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Beauty School Holds Housewarming

Klint Lowry/SUNCOAST

Bene International School of Beauty student Belinda Gutierrez tends to the toes of Julia Royal while Gerald Kelly treats his feet to a post-pedicure soak during on open house fundraiser.

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By KLINT LOWRY | The Suncoast News

Published: September 24, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - When Bene's International School of Beauty, Barber and Massage Therapy relocated, the move could be measured in yards rather than miles from its old location to its new facility.

But the move to 7027 U.S. 19 represented more than a new address to owners Patrick and Vicki Bene. Their new facility both physically and symbolically serves their vision of what they wanted the business to be for themselves and their students.

On Thursday, about three months after the actual move in, the school had a public housewarming. But instead of making it all about themselves, they turned the event into a fundraiser for the Gulfcoast Oncology Associates Foundation.

Guests could come and look at the school, which still has that just-built look. They could see what the school has in terms of facilities and training. For $5 they could get lunch under a tent in the parking lot or a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure.

The school got exposure, students got practical experience, guests got five-star treatment for just $5 and an organization that helps cancer patients with all aspects of getting through one of the hardest times in their lives got a few thousand needed dollars.

It was completely in character for the school, said Felicia Magliulo, who came on three months ago to handle promotions and communications.

"Yes it is a business, but it also serves the good of the community," Magliulo said. "I think the teachers and the staff, they do have a heart for people. That's what I've seen since I've been here."

Since buying the school in 2004, the Benes have operated it with a personal touch. As Patrick explained, they bought the school because it seemed like such a good fit for them on a personal level.

Patrick had a business and financial background, and had taught at the University of Phoenix. Vicki has a degree in social work and worked with people trying to get their lives on track. They had taken in many foster children while living in Chicago.

Along with teaching their students the skills that can get them a career, Bene said, the school aims to help students hone their social skills and boost their self-esteem. It's one of the reasons they are happy to be in their new facility, instead of a converted strip mall, where each department had its own entrance.

"Here there's a student body effect," he said. "This is a school," Patrick said, "It feels like a school. When they show up they're ready to learn, it sort of changes how the student looks at it when they come to the school."

The Benes consider it important for students to have both a sense of accomplishment and belonging. They have gone so far as to help students buy gas or pay utility bills at times.

"We both feel that it's very important to give back to the community," Patrick said. "If you have the ability, you have the responsibility."

That isn't to say they go around looking for causes, but when one avails itself, they are receptive. That's how their open house became a fund-raiser.

Patrick is friends with Felicia Magliulo's father, the Rev. Jerry Magliulo. A few years ago, her mother, Mary, was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. The family became acquainted with Gulfcoast Oncology Associates, and Jerry has become an active supporter of the organization. He is an organizer for an upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Conference, to be held Oct. 4 at Quality Inn Suites .

Patrick said he and Vicki's family has also been affected by cancer, as have the lives of several instructors at the school. Tying the open house to the foundation was simply a matter of two likeminded friends seeing a way to work together toward a common goal.

For more information on the Breast Cancer Awareness Conference, call 727-267-0264. For more information about Bene's International School of Beauty, Barber and Massage Therapy, call 727-848-8415 or visit www.Isbschool.com>.

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