United Way of Central Florida Launches Charity Salon Battle Competition

LAKELAND, Fla. | Start your hair dryer and sharpen your shears, United Way of Central Florida is recruiting local hair salons to raise money for health, education and financial services in a new competition.

The Charity Salon Battle challenges each participating business to raise $1,000 for United Way of Central Florida by February 15th.

Merissa Green, Secretary for UWCF’s Board of Directors, said she came up with the idea as a way to expose people outside of the top 50 companies to United Way.

“Everyone has to get their hair done and I wanted to empower everyday people to give United,” Green said.

The two salons that raise the most money will receive a salon party courtesy of Crab Craze, Gourmet Goodies, Medical Spa at Watson Clinic and Sweet Magnolia Tea Bistro.  The owners of the winning salons will be invited to the UWCF Annual Meeting where they will receive a trophy.

“This is a fabulous way to introduce people to United Way,” said Shirley Balogh, Interim President and CEO for UWCF. “Engaging with new individuals is vital, not just for raising money, but helping to spread our message and the services we have available.”

Green said she wants to target salons because they act as cornerstones in the community. In addition to a new look, patrons at a salon can catch up on current events, get resources and share stories about what’s happening around them, she said.

“The salon is the perfect venue to share United Way’s message and to raise funds to sustain programs making a difference in the lives of our fellow neighbors,” she said.

For more information or to sign up your salon for the challenge, email lance.ferguson@uwcf.org. If you are an individual who would like to make a donation on behalf of your favorite salon, please contact our finance department at 863-646-1500.