With a subtle mix of Maroon 5 playing in the background, over 200 students enjoyed a beauty getaway in the Hall of Flags Wednesday thanks to the Orthodox Community at Penn, which hosted “Manicure for the Cure.”
The “Salon with a Cause” operated all day, offering students manicures for $15, including a gift bag with OPI nail polish, breast cancer awareness information and other goodies. All proceeds benefitted Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Sharsheret – a Jewish breast cancer organization.
According to College senior and OCP social-action co-chairwoman Laura Chiel, the event raised $3,000 for organizations “that help women with breast cancer, engage in its research and promote awareness.”
“Manicure for the Cure” was initiated four years ago to educate students about breast cancer when a member of the OCP lost his mother to breast cancer. Ever since, OCP has upheld the tradition in Houston Hall.
This year, the event was cosponsored by OPI, the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, the Programs in Religion, Interfaith and Spirituality Matters Faith Fund, Alpha Kappa Delta Phi and cosmetic company Philosophy.
College junior Hannah Platt, who learned about the event through her sorority’s listserv, chose to attend as her beauty stop before spring break. “[The cause] was like a bonus. I get to do this and do it for something good,” Platt said.
By inviting a Komen representative to speak about the foundation and breast cancer awareness, the event was philanthropic. However, some students, like College junior Rachel Li, “didn’t think they put enough emphasis on the cause. A lot of people just came for the manicure.”
Although most of the nail artists were recruited from local salons and were compensated for their time, freelance nail artist Ashley Perry volunteered for the event. “My girlfriend has been involved with this for four years now,” she said. “She started because her mom dealt with breast cancer. “I actually started since last year and love it. I definitely want to come back next year!”
Chiel hopes to continue the annual “Salon for a Cause” because “it’s just a great way to bring the campus together to reflect on such an essential cause.”
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