MEDINA: Vision 2000 owner gives back

By Miranda Vagg<br><a href="mailto:vaggm@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Miranda</a>
The Journal-Register

May 08, 2008 06:36 pm

— Vision 2000 and Sunburst Tanning has been filled with activity this week, and the waiting area is overflowing with gift baskets and individual items to be auctioned off Saturday at the 13th annual benefit for Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.
For the past several years, salon and tanning center owner Darlene Witte has held the annual fundraiser because of her deep respect for the facility. Witte said the ball started rolling about 12 years ago when her son, an infant at the time, was overcome with breathing problems. Local doctors were having a difficult time diagnosing the child, and Witte and her husband, Bruce, had tried many different medications to alleviate the problem.
Then they were referred to Women and Children’s Hospital, where their son was diagnosed with asthma. Within a few days’ time, he was a happy baby boy once again.
But Witte’s respect for those who work day in and day out at the hospital doesn’t end there. In the fall of 2005, her niece was in the intensive care unit, sick with pneumonia. This year, Witte herself was a patient there and underwent two surgeries.
“Again, I was totally amazed by the dedication of the doctors and nurses. It would be a huge loss to so many people if this hospital was not here,” she said. “They were the best thing that could have happened to our family.”
To show her gratitude, Witte began holding what has become an annual event at the salon. It began with a drawing and hot dog sales to raise funds. Now it has become a community event, with many of the downtown business contributing merchandise to be given away at the Chinese auction. The auction is a new addition to the benefit, which will be happening Saturday, along with a bake sale.
“We’re getting ready for the bake sale,” Witte said Wednesday afternoon. “What’s really kind of amazing is all the people who have offered to bake. ... I get e-mails every day, phone calls every day ... it’s going to be a pretty big bake sale.”
For the auction, the salon is a hub of activity where people continue to bring items.
Employee Vanessa Morgott, who has worked for Witte for about a year, said this is her first experience with the event.
“You can tell it’s a big excitement for the crowds,” Morgott said, adding that the turnout has been great, “especially for what it benefits.”
Jana Howard has worked at the salon for a number of years, first part-time, then full-time for four years. Her experience has been heartwarming, particularly because her nephews were at Women and Children’s when they were newborns.
“They’re so advanced,” Howard said of the hospital. “I love Children’s hospital.”
As an employee, she has tried to add to the excitement customers are experiencing by giving them updates on what is happening. This year, Howard has been sure to let people know about the Chinese auction because it’s new.
Each year, the benefit brings in more than $1,000, and in the past 13 years, Witte has been able to donate more than $14,000.
Chinese auction tickets are five for $2 and 15 for $5. To donate an item or buy auction tickets, stop by Vision 2000, 521 Main St., Medina; call Witte at 798-4810; or e-mail her at dwitte1@rochester.rr.com
Contact reporter Miranda Vagg at 798-1400, ext. 2225.

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