“I once gave a haircut to a child who had received care through our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital,” said Angela, general manager for a franchisee who independently owns and operates 36 Great Clips salons in Illinois and Iowa. “I also had a child in my chair who was living with his grandparents because his parents had hurt him, and he needed medical care, too. Those situations really hit home for me. Children’s Miracle Network is a good cause that helps our local kids when they need it most. I knew we needed to go all out to fundraise.” 

Over the past 20 years, across the U.S. and Canada, Great Clips salons have raised more than $9 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which provide care for children facing life-threatening injuries, illnesses, and diseases. Every October, customers who visit a participating Great Clips salon can make a donation of any amount and receive a $2-off coupon for their next visit.  

Angela believed her salon teams could do more. 

Turning fundraising into a team sport 

“I’m a highly competitive person and really wanted to take our fundraising activity to the next level,” Angela said. Working with her franchisee and team of seven salon managers, they developed a plan that started with a focus on creating more buzz in October, and it grew from there.  

“When the salon has a big thermometer showing how close we are to our fundraising goal, customers ask about it,” said Kelly Ann. “It helps the stylists who may be too shy to ask for a donation because it opens the door for conversation. In fact, we have customers who are still talking about our fundraising campaign six months ago!” 

The team also generated donations through raffles. “We raffled baskets themed for men, women, and children,” Angela said. “And we raffled televisions!” 

“Customers loved the television raffles,” said manager Brittani. “For a $10 donation, they got one entry; $20 got them three entries!” 

According to Kelly Ann, customers appreciate that their dollars stay in the community, helping local kids and hospitals. “We put up mirror clings at our stations that show where donations go,” she said. 

“Last year, funds went to Children’s Miracle Network’s Pediatric Resource Center in Peoria,” Brittani said. “We all have kids. We can’t imagine children hurting. It makes you want to do the most you can to help those kids, and it means so much that the money helps in our local community.” 

Their efforts paid off. This year alone, their organization of 36 salons raised $68,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. One of Angela’s salons singlehandedly raised $13,100, making it the second highest fundraising salon in the U.S. and Canada. 

“It’s fun to watch people get so excited about doing something for a good cause,” Angela said. “It makes you feel good to see our salons do so much great stuff.” 

If you’re interested in joining a salon team that has fun and makes a difference in your local community, check out the job openings with a Great Clips franchise near you.  

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All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.