Hairbenders, one of the largest salons in Joplin, MO, is spearheading a massive, back-to-school cut-a-thon to benefit the victims of the devastating tornado that destroyed the city in May. On August 7, Hairbenders Owner Kevin Lane and the team from his Matrix Spread the Love and Biolage Select Money Matters Salon, will be joined by Matrix Artistic Directors Nicholas French and Daniel Roldan, along with Matrix executives to beautify and boost the spirits of Joplin residents and celebrate the re-opening of Hairbenders.

More than 40 additional Matrix team members, from the New York and field staffs, are expected to participate. In addition to the 25 chairs available for free haircuts, Lane says the day will include entertainment and music from local bands, a barbecue, Matrix goody bags with every cut, and participation by local cheerleader groups.

According to Lane, more than 500 businesses, 700 homes, five schools and one hospital were all destroyed in the storm that barreled through Joplin with little-to-no warning. Included in the destruction was his Hairbenders salon, which has been in existence since 1973. Twenty-two other salons in Joplin were also destroyed. He says that thanks to the efforts of his colleagues in the Matrix Summit Salon program, along with donations from State Beauty Supply, he was able to reopen the salon in a temporary location within three days. Now Hairbenders is housed in a "temporary permanent" location—a 3,000 square foot former cosmetology school—while he rebuilds.

While the August 7 cut-a-thon isn't a fundraiser per se, and donations will not be solicited, Lane anticipates that some attendees may wish to contribute. In those instances, contributions will be forwarded to a local church which has been set up as a distribution hub for city relief efforts.

"We're so excited about his event," comments Lane. "More than 7,700 students in the school system here have been affected by the storm and 3,000 have been displaced. This celebration will show the world that the Joplin community is still standing, still strong and ready to move ahead."