MAGIC OF MEMORIES 2008

One of the great blessings in my life has been my association with the Paul Mitchell Beauty Schools. For someone whose life philosophy is, "Know where you're going, look good when you get there!" I suppose it makes sense that a beauty culture would appeal to me! But it's much more than the glamorous side of the beauty business that impresses me about the Paul Mitchell Schools. It's the people, their hearts, their undaunted sense of purpose, and their unwavering commitment to make a difference. The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation is once again working with the Paul Mitchell Schools nationwide this spring to raise money and awareness for four nonprofit organizations; The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, Food 4 Africa and The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation.

John Paul DeJoria has always been a personal and professional hero of mine. It is thrilling to be inspired once again by his leadership. His schools are not only turning out professional beauty professionals but developing philanthropists and humanitarian leaders as well. Much of the credit for that goes to the dean of the schools, my good friend, Winn Claybaugh. Winn is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and his work with the JPMS has been extraordinary. I want to thank Winn and all of the school owners, learning leaders, future beauty pros and the others with Paul Mitchell who have allowed us to join hands with them to make a difference. We will hold our annual Magic of Memories event in Newport Beach this spring. There are events going on all over the country right now raising money for this special night.

As important as it is, the partnership of support we have developed between our two organizations has nothing to do with money. Local beauty teams from the Paul Mitchell Schools near Leeza's Places across the country have been offering free days of pampering and beauty for our guests! Thank you to Lori Paul for leading this effort. And thanks to our executive director and co-founder, Dr. Jamie Huysman, we are offering free recharge workshops for all of the caregiving beauty pros at Paul Mitchell Schools! I just love that . . . isn't it cool that one life has been the impetus for all of this?

Andrew Gomez was a future beauty professional who tragically took his own life. The light of his young, compassionate life has now been allowed to shine in many dark corners of despair, depression and darkness. The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation does so much good for so many in the beauty business, and Andrew's life stands for all that is hopeful and possible. Thanks to each of the schools out there working so hard for the greater good and thanks especially to Winn for being the rainmaker behind this powerful effort.