Aveda Salon's Competition Benefits America’s VetDogs

Always philanthropic, Aveda Artist and salon owner, R. Anthony Capozzi and his team at the Capozzi & Co. Salon have held the Shear Runway Project since 2008— a fundraiser where salon artists adhere to a specialized theme to create couture makeup, hair and clothing looks for a special competition event. The 9th Annual Shear Runway Project takes place Friday, July 21 at Patchogue Long Island's Emporium with proceeds supporting America's VetDogs.

In the beginning, Anthony supported various organizations, but eventually he discovered his deep connection to: America's VetDogs, a non-profit division of the Guide Dog Foundation For The Blind that provides service and companion dogs to injured and disabled veterans.

The partnership began in 2011, when Anthony was compelled to start helping veterans after witnessing the negative effects that active duty can have on military personnel. “Because of the immediacy of care on the ground, these men and women were thankfully surviving horrific injuries, but they were left with many challenges, both physical and emotional. They often returned to our homeland un-whole and needed help. America’s VetDogs is an incredible organization that specifically trains dogs to help these veterans, allowing them to live full and independent lives.”

To date, the Shear Runway Project has raised more than $60,000 for the veterans through the sale of event tickets and raffles, while also bringing much recognition to this worthwhile cause.

“This project is true example of a butterfly effect where a whisper turns into roar,” says Anthony. “It all started with a simple idea of taking the Capozzi team from the commercial work we do on a daily basis, to the opportunity to create couture looks and push their crafts for a fun event that gives back. With each new fundraiser, more people joined in to create and contribute, which then led to making a real difference.”

Search #BeautyHeals for more inspiring stories from the Aveda network.

About: Founded in 1978 in Minneapolis, MN, Aveda creates plant-based hair, skin and body products for beauty professionals and consumers. Aveda innovates in botanical technologies, combining the principles of modern science and Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India, to develop performance-driven hair, skin and body products—made with pure flower and plant essences— that are created with respect for the Earth, and a comprehensive menu of ritual-based treatments for holistic beauty. www.aveda.com