Raising Scissors To Raise Money

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
November 13, 2012 5:48 PM


A South Dakota State Trooper who was critically injured during a high-speed chase in Sioux Falls is making progress in his recovery. Trooper Andrew Steen suffered serious head injuries when he was hit by a car. As he continues to heal from his injuries, the owner of a salon in Tea is raising money to help him and his family.

Holly Stauffacher is the owner of Artist Hair Studio and Spa in Tea.

She and her staff are raising their clippers to raise money for one of their regular customers.

 “Andrew comes out here every two weeks to get his hair cut,” said Holly Stauffacher, owner of Artist Hair Studio and Spa.

Stauffacher said she has known Trooper Steen for a few years, and after October’s accident she wanted to help.
 
“We're doing a ‘cut-o-thon.’ Women's haircuts are $20, men’s are $15, and children are $10. And 100 percent of the proceeds go to Andrew Steen's benefit fund,” said Stauffacher.

But haircuts aren't the only way the salon is raising money for Trooper Steen. There also is a bake sale, and a silent auction with over 110 items.

Throughout the day, those eager to help stopped by to donate.

Officer Jason Leach with the Sioux Falls Police Department was one of those people. He said normally his wife cuts his family’s hair. But he decided to bring in his son to help a fellow officer.

“It's just a brotherhood of officers. Whatever agency you work for, we all support each other,” said Officer Jason Leach with the Sioux Falls Police Department.

Sergeant Robert Whisler with the South Dakota Highway Patrol came from Vermillion for Tuesday’s fundraiser.

“I have a few stops to make work related and one of those stops, actually the first stop was here,” said Sergeant Robert Whisler with the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
     
Trooper Whisler said sometimes they get a bad wrap for writing tickets, but overall troopers are trying to make the area a safer place. He said the support for his colleague has been overwhelming.   
 
“A thank you from the community to continue to support Andrew makes a feel real good and makes a proud to do what we do,” said Whisler.

He said it’s been tough on all the troopers to have one of their own hurt. But knowing communities around the state are standing behind Trooper Steen makes it easier to cope.  

And as the hair flies and the cookies disappear, everyone is hoping for a full recovery.

Stauffacher said she hopes to raise $5,000 Tuesday for Trooper Steen’s benefit fund.

Trooper Steen remains in the hospital but was able to have an early Thanksgiving dinner with his family at the hospital over the weekend.