Many of the women who had makeovers at the Bradford YWCA Saturday reported that it was the first time for them to be treated to a new hairdo and makeovers by professionals.
It is for this reason the staff with the YW’s special events committee planned the inaugural Makeover Day event for 14 women and three men who receive services from the agency. Donated services were provided by eight stylists, a barber and a couple of makeup artists.
“We wanted them to have a day where they could feel good about themselves,” said Angela Erway, YW development and marketing director.
“For a lot of them, it was the first time they had ever had their hair cut by a professional stylist. And a lot of them had never had their makeup done by someone, so it was a neat experience.”
She said one of the participants hadn’t had her hair cut since childhood and had 12 inches of hair to donate to a good cause.
“Not only was she able to get a makeover, but she was able to give back,” Erway said.
In addition to a hair station, there was also a nail station and a makeup station for the women and a haircut and shave station for the men.
“We also provided daycare for children and snacks throughout the afternoon,” Erway said. “We enjoyed giving our participants an afternoon where they were pampered and felt good about themselves.”
One of the recipients, Charlotte Ryder, said she definitely felt pampered during the process of receiving a new hairdo and makeover. She was also thrilled to win a door prize.
“There were so many people who needed haircuts like myself,” Ryder said. “It was a wonderful thing … and the ladies were very nice.”
Erway said YW staff, board members, professionals and other volunteers at the event, totaling at 25, all wanted to donate their time and services. She said the event would not have happened without the help of the volunteers.
“We’ll definitely look at doing this again in the future,” Erway added. “I know the stylists all said to keep them in mind when we do it again.”
She said many of the stylists put in a long day, as Saturday mornings are often a busy time for most salons.
Stylists who commented on the event included Kim Graham of the Bella Capelli salon.
“I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful event and for including us in it,” Graham told YW officials. “It was a joy to see the people with happy faces from their new looks. It was also so rewarding to work with other stylists in our area. We had a great time together.”
Graham noted that it is the rare occasion that stylists can work together in such a giving event.
“We shared a special time and all felt connected — wonderful,” she remarked.
Michelle Baxter, owner of Michelle’s Flair for Hair, also commented on the event.
“We were honored to be here, it was a wonderful thing to do for the YWCA,” Baxter said. “To see everyone smiling made it all worthwhile.”
Other volunteers included Emily Rinfrette and Jody Magnetti of Bella Capelli; Barb Heffner and Jessica Brooks of Michelle’s Flair for Hair; Keri Foster and Jenna Swanson of Shear Design; and Matt Milliner of the Matt Milliner Barber Shop. Other professionals included Jamie McDermott, Bonnie Booth, Donna Bly, Kelly Nitsos and Karen Pecht, and Susan Wright and Jenna Saunders of Phi Beta Chi from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
