October 2009

Chicago Massage Students from Cortiva Institute Donate $14,000 in Tip Money to Charity

CHICAGO, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage therapy students from Cortiva Institute - Chicago donated more than $14,000 in tip money to various
charities over the past year. 

Since the beginning of 2009, students have made donations to the Touch Research Institute, Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Cancer Support Center, Massage Therapy Foundation, Imerman Angels, Red Door Animal Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Project Vida, Helping Paws Animal Shelter, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, American Diabetes Association, Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Due to massage licensing laws in the State of Illinois, students are not permitted to accept any gratuities until they are licensed.  Therefore, students who work in the Cortiva Student Clinic created the "Thank You Fund," which clients donated to over the course of the year.

"Massage clients are accustomed to rewarding quality massage therapy services above and beyond the normal service charge," said Sharon Northern, Cortiva's director of student services. "Each class '

"Students are amazed at the end of the quarter about how much money they were able to generate as a group," said Northern.  "While students might appreciate the immediacy of a personal gratuity, the power of those tips coming together to benefit the charity of their choice creates a sense of empowerment.  This reinforces their ability to make an impact in their community."

About Cortiva Institute
Cortiva Institute is a community of Massage Therapy Schools with 11 locations nationwide, offering full and part-time massage therapy instruction,
continuing education courses, student clinics that are open to the public, and career services for graduates.  Cortiva schools take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure that our graduates are prepared to work in clinics, hospitals, health clubs, spas, resorts, sports therapy clinics or start their own private practices.  Go to www.Cortiva.com for more information.