TEMECULA, Calif. — Starting next month, people who donate eight inches of hair for wigs for cancer patients will receive a free hairstyle and other credits from Pechanga Resort Casino, it was announced Tuesday.
The venue’s 10th annual “Mane Campaign” will run from Oct. 7 to Oct. 28 as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The charitable effort involves a partnership between Pechanga, the nonprofit organization Hair We Share, Paul Mitchell Cosmetology & Beauty School and Smith Hair Salon.
“Our team is committed to raising awareness of the need for hair donations through Pechanga’s Mane Campaign,” said Spa Pechanga Director Vickie Naputi. “This campaign has touched each and every one of our hearts. Through our programs, we have seen so much love, tears and strength from donors and breast cancer patients, which is why we want to make this year’s campaign even better.”
The aim is to collect as much hair as possible for real hair wigs which will be made and provided by Hair We Share.
The minimum length to be donated is eight inches and will be measured and collected by cosmetology students.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to gain real-world experience and work for a great cause,” Naputi said.
Organizers say 700 ponytails have been raised since the campaign began in 2014.
“The length of 650 ponytails is equivalent to twice the wingspan of a Boeing 747 or the length of five blue whales,” Pechanga said.
Organizers say the resort will donate $50 for each hair donation to Hair We Share.
“Statistics show that more than 200,000 women develop breast cancer each year and more than 40,000 women die from the disease,” Pechanga said, citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment and can be especially traumatic for women battling cancer.”
According to the casino, those who donate their hair will receive a voucher for a free hairstyling session at Smith Hair Salon and will be automatically entered into a contest to win a Pechanga Getaway Package, which includes “two nights of luxury hotel accommodations, a day pass for two to Spa Pechanga and a $200 food and beverage credit.”
Donations for cutting will be accepted on Monday afternoons from Oct. 7 through Oct. 28. Those wishing to make an appointment can call 951-770-8501.
