Make the Cut!

Back in the spring, I debuted a new look. I cut my hair ten inches. This wasn’t solely for selfish reasons, for a new look and new do. The driving force behind my decision was the chance to donate my hair to someone who needed it much more than I did. I wasn’t new to this concept, as I donated my hair when I was 13 for my Bat Mitzvah project and again when I was 19.

They say third time’s the charm. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t extremely easy to cut 10 inches off this time around, but I totally went for it. This time, I chose to donate to Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths program. In my research, they require the least amount of hair, 8 inches, to make wigs for cancer patients.

While at the salon and for a few weeks after while getting used to my shorter hair do, I just kept thinking about the person that would receive the wig that included my hair. To go through cancer is enough. Then, as a side effect, to lose your hair through the process is just the cherry on top. I cannot imagine losing my hair. It’s a part of who I am and gives me confidence and freedom. I am sure that is how most women feel.

I am glad to help someone get healthy and happy again. The process of cutting your hair and donating it is not only healing for the recipient, but healing for yourself as well. It’s a great story to explain to others when questioned about your new cut. You will definitely inspire others to do the same, healing more and more people.

Both men and women can donate their hair to multiple groups, each requiring different lengths. Click here to find out more.

Introducing CharityVolunteers

It was just a matter of time before we began our volunteering program in addition to CharityBash and I couldn't be more excited that our first CharityVolunteers day is finally approaching! I absolutely love volunteering: getting my hands dirty, sweating, meeting the clients, meeting the nonprofit employees/volunteers, etc. Seriously, the whole shebang! Volunteering generally isn't easy work. It takes effort and heart, probably more than your day to day job since you are not getting financial returns. But the returns you do get, are worth it. The work we do during volunteering puts so many smiles on so many faces. It seriously warms the heart and you will walk away feeling accomplished and lucky.

Scheduled for Saturday, July 30th, Citizen Generation's first CharityVolunteers day gives our audience an opportunity to make an immediate difference. We thought about many different ideas for our first volunteering day and came up with what we think is the most perfect plan (I'm sure there will be tweaks next time around).

In order for CharityVolunteers participants to get the best volunteering experience, we decided to keep the group small (only 90 spaces available). This way, everyone is working and helping, rather than having too many people for too few jobs. We also decided to involve five nonprofits so that our participants can be active in deciding where to volunteer. Wanting to have nonprofits with many different missions, we've selected Austin Pets Alive!, Austin Parks Foundation, Lifeworks, SafePlace, and Sustainable Food Center. These are all wonderful Austin organizations that need your help.

To participate, we ask that you sign up ahead of time online at CharityVolunteers.EventBrite.org. Be sure to select the ticket type you'd like depending on which nonprofit you'd like to volunteer with. The $20 participation fee required gives us a better understanding of how many people we can count on, as well as funding the program. With your $20 fee, expect a great volunteering experience, snacks, drinks from Honest Tea, and a Deep Eddy Sweet Tea cocktail at our cool down after volunteering from 1-3pm at Doc's on South Congress. Definitely a great way to spend a Saturday!