United Way

Getting in style for United Way Cut-A-Thon designed to raise money for charity

ANTHONY DAKE
Staff Writer
The Daily Post-Athenian

Bren Hobbs, owner of The Fixx on Congress Parkway, can see the Good Faith Clinic from her styling chair and is overcome with emotion every time the line of people seeking medical care begins to form.

"The last few years I've been seeing people line up at the Good Faith Clinic at 2 o'clock, sitting in their lawn chairs waiting for the doors to open at 5," Hobbs said. "I see people giving so selflessly there at the Clinic and that inspired me to want and help. We see these people giving all the time so I figured what would one Saturday be?"

Hobbs began to think of ways to help out the Good Faith Clinic, which is a partner agency of United Way. From there, Hobbs derived the idea to have the first of what is hoped to be an annual "Cut-A-Thon" designed to help raise money for services like the Good Faith Clinic.

"On (Saturday) April 26, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. we are going to be holding the first Cut-A-Thon, with all proceeds from the event going to United Way of McMinn and Meigs Counties," Hobbs said.

During the Cut-A-Thon, four salons in Athens will be offering an array of services for a low price. Haircuts will be $10, waxing service will be $5, mini-manicures/pedicures will be $5 and a 10-minute massage will be $5 dollars. Hobbs reiterated all the proceeds, including any gratuities, will go to United Way.

"All the hairdressers participating are donating their time and all gratuities. It's just one way we can help out," Hobbs said. "These hairdressers are all seasoned and experienced, so the clients will get their money's worth."

There will also be a huge silent auction with many items up for bid during the Cut-A-Thon. "We'd also like to encourage the other salons in town not directly taking part in the event to consider helping out as well, whether they give their gratuity from one day to United Way, profits from a short time period or inquire about helping us with the Cut-A-Thon," Hobbs said. Anyone needing information about participating can contact the United Way office at 745-9606.

Another event taking place during the Cut-A-Thon will be a side venture called "Buzz the Fuzz," in which jars with mug shots of seven McMinn County Sheriff's Department deputies will be placed in salons. The officer who raises the most money will have his head shaved at The Fixx.

"It's great to have other people involved with this event, people who also want to help," Hobbs said. "We are more than just individual salons, we are representatives of McMinn and Meigs counties and want to do what we can to give back to the community."

United Way Director Stephanie Linkous is excited about the upcoming event, saying it is something new and an easy way for everyone in the community to help out.

This event will ultimately benefit all 21 partner agencies here in McMinn and Meigs counties, according to Linkous.

"I hope people take advantage of the high quality service offered for the small amount of money they're asking, and you will be helping out our community directly at the same time," Linkous said.