NCA Efforts for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana, forcing mass evacuations, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes uninhabitable and destroying the lives of so many. Rita followed in September and added destruction and disruption. Salon owners, hairdressers, nail technicians; estheticians, educators, students, school owners, salons and spas were affected in great numbers. The National Cosmetology Association (NCA) responded with help from the NCA Disaster Relief Fund.
The NCA has taken an active role in many aspects of the efforts including accepting the following responsibilities:
- Fund Raising:
Individual NCA members, affiliates and state organizations have donated more than $100,000 to the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina; the national organization made a direct donation of $25,000 to the Fund.
- Administration:
The efforts of the Beauty Associations for Katrina coalition
Daily processing of donations and online applications for aid.
Monthly accounting of fund; Disbursement of funds including verifying donor and recipient information.
Coordinating oversight committee review of applications.
- Communication:
Managing hundreds of phone calls and emails regarding the Fund.
Handling media relations through NCA agency, Vi Nelson & Associates.
- Legislative:
Communication with state governors to encourage reciprocity of the cosmetology licenses for Katrina victims. Act as liaison for the initiative.
The NCA Disaster Relief Fund—How It Began
The NCA Disaster Relief Fund, originally established in 1955 after earthquakes in Alaska destroyed a number of salons, was created to help association members rebuild their salons and professional lives following the devastation of natural disasters.
Until Katrina the Fund provided assistance of up to 1/3 of the value of a destroyed salon to those who applied and met criteria. The Fund was used throughout the past 50 years to help NCA members affected by floods, fires and, of course, hurricanes.
Immediately following Katrina, the NCA offered its Disaster Relief Fund to the quickly formed "Beauty Associations for Katrina Relief" coalition and the NCA Board of Directors voted to open the Fund to non-members as well as members. This 501c3 established Fund allows all donations to be tax-deductible.
High Goals set for Katrina Efforts
The Coalition of associations is committed to raising $5 million to help rebuild beauty in the Gulf States and is asking all industry professionals, companies and organizations to make their donations to the NCA Disaster Relief Fund.
The Fund will distribute 100% of all monies raised directly to beauty professionals in need.
The Coalition and NCA Disaster Relief Fund are jointly directed by an all industry committee of industry luminaries who are solely responsible for determining criteria for relief eligibility and disbursing the funds collected to those eligible. The committee, chaired by Louisiana native Sam Brocato, will also actively raise the funds required to undertake this financial assistance program.
NCA Disaster Relief Fund-Raisers in 2006
Highlighting the spring 2006 show season are industry events that will help raise even more for the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina. Salon professionals can do their part by participating in events and activities that will benefit the NCA Disaster Fund/Katrina, including:
- The International Legends Ball
The 2006 International Legends Ball, Saturday evening, March 4, 2006, will honor Italian-born, Chicago success story, Mario Tricoci, founder of Mario Tricoci Salons & Day Spas for his lifetime commitment to the salon industry. The Ball will also include a tribute to the late Olive Benson, acknowledged industry expert in relaxing and straightening hair. The National Cosmetology Association in conjunction with the Chicago Midwest Beauty Show will host the Ball. Call 800-883-7808 or visit www.IsNow.com for advance tickets.
- CMBStyle Event: Coiffure, Couture, A Cause
The Chicago Midwest Beauty Show presents the first ever CMBStyle Coiffure/Couture celebration to benefit the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina on Sunday, March 5, 2006, at 8:00 p.m. on the CMBS Center Stage. The night of artistry features a celebration of legendary hair designers, including Sam Brocato, Scott Cole & Linda Yodice for Paul Mitchell The Color, as well as salon teams lead by Jamie Carroll, Martin Parsons, Mario Tricoci, Kim Whitehurst and many more. Register Online at www.IsNow.com, or by Phone at 800.648.2505.
- Professional Beauty Association 21st Annual Beauty Ball & Charity Gala, Saturday, April 29, 2006
As chairman of this event, Lee Rizzuto, Jr. has announced that the beneficiaries from the “Let’s Dance” Beauty Ball will be the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina, along with Lock of Love, and will be held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City on Saturday, April 29, 2006. For information visit www.probeautyassociation.org.
To make a contribution to the NCA Disaster Relief Fund online by credit card click on www.probeautycares.org. A mail-in donation form is also available on the website as is an application for aid for those in need.
To donate directly, make checks or money orders payable to NCA Disaster Relief Fund - Katrina and mail to 1449 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. To donate by phone, call NCA toll free at 866-871-0656.
Contact:
Kate Gallagher
Vi Nelson & Associates, Inc.
312-944-1262 / fax 312-664-8380
kate@vinelson.com
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