22 Years of FUNraising: Paul Mitchell Schools 2025 Campaign Brings Grand Total to $27 Million

Co-hosted by Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh and actor Reno Wilson, the 22^nd annual Paul Mitchell Schools’ FUNraising Gala pulled out all the stops with a star-studded celebration at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, California.

Each year, participating students (aka “Future Professionals”) and team members from the 90+ nationwide beauty and barbering schools voluntarily raise funds for national and local charities. This year, the schools raised nearly $850,000, taking their 22-year total over the $27 million mark.

Winn Claybaugh says, “You would think that after 22 years, the FUNraising magic would wear off a bit, but it absolutely has not. I’m still in amazement that our Paul Mitchell students and team members can raise such a huge amount of money, all without any large donations, $5 and $10 at a time. While many people might say, ‘When I make that amount of money, then I’ll start giving back,’ our students make it part of their beautiful careers from day one. What a gift!”

Paul Mitchell Co-founder and Chairman John Paul DeJoria adds, “I am so proud of our Paul Mitchell School students who, over 22 years in row, spent their time raising tremendous amounts of money (mostly small amounts that added up), to help those in need. They believe in kindness and teaching, by example, kindness to others. A great example for the world!”

“What a pleasure to be part of this FUNraising event,” says co-host Reno Wilson. “To witness Winn Claybaugh, his team, and the Paul Mitchell Schools coming together to celebrate giving back was an honor. It’s what the world needs.”

First-Rate Fun

No gala is complete without entertainment, and this one had the audience laughing and smiling all night long. Winn Claybaugh and his family kicked things off by dancing alongside Taylor Swift’s latest music video, “The Fate of Ophelia.” Winn said, “Well, that was a little embarrassing, and yet a huge Dad victory. I guess that’s what parenting is all about.”

Multi-platinum–selling singer, songwriter, and record producer Andy Grammer joined an all-star roster of past Gala headliners, including Terri Nunn and Berlin, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Megan Hilty, Donny and Marie Osmond, Jordin Sparks, Phillip Phillips, and more.

And Reno Wilson closed the show by persuading Marie Osmond to join him in her signature song, “May Tomorrow Be a Perfect Day.”

The dazzling audience included Paul Mitchell School owners and team members, beauty and entertainment industry leaders, and representatives from this year’s supported charities, including:

• John Paul DeJoria, co-founder and chairman of John Paul Mitchell Systems and longtime supporter of Food 4 Africa
• Marie Osmond, Emmy and Grammy-nominated singer and co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
• Leeza Gibbons, Emmy-winning TV personality and founder of Leeza’s Care Connection
• Andy Grammer, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and longtime partner and supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
• Kay Buck, CEO of the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast)
• Seth Maxwell, founder of Thirst Project and Legacy Youth Leadership
• Deaf comedian Kathy Buckley and Michelle Christie, founder of No Limits for Deaf Children
• S. Army Master Sergeant (Retired) Cedric King, representing the Gary Sinise Foundation

 Past FUNraising Galas have welcomed Betty White, Vidal Sassoon, Magic Johnson, Fran Drescher, Dolly Parton, Gary Sinise, Larry King, Nicole Scherzinger, Mira Sorvino, and many others representing charitable organizations supported by the campaign.

Sponsors and Educators Make It All Possible

Since the first FUNraising Gala, generous sponsors have lent their support, ensuring that every dollar raised by the schools goes directly to the charities. Sponsors also support the annual “First 100” contest, where the first 100 students and school team members who individually raise at least $3,000 receive a ticket to the Gala, accommodations at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, an exclusive after-party, and a day of hands-on education with top educators who volunteer their time. To date, the First 100 contest has raised over $3.6 million.

This year’s First 100 day of education featured Emmy-nominated celebrity hairstylist Dean Banowetz, celebrity hairstyling duo Neeko and Tanya Abriol, and makeup artist Patrick Santa Ana. Twenty additional artists and educators also supported the campaign by volunteering to present a day of education for the Top 20 FUNraising schools.

Andrew Gomez Compassionate Service Awards

Founded to honor a beloved and successful Paul Mitchell School graduate whose struggle against mental illness ended tragically in suicide, the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation strives to assist cosmetology students, professionals, and cosmetology-related nonprofit organizations. Each year, the foundation acknowledges individuals whose support has gone above and beyond with the Andrew Gomez Compassionate Service Awards. Past recipients have included Gary Sinise, Leeza Gibbons, Marie Osmond, and Fran Drescher.

This year’s Compassionate Service Awards went to nine Paul Mitchell Schools or school groups that have excelled at FUNraising, year after year,  and to four individuals who have contributed immensely with their time and talents: John Paul Mitchell Systems President Jason Yates, CMN Hospitals VP of Celebrity and Influencer Relations Kelli Davis, Tammy Taylor Nails School Specialist Krysti Hammon, and Dulce Lash Artistry Founder Liberty Elmer.

Read more about this year’s awards here:
Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation Compassionate Service Awards Announced at 2025 FUNraising Gala

A Culture of Giving

Acknowledging the contributions of participating students and team members, Winn Claybaugh said, “More than 20 years ago, our students started holding bake sales, car washes, and cut-a-thons to raise money, and those funds found their way to several organizations. Our national and local FUNraising efforts have built homes with Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Vidal Sassoon and supported the victims of AIDS, breast cancer, homelessness, hurricanes, abuse, and hundreds of other causes. Because of our passion for helping children, we’ve raised over $1.8 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, over $1.2 million for No Limits, over $1.2 million for Gary Sinise Foundation, and $1.4 million for Food 4 Africa, providing more than 40 million meals for orphaned children and continuing to feed 10,000 orphans every single day.”

In addition to supporting national charities, many schools designate a portion of the funds they raise to local charities selected by their students and team members. To date, participating schools have donated over $1.3 million to more than 300 local charities such as Homeboy Industries, Boys and Girls Clubs, Ronald McDonald House, Change Your Brain Foundation (founded by Dr. Daniel Amen), Friends of Foster Kids, LGBTQ+ centers, domestic violence and rape crisis shelters, Make-A-Wish Foundation, mental health and addiction centers, YMCA, police athletic leagues, children’s services, animal rescue shelters, and many more.