Scout organizes event in honor of his sister

Geoffrey Gilbert saw first-hand how happy his sister was when she received her first wig from Wig for Kids three years ago. He was reminded of that moment recently when Elizabeth adorned her new wig from the same organization.

In 2001, Elizabeth Gilbert was diagnosed with alopecia (loss of hair) when she was just one year old. Geoffrey, now 15, decided to take it upon himself to give other children like Elizabeth that same feeling of happiness and pride of receiving a new wig. So, he’s organizing the area’s third annual Wigs for Kids Cut-a-Thon on Sept. 21 at NV Hair Studio in Peachtree City.

“When she was first diagnosed, Elizabeth’s alopecia affected our whole family,” recalled Geoffrey, an upcoming Eagle Scout. “Her whole life turned around the day she got her wig. It made our family so proud to have found an organization like Wigs for Kids and I’m making it my Eagle Scout project to increase awareness of this organization so many more kids like Elizabeth can benefit.”

Wigs for Kids provides hair replacement systems for children who have lost their hair due to alopecia, chemotherapy, radiation treatments or other medical conditions. For the past two years Geoffrey and Elizabeth’s mother, Wendy, worked with the owners of NV Hair Studio to organize the event. NV Hair Studio contributes time, talent and the facility for this event.

“I was so happy when Geoffrey volunteered his time this year,” said Wendy. “He’s always proven to be a leader in his involvements and I’m very excited to see him stepping forward to organize this year’s event.”

Hair cuts for donors with at least 10 to 12 inches of non-chemically treated hair are free and include a complimentary Wigs for Kids T-shirt and a goody bag with donated items from Chick-fil-A and Nioxin. Scheduled non-ponytail haircuts are $50 and all proceeds benefit the Wigs for Kids organization.

“Supporting organizations like Wigs for Kids has always been part of our business,” said Pam Graybill, co-owner of the studio.

“Our employees, clients and community love this event. Seeing the young donors and recipients and the smiles on all their faces make lasting impressions we’ll never forget,” added Holly Palmitessa, co-owner NV Hair Studio.

The 2006 event collected 95 ponytails and raised $2,500 in monetary donations from haircuts and individual and corporate support. Last year’s event yielded 300 ponytails and $800 in donations.

The cut-a-thon will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at NV Hair Studio, 1301 Commerce Drive, Peachtree City, Ga. If hair is not long enough now, NV will complimentary cut hair throughout the year and pony tails are donated to Wigs For Kids.

Appointments for the day may be made by calling NV Hair Studio at 678-364-8667.

Donations or questions about the event may be made by calling Geoffrey or Wendy Gilbert at 404-667-6972.

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