For the third semester in a row, Student Activities teamed up with Supercuts to benefit Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that provides human-hair wigs to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
A total of 22 UB students donated their ponytails to the cause, and 82 students helped raise money for the organization by getting haircuts in the Student Union lobby.
"It definitely shows that our students care about what's happening outside of the University, not just here," said Jennifer Wantz, assistant director of Student Activities.
The support at Wednesday's charity program surpassed that of past semesters, according to Cate Schrum, graduate assistant for Students Activities.
"In contrast with the 15 ponytails received last semester, this event was a definite success. We received the most money and ponytails. This event raised $325 (and) 22 ponytails," Schrum said. "The students are very supportive and excited about the opportunity to donate to such a great cause."
Wantz agreed that the increased participation was noticeable this semester.
"We started planning and seeking different ways of advertising since May. As a result, we got more donations than the last two semesters and more students were involved," she said.
Supercuts offered services to students who didn't have enough hair or weren't ready to take the 10-inch plunge as well. For just $5, students could receive a regular haircut, with the proceeds also going towards Locks of Love.
Employees were equally happy to offer their time and efforts to help out a good cause.
"This is the first time I've done this event," said Tanisha Tillman, a Supercuts employee. "There were a lot of people today. I think it's good for the kids to come out and do this."
One UB student who has gone through treatment for cancer directly benefited from previous years' Locks of Love fundraisers.
"A student came up and thanked us for putting this event together," Wantz said. "This young lady had lost her hair while going through chemotherapy, and received a wig from Locks of Love."
The organization aims to provide boys and girls facing long-term hair loss due to a diagnosis, who are under 18 and in financial need, with wigs, according to the Locks of Love Web site.
"I really like donating my hair to Locks of Love. I did it when I was a sophomore in high school. I was extremely happy to know that UB supports the cause," said Arielle Cole, a dance major who donated 10 inches of her hair.
Lisa Panipinto, a student in the School of Management, donated her hair for the first time.
"I think it's good that UB is holding this event. I had a friend who lost her hair and felt that the only way to fit in was by having hair, so I've always wanted to do it, and now I did," she said.
It wasn't just women who chose to donate their ponytails. Jeremy Harvey, a freshman engineering major, had been planning on this donation for a while.
"My hair is getting kind of annoying, and it's better to donate and not waste it," Harvey said. "I waited until it was 10 inches long to get it cut, and they told me it was long enough."
UB's Locks of Love benefit began last fall after a student approached Student Activities with the idea, according to Wantz. A year later, the event has become worthwhile for the Student Association and Locks of Love.
"I like that the University is interested in helping other individuals. We are able to make a child happy," said Kerri Leonard, who also donated 10 inches of hair.
For Cole, the event was a chance for her to give back to people in need, even if it meant saying goodbye to her lengthy tresses.
"Sure I loved my long hair, but the feeling I get from donating is indescribable," she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
