Hairdressers Helping Hairdressers

THE EVENT: Hairdressers Helping Hairdressers, the industry benefit held December 9 designed to raise money to bolster the PBD Disaster Relief Fund and offer aid to the hairdressers devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

THE DETAILS: More than three hundred salon professionals came to the Canoe Studios in New York City to support, donate, bid on impressive auction items and hear the stories first hand of those affected by Sandy. Hosted by Ted Gibson, almost $166,000 had been pledged by the end of the evening with about another $20,000 expected to come in as a result of the on line auction and additional donations. 

THE HIGHLIGHTS: To bring a beauty element to HHH, 6 teams presented models in a fashion show. Oribe kicked off by having his model walk the runway halting at his signature fans. His finish was followed by teams and models from Joico/Minardi,  Wella, the brands from L’Oreal Professional (including Matrix, Redken, Pureology and L’Oreal Professionnel), Hairbrained and Sassoon.

THE DONATIONS: Throughout the evening, checks were presented to PBA Executive Director Steve Sleeper. Wella, Oribe, Goldwell/KMS,  Joico, Hairbrained, the Professional Divisions L'Oreal and Sassoon all made generous contributions during the event. In addition, some recipients were on hand to receive donations on the spot. Especially moving was the presentation of a check to Deanna DiLorenzo of the VIP Salon and Spa of Howard Beach, NY who accepted the gift with tears and said “This is the first time anyone is helping us.” Josephine Scarpa, VIP owner who put her life savings into the salon and spa, admits she “lost everything.  We had 8 feet of water in our brand new salon. Our home, our cars, everything was destroyed. There’s no help for people like me. The PBA is giving us hope.”

THE LAST WORD: “This has been devastating,” says Anthony Cole who lost his house, possessions and beloved Yorkie as the waters took over his home. “But this whole thing has confirmed to me that when I say this is the most wonderful industry in the world, it is clearly true.”

IT’S NOT OVER: The PBA is making it clear that we are all invited to continue to donate, and that for those in need, there is still time to apply. This can all be done at www.probeauty.org/disaster-relief-fund. Meanwhile, go to hairdressershelpinghairdressers.com to watch the webinar, see the fashion shows and meet those that came together for a beautiful night of the hairdressing community mobilizing for good.