By SARA MILLER
Kitsap News Group
A flurry of snips, cuts and clips April 9 helped raise more than $6,000 for the Port Orchard Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
The Brass Ring Salon in Port Orchard raised the money to support the local VFW chapter to help it buy a desperately needed sprinkler system.
“One of our manicurists heard her mom talking about problems the VFW was facing,” said Brass Ring cosmetologist Amanda Hughes.
“She brought this idea to the girls, and we all thought, ‘Alright, let’s have a cut-a-thon.’”
And so “Haircuts for Heroes” was born. Manicurists, cosmetologists and barbers donated their time to offer mini-manicures and mini-haircuts on Feb. 9, with all proceeds going to the VFW.
“We had a goal of raising $5,000 and surpassed it — (we) raised a whopping $6,150 for the VFW post,” Becky Liles said. Liles was the manicurist who originally brought the idea to the employees at the Brass Ring.
“My parents know someone involved with VFW,” Liles said. “My mom shared the post on Facebook, and I saw a fantastic opportunity to do great for our community.
“I raised the idea to do this, and everyone jumped on board. It’s amazing and really exciting.”
Haircuts and manicures were available between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A live auction with local goods donated from businesses in Port Orchard also contributed dollars to the cause.
Auction items included a DeWalt drill bit set donated by Ace Hardware; a handcrafted Seattle Seahawks wall hanging donated from Heather’s Handcrafted Creations; a custom Seahawks fishing pole; a $100 gift certificate for a tattoo donated by American Pin Up, and more. The last and most sought-after item was a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Haircuts and manicures were $20 each. Hot dogs, sodas and coffee were donated by Coffee Oasis.
South Kitsap High School JROTC presented the color guard as those in attendance from the community watched on.
“It turned out way bigger than I ever thought it would be,” Liles said.
Hughes said that while she normally donates her time at the Salvation Army once a month giving haircuts to the homeless, she was excited to bring this event to fruition.
“I’m really excited to help the VFW open their site and get the veterans out here in an organization again,” she said.
VFW Post 2669 is now housed at 3100 SE Mile Hill Drive after selling its old location in October on Bay Street. After moving into the new space, the VFW leadership discovered that renovations needed to be made, including the installation of a new fire alarm and sprinkler system costing around $100,000, so it could host large events that include meal service.
With the $6,150 raised now in hand, the VFW is one step closer to opening the doors of its post once more, but the membership still has a way to go before that happens.
Those who weren’t able to visit Haircuts for Heroes but would still like to make a contribution can donate to the GoFundMe account.
It can be accessed at www.gofundme.com/dr-vfw-post-2669.
Donations also can be made by calling 360-876-2669.
