Two years after the Azana Spa shootings, women plan fundraiser for survivors



BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- The two year anniversary of the Azana Spa shooting in Brookfield is approaching. One woman who lived through the horror of that day hopes to mark the somber milestone in a way that helps those who survived.

Laura Spranger has been working non-stop for weeks, helping to put together a fundraiser for the Azana Spa survivors with Sarah Schulte. The two women have been united in tragedy after a gunman opened fire in the Azana Salon and Spa in Brookfield two years ago. Three women were killed and four others were wounded before the shooter took his own life.

Schulte was working at the salon that day -- trapped on the second floor.

"There was really no way out. So many conflicting stories when we were on the phone with 911 as to what to do. We thought we were going to die," said Schulte.

As the second anniversary approaches, both decided to do something positive.

"It kind of hit me real hard here, in my heart.  These women had children, the wounded have children," Spranger said.

On Sunday, September 7th, Caledonia-Mt. Pleasant Memorial Park off Highway K, will be filled with smiles. Bands, food, and a silent auction will help raise money for the four women who were wounded in the shooting, and still need support.

"They're going through a lot of difficulties: financial, medical and such," said Schulte.

For Schulte, helping to plan the event has been therapeutic.

"People need to understand, you can't just flip a switch and you're over it," Schulte said.

Channeling that the memories of that dark day, into a way to help others.

"We still have people calling and saying they will donate something, it's huge," said Schulte.

"I think in the last few weeks it's quadrupled," Spranger said.

Schulte says the Azana Spa is not affiliated with Sunday's fundraiser -- she no longer works there.

Owners tell FOX6 News they were not contacted for donations, but would love to help out. The owner says she, "has and always will support Azana family members."

If you know someone who is in an abusive relationship, you’re encouraged to reach out to the Sojourner Family Peace Center and The Women’s Center of Waukesha.

Related stories: