Fresh haircuts and smiles were abundant Sunday at 2chic Salon and Boutique for the dual-sponsored cut-a-thon for the Children's Miracle Network.
The event was hosted by Rebecca Hart, Miss Auburn University, and 2chic Salon and Boutique.
The cut-a-thon raised more than $720 for CMN in just four hours.
CMN is a nonprofit organization that helps raise money for children at risk, such as prematurely born children and children diagnosed with disease. There are more than 170 children's hospitals across the nation, and Lee County is one out of five counties in Alabama associated with CMN.
"CMN is national platform for the Miss America Organization; therefore, it is a preliminary to Miss Auburn pageant," said Michelle Murphy, executive director and adviser to Miss Auburn University. "It is something Rebecca and the Miss Auburn scholarship program really care deeply about."
The salon sponsors the Miss Auburn University pageant by donating items and services.
When she wins the title, Miss Auburn receives complimentary hair services for the year of her reign, but the owners of 2chic wanted to do more.
"When we first opened the salon three and a half years ago, we decided we wanted to help sponsor the pageant," said Terrie McDonald, co-owner of 2chic. "We wanted to take it a step further and support her platform locally, so we chose to have the money raised for her today donated to the Columbus Regional Medical Center."
All proceeds from the cut-a-thon will benefit CMN at Columbus Regional Medical Center. Haircuts were $20, and waxes were $10. The salon also donated 20 percent of all retail sales, such as jewelry and hair products, to the cause.
One of the salon owners has twins who were born prematurely and benefited from the CMN at UAB.
"The CMN has really touched my heart," McDonald said. "We just want to do something to reach out to the community because we feel that we have been so blessed to have a workplace that is happy. We just want to thank our clients and give back to the community."
Hart said she was grateful that 2chic wanted to participate.
"It's really fun getting someone who is willing to give their time and energy to put all of this together to sponsor this with us," Hart said.
After receiving the title of Miss Auburn University, Hart had the opportunity to visit the children at the Columbus Regional Medical Center.
"It was just really touching to see these children who are so happy and full of life in the hospital setting," Hart said. "It really opens your eyes to what you are helping and what your efforts go to."
At the cut-a-thon, Hart spent her time welcoming participants and helping with face painting for kids who came to the event. Aubie also made an appearance.
"It's been a lot of fun face painting," Hart said. "I don't know if I'm the best artist, but I've enjoyed the day. I love being able to come to events like this and be the representative for Auburn in the community."
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