Beginning next month, people willing to donate eight inches of hair for wigs benefiting cancer patients will receive free hairstyles and other credits from Pechanga Resort Casino, it was announced Tuesday.
The venue’s 10th annual “Mane Campaign” will begin Oct. 7 and conclude Oct. 28 as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The charity drive entails a partnership between Pechanga, the nonprofit Hair We Share, Paul Mitchell Cosmetology & Beauty School and Smith Hair Salon.
“Our team is committed to shedding light on the need for hair donations through Pechanga’s ‘Mane Campaign,”‘ Spa Pechanga Director Vicky Naputi said. “The campaign has touched each and every one of us. We’ve seen so much love, tears and strength from the donors and from breast cancer patients through our programs, and because of that, we want to make this year’s campaign even better.”
The objective is to gather as much hair as possible for real-hair wigs created and provided by Hair We Share.
The minimum donation length is 8 inches, which is measured and collected by students from the cosmetology school.
“It’s a great opportunity for the students to get real-world experience and to work toward a fantastic cause,” Naputi said.
According to organizers, since the campaigns began in 2014, 700 pony tails have been procured.
“The length of 650 pony tails is equal to double the wingspan of a (Boeing) 747 or five blue whales,” according to Pechanga.
With every hair donation, the resort contributes $50 to Hair We Share, organizers said.
“Statistics show more than 200,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease each year,” according to Pechanga, citing U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention data. “Hair loss, one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment, can be especially traumatic for a woman fighting cancer.”
Hair donors will receive vouchers for free hairstyles at Smith Hair Salon, as well as automatic entries into a contest to win a Pechanga Getaway Package, featuring a “two-night luxury hotel stay, day passes for two to Spa Pechanga and a $200 food and beverage credit,” according to the casino.
Donation cuts are available any Monday afternoon between Oct. 7 to Oct. 28. Anyone interested in booking an appointment was asked to call 951-770-8501.
