Local business to hold shave-a-thon
When Glenn Rengers began working in a machine shop many years ago, it didn’t take him long to realize he didn’t want to be in that business for life.
For the past 18 years, Rengers has chosen to put a smile on the faces of customers that enter Salon Vivace on Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon. While smiles remain for customers, Rengers vividly remembers specific days where it was hard to smile behind the chair doing what he loves; when someone battling cancer comes in to have their head shaved.
“Standing behind a chair when you work on the person, I can’t begin to tell you how many tears I have had,” said Rengers. “It touches every one of us. I go home thinking about it. There is not a day where one of us in here doesn’t talk about someone being affected by cancer.”
Instead of just talking about cancer, Rengers is actually doing something about it.
Salon Vivace, which he owns, is partnering with Rocky Bleier to raise money for children’s cancer research by holding a shave-a-thon event from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22 at 642 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. Proceeds from the event benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-powered charity dedicated to raising money for lifesaving childhood cancer research.
“Somebody asked me if I had a personal tie to this,” said Rengers, who will have his shoulder-length hair shorn by Bleier. “My simple response was that I have children. Anything we can do to give back and help out.”
The salon has worked with other fundraisers and awareness programs in the past, including working with Children’s Hospital and domestic violence programs.
Bleier, a former Pittsburgh Steeler and customer of the salon, will be on the other side of the chair. He will also be available throughout the night for photo opportunities.
“Glenn wanted to do something from a community perspective and I have been going to his salon for about eight to 10 years,” said Bleier. “Living and being involved in the community, I want to do whatever I can to create awareness.”
Five organizations within Pittsburgh have grants from St. Baldrick’s that are directly linked to Children’s Hospital.
“The cool part about it is we are making it local,” said Bleier. “This kind of activity shows who we are as Mt. Lebanon.”
The salon continues to accept “shavees” for the event at a minimum of a $10 donation. A silent auction and raffles will also be held.
“Every day you see it,” said Rengers. “It’s children. It’s adults. It’s parents and grandparents. If we can help a child into adulthood then it’s worth it.”