowledge,” Kilpela said. “I know that Dolly was very, very passionate about that too. So I am as well. That’s why we decided to do that.”
Kilpela says the salon received calls and walk-in customers from people who wanted to participate. The business planned to calculate the final donation after the event.
“This is just something very, very small that we can do to make our world a better place,” Kilpela said. “Just a small donation to the Cape Girardeau Public Library can leave a big impact.”
Kilpela says she hopes the effort encourages others to recognize the impact even a small gesture can have.
“Just try to be softer, kinder and nicer to everyone,” she said.
