Each year since the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, Paul Mitchell cosmetology schools across America have held events in remembrance of the lives lost that day. Winn Claybaugh, Dean and Cofounder of the nationwide network, says, “The lesson we all learned from 9/11 was unity, and each year our Paul Mitchell Schools unite to show our appreciation, patriotism and gratitude by planning something special in every school.”
Related story: John Paul DeJoria Documentary, Good Fortune, Debuts in Los Angeles
The 110-plus schools host a variety of events, including fundraisers for local police, firefighters, their widows and orphans funds, and even for rescue dogs; and free services for police, firefighters, military, and first responders. In addition, every school holds a special in-school tribute or memorial that week, with students and team members sharing stories of how the events of September 11 helped them improve their lives or become closer to their families.
On a national level, Paul Mitchell Schools have also partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation since 2012 to support and thank our nation’s most severely wounded warriors while supporting active duty service members, veterans, first responders, and the children and families of our fallen. To date, through their annual FUNraising campaign, Paul Mitchell Schools have donated $685,000 to support the services provided by the Gary Sinise Foundation, which include building custom-designed smart homes for individuals like U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cedric King, who became a double amputee while serving in Afghanistan.
About: At Paul Mitchell Schools, courses focus on important technical skills and business knowledge with an emphasis on social and community responsibility. The school's learning leaders are trained to draw out the artist in our students and prepare them to enter their chosen careers as community-conscious salon, spa, and barbering professionals. Through their annual “FUNraising” campaign, they've raised and donated over $18.2 million in support of many charitable causes. Additionally, they've built homes with Habitat for Humanity, fed thousands of African orphans, and supported the victims of AIDS, breast cancer, homelessness, abuse, and hundreds of other causes.