Salon Cut-A-Thon benefits local SPARCC, raising funds and awareness

UNIVERSITY PARK -- This Sunday will mark the seven-year anniversary to the day of Linda Even's salon opening and as a way to celebrate where Divine Hair Creations has come over the years, she will hold a Cut-A-Thon to benefit the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center in Sarasota and Manatee counties

"I have so much to be grateful for," said Evens, the salon's owner. "It feels good to give back for the opportunity that I have been given. For me, I feel like I've been blessed."

For the sixth year, the salon, 6070 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, will have a Cut-A-Thon on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Haircuts cost $10 during the event and all proceeds will go directly to Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, a center for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Jessica Hays, SPARCC director of community awareness, said events like this are important for the nonprofit.

"Events like this not only provide funds that allow us to provide events and services in the community but (also) raise awareness letting people know that there are programs in the community like SPARCC and services are free and confidential and things like this help us get the word out," she said.

This year, the salon is hoping to raise $2,000 to benefit the charity and in raffle tickets alone, it has already raised $700. In addition to the monetary donations, the salon has been collecting canned goods and nonperishable food items for the center. This is the first year the salon is donating the proceeds to Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center. In previous years, the event benefited St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradenton.

"I think the best part of it is doing it for such a good cause," salon stylist Courtney Wilson said. "It makes you feel good when you are doing good for someone."

During Sunday's event, there will be food, drinks and music performed by Braden River High School's choir, a group that includes Evens' daughter.

Local businesses have donated gift cards and other items to be raffled during the event. Some of the local sponsors include Parkway 8 Cinema, the White Horse Pub, Stanley's Custom Eyewear, University Park Jewelers and Michael's on East.

Claire Aronson, University Parkway/Sarasota reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Salon Cut-A-Thon benefits local SPARCC, raising funds and awareness ."