Wigs 4 Kids, located in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, recently received a surprise email from Paul Mitchell Schools and the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation stating the foundation’s board of directors was granting Wigs 4 Kids a $25,000 donation with funds raised primarily by Paul Mitchell students and faculty.

“I had to read it twice,” Maggie Varney, founder & CEO of Wigs 4 Kids said. “I have always been so grateful for the support of our industry and to have this level of recognition truly validates the work we do. John Paul DeJoria of JPMS is an icon in the beauty industry and I have been fortunate enough to experience the impact he has made in my line of work. He continues to keep the integrity in our industry by the education his schools provide, products he offers and his commitment to the world we live in.”

The relationship between Wigs 4 Kids & Paul Mitchell Schools has developed over the years. Varney began speaking at several Paul Mitchell School locations regarding Wigs 4 Kids and encouraged future professionals to volunteer their time to help make a difference in the lives of kids experiencing hair loss. Students from the Michigan locations now visit Wigs 4 Kids once a month to donate cosmetology services.

Through the support of Paul Mitchell School in Michigan and its dean and owner, Tina Black, the corporate headquarters in California became aware of Wigs 4 Kids. Winn Claybaugh, co-founder of the schools invited Varney to be a guest on his “MASTERS” audio series, where he interviewed her about Wigs 4 Kids. Claybaugh also arranged for Maggie to fly out and visit the campus of Paul Mitchell The School in Costa Mesa, California, to further educate staff & students about the need to support those struggling with hair loss and low self-esteem.

Varney’s dream is to one day have curriculum in place at cosmetology schools so students can learn how to provide wigs to clients in need. “We need more people doing this kind of work, as hair loss is not a local or national problem, it is universal. I launched a “Cuts 4 a Cause” hair restoration certification program to ensure the sustainability of Wigs 4 Kids,” Varney stated. “I have had several Paul Mitchell future professionals take the training already, and I will utilize a portion of the $25,000 to underwrite the cost of “Cuts 4 a Cause” so more can benefit.”

Claybaugh could not be more pleased with Wigs 4 Kids and his Paul Mitchell protégés. “It is not the kindness of our hearts that provides the support that our charity partners require; it is dollars. I am so proud of our Paul Mitchell Future Professionals for walking the walk, doing the heavy lifting, and doing more than just hoping for the best for those in need,” he stated.

Through the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, which helps disadvantaged or hard-hit cosmetologists and cosmetology-related enterprises, and Paul Mitchell Schools’ annual FUNraising campaign, Wigs 4 Kids is continuing its mission and increasing its sustainability.

To learn more about Wigs 4 Kids, visit www.wigs4kids.org; or contact the Wellness Center at 586-772-6656.

Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation was founded to honor a successful Paul Mitchell School graduate whose struggle against mental illness ended tragically in suicide. The foundation helps cosmetology students, graduates, their families, and cosmetology-related enterprises. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/AndrewGomezDreamFoundation

Paul Mitchell Schools believes that education is an adventure and the learning experience needs to be fun. Through its annual “FUNraising” campaign, Paul Mitchell has raised and donated millions of dollars in support of many charitable causes. For more information, visit www.paulmitchell.edu