Dear fellow clients and alumni of Gina's Alexandria Hair Lounge:

As you may know, Gina left the area for the sunny skies of Florida earlier this year. However, her relocation to Florida did not go as expected and both Gina and her son, Kingsley, have fallen on severely hard times. Gina shared her heartbreaking story with me this weekend — in short, fighting to keep her son safe and trusting the wrong people has resulted in Gina losing everything she worked so hard for so many years to achieve. Even worse, her son needs her help now more than ever and she is not in a position to provide that help. In an effort to give Gina a boost and to help her take the first few steps necessary, I thought that perhaps other former clients might want to help Gina rebuild and I asked for her client list so I could do this Go Fund Me.

Gina is reluctant to ask for help (I think many of us would be as well) but an assist from us could really make a big difference in her life and could help her help her son. Gina needs to get a lease — either in Florida or perhaps back here in the Alexandria area. I am sending this Go Fund Me to you in the hope that you might consider contributing to this effort. In addition, if there are any lawyers, CPAs, or social services experts among you, Gina could use your counsel at this time.

Gina has been my stylist and friend since 2003 and I know she has been the same to many of you. Over the course of more than 20 years I've witnessed her transition from a young twentysomething to a dedicated mother, to a business owner, and a homeowner. We all fall on hard times in our lives, and during this season of peace, hope, and love, I humbly implore you to consider helping out a friend and fellow human being.

Thank you all for considering and God bless.

Colleen Gilbert Donnelly