For the 30th year, Great Clips salons in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin are joining together for the 30th annual cut-a-thon from Saturday, Aug. 26 to Friday, Sept. 1. Participating Great Clips salons will donate a portion of proceeds from each haircut during the event to benefit the school re-entry program at Children’s Minnesota. The program helps address the medical and emotional needs of a child returning to school after a cancer diagnosis or other serious illness.

Behind the cut-a-thon: It began when local Great Clips franchisee Regina Finkelstein, also a real estate agent, was helping a family with a child battling cancer find a home. Struck by their story and inspired to help more families like theirs, Regina launched the cut-a-thon to support Children's Minnesota. The school re-entry program was established the following year, and more than $1.7 million to date has been raised for it. 

How the school re-entry program works: Our child life specialists support patients experiencing cancer or another serious illness as they return to the classroom. Tailored to each family's and school's needs, here are a few examples of what we do: 

• Phone consultation with the school to determine what their staff comfort level is with a particular diagnosis.
• Virtual or in-person visit facilitated by a child life specialist in which the patient is empowered to share their story and classmates can learn about what the patient has been navigating.
• Providing resources so that the school can continue those supportive conversations moving forward.

How YOU can help: 

• Check in online to get your haircut at a participating Great Clips location in the Twin Cities metro or western Wisconsin. It’s that simple! A portion of proceeds from your haircut will go directly to the school re-entry program.
• Go the extra step! During August, make a donation at a participating salon and get a $2-off coupon for your next Great Clips haircut!
• Don't live near a participating salon? Click on the donate button above to give now.
• Spread the word to family, friends and colleagues.