The Professional Beauty Association and the National Cosmetology Association hosted the 5th annual Legends and Icons Charity Gala Sunday March 27 in Rosemont, Illinois during the International Salon and Spa Expo/Midwest. The charity gala includes a cocktail reception, dinner and an awards presentation. The evening was co-chaired by Bruce Selan, vice president, Zotos International and chair of the PBA Board of Directors, and Mark Goodman, president of the NCA. Friends, colleagues and guests gathered to celebrate with this year's honorees, Icon Beth Minardi and Legend Yosh Toya.

Beth Minardi is one of the most recognized and respected talents in the salon industry. Her career path has taken her on a journey that has included being a salon owner, an educator par excellence, a product development consultant and, above all, an unrivaled master of the art of hair color. In fact, taking hair color to the level of art form is what Beth is all about.
Along with her staff at New York City's Minardi Salon, Beth serves her "regulars" as well as many of the world's most famous and demanding celebrity clients. She currently serves as spokesperson for Jocio Vero K-Pak Color.

Sara Jones, senior vice president and general manager of Joico, introduced Beth, explaining how she embodies the definition of "icon" and offering her favorite "Beth-isms" including, "It's the first 20,000 foils that are the toughest."
Beth accepted her award acknowledging her industry friends and supporters and her salon staff for helping her achieve her many successes. She paid tribute to the many stylists and colorists working in far more humble circumstances than she, but who excel at their art and change lives every day.

Yosh Toya has earned many honors throughout his almost 50 years of creating global style in his Northern California salons. A devoted teacher, Yosh has influenced and mentored two generations of salon professionals and is committed to cosmetology education, establishing schools around the world where he promotes his philosophy of helping students "learn how to learn."

Salon owner Carmen Lara introduced Yosh, her long-time friend, teacher and mentor. She opened her own salon with his encouragement and help and the 74 year-old Yosh now works there when not indulging in his second passion, which is fishing.

The Legends and Icons Gala also supports NCA Cares, the philanthropic arm of NCA, which includes Cut it Out, Salons Against Domestic Abuse and the NCA Disaster Relief Fund, which helps salon professionals affected by natural disasters. NCA is also aligned with the American Cancer Society in the Look Good, Feel Better program, which helps patients deal with the cosmetic side effects of the disease and its treatments. The NCA Dining for Change program encourages NCA members to hold dinner parties for other members, salon professionals and clients, all of who donate no more than $25 to help NCA fund its charities.
This year's Legends and Icons Gala also recognized the dedicated work of volunteers Diane Gill, Vickie Moser and Linda Ochsenreiter with Sunrise awards for their work in the Look Good, Feel Better program. Visit probeauty.org/issemw.

Beth Minardi received the Icon award from (from left) Bruce Selan, vice president Zotos and chair of the PBA Board of direction, Sara Jones, senior vice president and general manager of Joico and Mark Goodman, president of NCA.

Yosh Toya received the Legends award from Bruce Selan, salon owner Carmen Lara, Mark Goodman and Steve Sleeper, executive director of PBA.

Colorist Sue Pemberton (third from left) and her team at the Legends and Icons reception.

Modern Salon's Lauren Salapatak with Joico's Damien Carney and Icon recipient Beth Minardi.

Goldwell artist John Simpson with Modern Salon's Alison Shipley.

Jennifer Rehm and Mia Liguori McHugh of Scruples with Alison Shipley.