WIXLIB

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Gail FinkPR DirectorPaul Mitchell Schoolsgailf@paulmitchell.edu(858) 484-7854(L-R) Mira Sorvino, Cedric King, Marie Osmond, Seth Maxwell, Eden Sassoon,Winn Claybaugh, Fran Drescher, Kathy Buckley, Leeza GibbonsPaul Mitchell Schools Raise 1.5M for Charity14th Annual Gala Features Mira Sorvino, Fran Drescher, Marie Osmond, John PaulDeJoria, Leeza Gibbons, Kathy Buckley, and MoreHeld this year at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, CA, the Paul MitchellSchools 14th annual FUNraising Gala was a star-studded celebration attended byrepresentatives and celebrity spokespeople from this year’s 10 supported charities,along with students and staff from the schools, plus families, friends, and fans from theentertainment and beauty industries.The black-tie event celebrated two and a half months of “FUNraising”—literallythousands of cut-a-thons, fashion shows, princess parties, and other events held by the14,000 future professionals and team members from the 110 Paul Mitchell cosmetologyschools. This year, they raised over 1.5 million, bringing their 14-year total to 18.2million.Co-hosted by TV and radio personality Leeza Gibbons and Paul Mitchell Schools’Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh, the Gala recognizes the top FUNraisingschools and other major contributors, including numerous artists and educators whodonate their time and talent to the campaign. This year’s event acknowledged makeupexpert Debra Dietrich, who has singlehandedly raisedover 1 million in the past six years by offering specializedmakeup classes to schools across the country anddonating all proceeds to the campaign. The event alsorecognized winners of the “First 100” contest—the first100 students and team members to each raise at least 3,000 were invited to attend the Gala, where theyenjoyed a “meet and greet” photo op with celebrity guestsplus a day of hands-on education the next day with longhair expert Martin Parsons, master barber Darrin “DL”Lyons, and Debra Dietrich.Paul Mitchell Schools’ 2017 FUNraising Campaign Raises 1.5M for Charity1

The Gala also provided the opportunity to mingle with leading icons and artists,including Paul Mitchell Co-owner Angus Mitchell; salon owner, reality TV star anddaughter of legendary beauty icon Vidal Sassoon, Eden Sassoon; IntercoiffurePresident Frank Gambuzza; fitness guru Chalene Johnson; Mary Wilson of theSupremes; industry icons and educators Nicholas French and Melissa and BillyYamaguchi; men’s grooming expert Diana Schmidtke; Hollywood Hair Guy DeanBanowetz; Ellen DeGeneres’s hairdresser Laini Reeves; Dancing with the StarsEmmy nominee Melissa Jaqua; Broadway director Paul Lambert; reality TV starJason Wahler; former Miss USA Tara Conner; and actors Renee Taylor, JoeBologna, and Ray Abruzzo.2017 Gala HighlightsWorld-renowned mariachi band MariachiSol de Mexico kicked off the evening,followed by Jay and Merrill Osmond. It wasthe first appearance for the new OsmondBrothers duo—made even more excitingwhen their sister Marie joined in for a fewsongs. Marie Osmond returned later in theevening to represent Children’s MiracleNetwork, the charity she cofounded. “Thesemiracles don’t happen without you, and weappreciate all that you do,” Marie told theaudience. “In 50 years nobody’s going to know who I am and it doesn’t matter butthey’re going to know Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Paul Mitchell Schoolsand the love that you give back in so many ways.” To date, Paul Mitchell Schools havedonated 1.275 million to CMN Hospitals.Paul Mitchell Cofounder and Chairman John Paul DeJoria acknowledged the schools’longtime support for Food 4 Africa, an organization close to his heart. To date, PaulMitchell Schools have donated 930,000 and provided orphaned children with morethan 24 million meals through Food 4 Africa.Fran Drescher delivered animpromptu comedy routine beforetaking a more serious moment toacknowledge the schools for theircontributions to Cancer Schmancer.“I’m so grateful for your generosityand support,” Fran said. “Wehonestly couldn’t get through theyear without you, so God bless youand thank you!” To date, PaulMitchell Schools have donated 880,000 to Cancer Schmancer.Paul Mitchell Schools’ 2017 FUNraising Campaign Raises 1.5M for Charity2

