By Holly Kline
Kathy Hietpas, local resident and studio owner at Sola Salon Studios in Fishers, is organizing a Holiday Bazaar and Silent Auction to benefit her good friend Stephanie Ellis who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. The event will take place on Dec. 12 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Sola on 11801 Commercial Dr., Fishers.
Ellis recently retired from Sola because of her illness and is a single mother to her 8-year-old daughter. Hietpas explained that the public is invited to the silent auction event and there will be vendors and food.
“I’m hoping to raise enough money so Stephanie can take a trip with her daughter and make a memory,” said Hietpas.
Hietpas went on to say that Ellis is a giving soul and has always worked to give back to her community. “Before Stephanie got sick she was cooking at the Wheeler Mission,” said Hietpas. “At her retirement party she asked for donations of blankets to a cancer center for people going through chemo because they are cold all the time.” The blanket drive resulted in over 112 blankets.
Ellis is very appreciative of Hietpas’s help.
“Kathy has been awesome and all of the girls at Sola have really pitched in,” Ellis said. “I’m retired from the salon now but all the girls keep sticking gift cards in the mail and have been incredible. I would have never expected all of this help.”
Ellis’ prognosis is two years. She wishes she could attend the silent auction but will be unable to do so because of her chemotherapy schedule.
Hietpas hopes to inspire even more people to help Ellis and her daughter. “I’d like to get the word out about Stephanie,” she said. “It’s my hope that this could domino into a few more events for her.”
Hietpas’ silent auction items include donations from the Pacers, Colts, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Crew Carwash and more. Participants are asked to stay until the end of the auction at 7 p.m. to see if they won. Winners should pay for their items with cash or check.
Interested in helping Stephanie Ellis but can’t attend the Holiday Bazaar event? Visit www.youcaring.com, search for Stephanie Ellis and learn how to donate.
