Internship Raises Cancer Awareness

Mason Student Builds Cancer Fundraiser From Ground Up

By Broadside Correspondent Brenda Shepard

Salon Bleu will be holding the “Cuts for the Cure” fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The entire day will be spent doing haircuts and blow-drys and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Located in Tysons Galleria in McLean, Salon Bleu will have many extras to offer patrons the day of the fundraiser.

There will be about 20 stylists involved as well as a massage therapist from Equinox who will be doing complimentary chair massages, a makeup artist from a surprise retailer doing complimentary applications, a DJ from Bose, and catering from Maggianos and Entyse, the new restaurant at the Ritz Carlton.

With so many treats, doorprizes, raffles and gift bags being given out during the day, any appointment more than pays for itself.

Some of the prize packages include a Betsey Johnson purse, gift certificates to movie theaters and even services from a reputable wedding planner. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to call and make an appointment even if just for a blow-dry or styling.

This project was born out of the efforts of one George Mason University individual and her desire to find her career path.

Senior accounting major Colette Banet was introduced to an internship course through the School of Management with Salon Bleu. Her hopes were to gain real life experience and determine whether she wanted to continue with her major or not. SOM 492 gave her the answers she was looking for.

I used to volunteer for Big Brothers, Big Sisters and I missed it, so in October of 2008, I had what I call a ‘light bulb’ moment. I thought, ‘Why don’t I have my own fundraiser?’” said Banet.

Banet contacted the salon owner and developed a contract with her SOM 492 adviser to do the “Summer X” session. This meant that Banet had the entire summer to accomplish her fundraising goal.

After calling the Susan G. Koman center in Maryland, Banet knew that it would take a great deal of work to finish this project. The SOM class allowed Banet some flexibility, as well as the chance to learn about important aspects of workplace challenges that employees could face.

The advertising has been donated as well as many gift certificates from Tysons Galleria restaurants and businesses. “Anybody that can possibly help, I'm calling,” said Banet.

“My adviser, Kelly [Roberts], was so enthusiastic it gave me the confidence to follow through with this,” said Banet.

“It helps students take risks, especially if you're undecided about your major and have an idea of a dream job you may want. It helps you get a foot in the door.

”The stylists will be wearing matching pink t-shirts and jeans, and their families will be there helping as well. The radio station HOTT 99.5 WIHT’s Sarah Fraser of The Kane Show has been in contact as well as local television stations and businesses.

“The staff is amazing; they are some of the best stylists in the area,” said Banet. “Some of the people who work there are Mason alumni as well. They are giving up a day of pay for this cause and it's so generous. It’s been amazing to see the community come together the way it has.”
Banet said she is excited and eager for the fundraiser and hopes that it can become an annual event.

“I’m not a scientist, so this is how I can contribute. It's amazing how passionate everybody is about it.”

You can find the fundraiser online at www.komenmd.org or call and make an appointment at (202)-333-BLEU, ext. 4. For more information on the SOM 492 course, visit the School of Managment’s website at som.gmu.edu.