CAST Ambassador, UN Spokesperson on Human Trafficking,and Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino shared chillingstatistics about human trafficking and the successful efforts ofthe Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. “We are soincredibly grateful to Paul Mitchell Schools for their partnershipwith CAST,” she said, “for the impact they are having on the livesof countless survivors of human trafficking and for providingscholarships to survivors who are soon to graduate and startrebuilding their lives.” To date, Paul Mitchell Schools havedonated 200,000 to CAST. Funds provided in the past threeyears have rescued 400 trafficking victims per year, helping over1,000 people regain their freedom.Leeza Gibbons spoke about Leeza’s Care Connection, which provides supportservices to caregivers and their families and connects caregivers to one another and themuch-needed resources within their own community. As the founding charity partner ofthe FUNraising campaign, Leeza said, “That’s a lot of years we’ve been together, and Ithank you that you’re still inviting me in. Thank you for still believing in us.” To date, PaulMitchell Schools have donated over 1 million to the Leeza Gibbons MemoryFoundation and Leeza’s Care Connection.Eden Sassoon and Thirst Project founder SethMaxwell addressed the worldwide water crisisand Thirst Project’s efforts around the world.“We work with a lot of amazing groups but thisgroup, far and above, the Paul Mitchell Schoolsare unbelievable,” Seth said. “You guys are soinnovative and creative and give of yourselvesin amazing ways. What’s happening heretonight and what you guys do the rest of theyear is not normal in the best way possible, andI hope you know how amazing you are.” Todate, Paul Mitchell Schools have donated 300,000 to Thirst Project—providing safewater for more than 8,000 people for the rest of their lives.In their afterschool and theater programs, No Limits helpsdeaf and hearing-impaired children from low-income familiesdevelop language. “We can’t do these things without peoplelike you,” said spokesperson Kathy Buckley. “I wish youcould be there when a mother finally hears her child say hello I see it on a daily basis. Connection is very important to beable to be a part of this world – as crazy as it is. When Ilook in this room I see nothing but angels. Thank you, God, forcreating such wonderful angels right here on earth.” To date,Paul Mitchell Schools have donated 700,000 to No Limits.Paul Mitchell Schools’ 2017 FUNraising Campaign Raises 1.5M for Charity3

During his third deployment inAfghanistan in 2012, Gary SiniseFoundation Ambassador U.S. ArmyMaster Sgt. Cedric King lost both ofhis legs. He recently received asmart home from the Gary SiniseFoundation. “The need is so great inour country for guys like me whohave been injured,” Cedric said.“Gary understood that when a warriorcomes back from a combat zone, heor she is supposed to have a place torest. Home is a place where mydaughters are going to experience getting ready for the prom and coming home andmaybe, hopefully, me being able to explain algebra in our new home. This is all madepossible by your efforts—by that one bake sale, by that one car wash that you did and we’ll forever be thankful for each and every school, each and every effort that wasput forth.” To date, Paul Mitchell Schools have donated 685,000 to the Gary SiniseFoundation.Magic Johnson was unable to attend this year’s Gala but has been a frequent guest atother Paul Mitchell School events. To date, Paul Mitchell Schools have donated 655,000 to the Magic Johnson Foundation.This year’s charity representatives join an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’vesupported Paul Mitchell Schools in the past, including Dolly Parton, Larry King, VidalSassoon, and Betty White.2017 Compassionate Service AwardIn recognition of their selfless, compassionate service and tireless dedication, the 2017Andrew Gomez Compassionate Service Award was presented to Cancer Schmancerfounder Fran Drescher and to Paul Mitchell School owner and Andrew Gomez DreamFoundation board member Charles Riser.Paul Mitchell Schools’ 2017 FUNraising Campaign Raises 1.5M for Charity4

2017 Top 20 FUNraising SchoolsPaul Mitchell The School St. LouisPaul Mitchell The School TemeculaParisian Beauty Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner SchoolRudy and Kelly Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner SchoolPaul Mitchell The School HonoluluPaul Mitchell The School Las VegasPaul Mitchell The School FresnoPaul Mitchell The School TulsaPaul Mitchell The School MichiganPaul Mitchell The School ChicagoPaul Mitchell The School DallasPaul Mitchell The School CharlottePaul Mitchell The School San DiegoPaul Mitchell The School East BayPaul Mitchell The School SacramentoPaul Mitchell The School Costa MesaPaul Mitchell The School North HavenPaul Mitchell The School Houston 55,953 51,138 42,586 36,660 36,436 35,000 34,001 32,196 31,041 30,025 27,890 27,434 26,697 26,207 25,894 25,575 25,050 24,761Related LinksFUNraising website: www.PaulMitchellSchoolsFUNraising.orgPaul Mitchell Schools: www.paulmitchell.eduAbout Paul Mitchell SchoolsAt Paul Mitchell Schools, we believe that education is an adventure and the learningexperience needs to be fun and well rounded. Our courses focus on important technicalskills and business knowledge with an emphasis on social and communityresponsibility. Our learning leaders are trained to draw out the artist in our students andprepare them to enter their chosen careers as community-conscious salon, spa, andbarbering professionals. Through our annual “FUNraising” campaign, we’ve raised anddonated over 18.2 million in support of many charitable causes. We’ve built homeswith Habitat for Humanity, provided millions of meals to African orphans, and supportedthe victims of AIDS, breast cancer, homelessness, abuse, and hundreds of othercauses.Established 35 years ago, the Paul Mitchell network is nearly 100,000 salons strong andin 81 countries worldwide; every professional hairdresser knows the Paul Mitchell name.Now, with the arrival of Paul Mitchell Schools, we’ve taken the world of cosmetologyeducation by storm! Visit www.paulmitchell.edu to learn more.Paul Mitchell Schools’ 2017 FUNraising Campaign Raises 1.5M for Charity5