Patrick Lomantini has embarked on a unique way to do so that&#8217;s a cut above typical fundraising efforts. Lomantini, owner of Lomantini the Salon in Wichita, Kan., came up with the concept 50 Haircuts in 50 States in 50 Days to bring attention and raise money...
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Greater New Orleans

Haircut tour raises money for shelter animals

There are many creative ways to help homeless animals, and since 2011, hairstylist Patrick Lomantini has embarked on a unique way to do so that’s a cut above typical fundraising efforts.

Lomantini, owner of Lomantini the Salon in Wichita, Kan., came up with the concept 50 Haircuts in 50 States in 50 Days to bring attention and raise money for animals in shelters across the country.

At each stop in the 50 states, he does 50 haircuts to help shelter animals, with 100 percent of proceeds going to a local animal shelter. This Saturday, Lomantini will be in New Orleans, with proceeds helping the animals of the Louisiana SPCA.

Paris Parker Aveda Salon, 5434 Magazine St., will host Lomantini on his ultimate road trip to help shelter animals. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can get a new coif from a nationally recognized hairstylist for a minimum donation of $20. Lomantini came up with the idea in 2010 after he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records that year for cutting hair for 72 hours straight, with proceeds from that going to a local animal shelter in his home state of Kansas. After achieving that record, he wanted to push the envelope even more and take that effort to help furry friends nationwide. Thus was born the 50-50-50 tour, part of an organization Lomantini created called BarkAID.

BarkAID’s mission is to raise funds and awareness for homeless animals, as well as educate people about what is happening with animals in their communities.

Lomantini’s road trip to help shelter animals began Aug. 1. He started on the east coast in Maine and will be in Alabama the day before coming to New Orleans.

Lomantini is energized by the experience, which might prove exhausting to most. Except for plane trips to Hawaii, Alaska and Washington, Lomantini and his team will be traveling by bus on the nationwide tour, which ends on Sept. 19 in his salon in Witchita.

“It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to see the countryside, talk to a lot of different people, continue mastering my craft and set a new record,” said Lomantini, whose journey is ultimately about helping animals. “It’s really rewarding.”

To schedule an appointment Saturday at the Paris Parker Aveda Salon, call 504.891.1012.

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An Adoption Option & Bake Sale, sponsored by the LA/SPCA, will be held Aug. 25 at Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LA/SPCA adoption counselors and volunteers will be on hand to help you select the right pet for your family. A variety of shapes, colors and sizes of four-legged friends eager to find a new home will be available.