Stylists Miranda Davis, Ronna Pruitt and Alaina Hines enjoy doing their part with Clip for the Cure. Ann Armstrong not pictured. Photo submitted

slideshow

Miranda Davis cuts Cecilia Knox's hair as part of Saturday's Clip for the Cure events. Derik Vanderford photo/Times

slideshow

Ronna Pruitt is not only blow drying a customer's hair; she's also fighting breast cancer. Derik Vanderford photo/Times

slideshow

Davis and Pruitt smile about a day's work for a good cause. Derik Vanderford photo/Times

slideshow

On Saturday, stylists from the SmartStyle Family Hair Salon — located inside Walmart — joined thousands of stylists across North America as they volunteered to give haircuts as part of the 14th annual Clip for the Cure event. The event entails thousands of salons and stylists within the Regis Corporation donating time and talents to raise money for the Regis Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Ten percent of all proceeds are given to the cause.

The foundation sponsors the efforts of breast cancer research programs at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. The programs focus on improving current methods of breast cancer detection, treatment and prevention.

This is the third year of participation for Union’s SmartStyle store. Last year, the store placed 22nd nationally among salons participating.

“That is a wonderful accomplishment considering all the salons that were participating,” said store manager Ronna Pruitt. “Our community definitely makes an impact.”

Pruitt said her team has already topped last year’s donation total by raising $1,400 since August, but they are still working hard to collect even more donations in hopes of them eventually leading to a cure. They will accept donations through Oct. 31.

To date, Regis Corporation stylists have raised more than $8 million for this cause, including $1 million raised last year alone.

SmartStyle will also sponsor a booth at the Union County Fair Oct. 18-22, at which donations will be accepted. Those who visit the booth at the fair will have the opportunity to get their nails polished, make a bracelet or get their faces painted. Ribbons, hair feather extensions, pink professional products and pink highlights will be available for purchase.

As another means of fundraising, the salon will host a pink masquerade ball on Oct. 8 at the Union Elks Lodge from 7 p.m.-midnight. Managers and supervisors from local surrounding counties are organizing the event, and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Regis Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Pruitt said the ball will also feature a silent auction for which donations have been overwhelming. Tickets are available at SmartStyle now.

For more information, visit SmartStyle inside Walmart or call (864) 429-0701.