Haircuts for Kids Aid Cancer Research

It may have been the kindest cut of all. More than 50 children got their hair shorn Sunday to raise money for cancer research.

“We tried to time it right before school as a back-to-school event,” said Suzanne Lazarus, assistant director of development at the City of Hope, which organized the event. “But we didn’t anticipate the heat.”

The event was held at the Over The Rainbow Children’s Salon in Northridge, where Lazarus takes her own children for haircuts. Lazarus approached shop owner Silvia Venegas late last year with the idea of shearing hair to cure cancer. Venegas readily agreed and began planning what came to be called “Hope Cuts.”

While many Valley residents holed up in air-conditioned homes or escaped to the beach, a better-than-expected crowd of children was brought in by their parents for $15 haircuts, Venegas said. “I have great customers,” she said. “A lot of our customers could have come during the week but they are here today for a great cause.”

In addition to children’s haircuts, the salon offered manicures and massages for adults.

Manicurist Sara Metz, of Chez Germen in Beverly Hills, and massage therapists Lynda Masters of Aida Grey Encino Salon and Jose Liceaga of Sherman Oaks Hospital, volunteered their services.

“I have a great staff who were willing to help out, so it’s a good team effort on everybody’s part,” said Venegas.

Keeping so many children entertained would normally be a challenge, but Venegas is something of an expert at distracting young people. Each chair was supplied with a hand-held video game.

Gabriela Mendoza, 7, eagerly pounded away on her Game Boy while Venegas gave her a French Braid.

“It makes the time go by faster,” the Mission Hills girl said of the video game.

The event is expected to raise about $2,000. Proceeds will go to the National Medical Center in Duarte for pediatric cancer research, Lazarus said.

“It’s a good idea that has come to fruition,” Lazarus said.