Busby was working as an exotic dancer at Babes & Beer in early-February when two attackers set her ablaze after dousing her with flammable liquid. The 27-year-old mother of two children suffered second- and third-degree burns over 40 percent of her body.
Spearmint Rhino Consulting Worldwide President and COO Kathy Vercher told XBIZ that the “tragic, heinous crime affects everyone.”
“Regardless of the fact it did not happen at a Spearmint Rhino club, we are all part of the same family and we just wanted to reach out to Ms. Busby,” Vercher said. “We are deeply saddened for her and her family.”
Spearmint Rhino took up a collection at its corporate office in Norco, Calif., and left donation buckets at each of its U.S. locations for more than a week. The company collected $4,612.50.
“When something like this happens to someone in your industry, it just hits home and everyone takes it personally,” Vercher said. “With the injuries she suffered, Ms. Busby is unable to work and medical costs will add up quickly. Hopefully our donation will assist her with some of her expenses so she can focus on her recovery and two children. We are glad that the culprits in this case were apprehended and we hope justice will be served.”
Vercher added that the safety of Spearmint Rhino entertainers is its main concern and rules have been set to protect them.
“It has always been a rule at all our clubs that entertainers and staff never leave the building alone — whether during the day or night,” she said. “At the end of the night, the parking lot is cleared of all customers before any entertainer or staff member may leave the building and entertainers are always escorted by security. We also have proper lighting and security cameras installed in and around our clubs to hopefully dissuade any criminal activity.”
Spearmint Rhino Vice President Erick Sikkenga said the incident also has led to increased awareness.
“Our entertainer’s safety is our main priority,” Sikkenga said. “This effects all of us and we have sent out notices to the management, staff and entertainers to use extra caution when it comes to their safety and security.”
Donations for the Busby family are still being accepted. Donations may be mailed to Rodrigo Busby, for the benefit of the children of Roberta Busby, P.O. Box 256, Thousand Oaks, Calif., 91362.
