Jamie Anderson

Have you ever wanted to make a difference but never had a quick opportunity to do it? Through its third annual Cuts for a Cure event, The Sunflower Salon gives Brookings residents a chance to donate to breast cancer research by simply getting a haircut or spa service.

In commemoration of breast awareness month in October, every Friday of the month, $5 from every haircut and spa service will be donated to the Susan G. Koman fund. Spa services include manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. Haircuts start at $21.

“There is an organization in town that I’m a part of and one of the members had breast cancer,” said Jesse Johnson, owner of Sunflower Salon. “She was a young lady with kids and I learned more about it from her. That’s how we came up with the Cuts for a Cure idea.”

The local salon opened in December 2005 and Brookings native Johnson took over in June. The first year the event only took place on the last day of the month. Last year and this year, donations will be made on every Friday during the month.

“It’s amazing how many people we know that have been affected by breast cancer. Both men and women are touched by this event,” said Carrie Mahlke, marketing manager at Sunflower Salon. It is Mahlke’s first year being at the salon for the event.

“I know it’s been an awesome event every year, and it is a step in the right direction for research,” said Mahlke.

Sunflower Salon has been advertising for the event around town using pink flyers, but Johnson said most people find out about it by word of mouth.

“We had a stylist and her mom that were both affected by breast cancer. We want to see how we can help and what we can do,” Johnson said.

The Sunflower Salon is an Aveda salon, which means that it is environmentally friendly and committed to giving back to people.

The salon is open Monday from noon-8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Sunflower Salon is closed on Sundays. They are located on South Main in the Galleria II strip mall.

“When you know someone that has had breast cancer, it’s amazing to see them get through it,” Johnson said, “It is our third year, and hopefully we will do it in years to come.”

#1.881437:888769090.JPG:IMG_2039.JPG:Every Friday in October, the Sunflower Salon & Spa will donate $5 from every haircut and spa service towards fighting breast cancer.:Briana Troske