Rotary pampers military wives for Valentine’s Day

Military wives of Newport Beach’s adopted 1st Battalion 1st Marines were treated Monday to a day of R&R — including manicures, brow shaping and haircuts — in the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

“It means more to me than I can say,” Mary Ann Everingham said as her voice cracked with emotion. “He works so hard, and to me, he’s just so brave.”

Everingham spoke of her husband of 12 years, Marine Lt. Spencer Everingham.

FOR THE RECORD:
An earlier version incorrectly stated that the Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary organizes the annual mess night.

“To know that Newport Beach considers us and what we go through is so meaningful,” she said.

The day-long event was sponsored by Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary and supported by local volunteers and businesses that provided the 12 women with head-to-toe beauty treatments and lunch.

“I grew up as a military child, so I know the importance of acknowledging the work of these men who serve our country,” said Hollie Geer-McKinnon, owner of OC Esthetics. “They give their time to us, so this is our turn to give our time to them.”

Geer-McKinnon’s Via Lido business provided skin treatments, brow shaping and makeup services to the women, while owners of other Via Lido businesses, Shear Attitude hair salon and Magic Nails, completed the day’s beauty package.

“These men are allowing me my freedom,” said Nancy Johnson, owner of Shear Attitude. “I’ve been blessed beyond measure, and it’s my pleasure to give back.”

This is the second occasion in which Johnson has partnered with the rotary to provide free services to military wives. Eventually, with enough support from the community, Johnson aims to make the charitable event a monthly occurrence.

“I think we’re all here just to help each other,” she said.

The Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary also sells tickets for an annual mess night for the 1st Battalion 1st Marine Foundation at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort. This year the event is March 1.

While the Rotary Club strives to provide events for military families each month, this is the first Valentine’s Day event specifically for the wives, said Laura Dietz, military liaison for rotary.

“This is our Valentine’s Day present to them, to show them how much we appreciate them,” she said.

sarah.peters@latimes.com

Twitter: @speters01