On Sunday, Oct. 13, Cheer Up Charlies, a local spot for drinks and live music, hosted a fundraising event in support of its co-owner Maggie Lea, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Here, local stylists gathered to provide donation-based services to attendees as music from DJ Suxxy Puxxy played in the background.
Story by Sarah Ponder
Photos by Jacob Cornish
Two hairstylists give two participants fresh cuts.
Lea had taken a break from her role as the talent booking agent of Cheer Up Charlies after being diagnosed with breast cancer over the summer. Since starting her medical treatment, she has received support from locals and friends of Cheer Up Charlies.
In September, Lea thanked the community through Facebook.
“Just know that your love, messages and well-wishes make all of the painful and scary moments much easier to bear,” she said in her post.
One of the coordinators of the event, Christopher Stewart of Stewart Mickler Designs, said that creating the event seemed like a “natural fit” for him.
“It’s a fun way to give back,” said Stewart, a close friend of Lea’s. “And besides, who doesn’t ever need a haircut?”
For a minimum $20 donation upon entry to the venue, attendees had the option of getting a haircut, pink hair dye or a 15-minute massage. Guests were also encouraged to donate, grab a drink from the bar and hang out while listening to music.
Outside the venue presented a distinct pink tent where hairstylists stood with shears in hand awaiting guests to arrive. Once an attendee chose to receive a haircut, an escort would lead them to a free stylist on stage.
Cheer Up Charlies outdoor venue with all hairstylists and participants.
Brian Almaraz, a former Cheer Up Charlies employee, was one of the first guests to get a haircut.
“I worked with (Maggie) for over seven and a half years,” he said, as a barber trimmed his curls. “I wanted to come to support her, but I am also good friends with one of the barbers from Shed’s barbershop. I love Maggie, and I wish her the very best.”
Hailey Chau, a stylist from Mise En Place Salon, stood a few chairs down as she finished up dyeing a pink streak on another guest.
“When we heard about what had happened, we were more than happy to help,” she said. “You should always give back.”
Inside the bar, massage chairs provided by Austin Massage Company lined the dance floor.
“I’ve been a patron of Cheer Up Charlies for many years now,” said Michelle Hittner, owner of Austin Massage Company. “ I felt like it was a quick little way to give back to all the fun times (Lea) has provided for me personally.”
For $5, guests could enter a raffle for prizes donated by businesses around Austin. Guests won prizes such as gift certificates, dog walking services and a pair of running shoes.
Pink shirts displaying instructional graphics on how to scan for breast cancer were sold at the event at the event. Stewart explained the shirts the shirts are a reminder for others to always check themselves for signs of breast cancer.
“Maggie has a heart of gold,” Stewart said. “She has always tried to take care of our community, whether it was personally having a hand in things (or) hosting events. She’s had a rough past 5 years, and she deserves her community’s help in return.”
That night, Stewart went to Facebook announce that the Cut-A-Thon had raised well over $2000. He thanked those who came and volunteered for the event while informing everyone that proceeds would go toward Lea’s post-surgery recovery bills.
For more information on Lea’s journey, visit her GoFundMe page here.
