Justice and Soul Foundation fundraising event exceeds goal

On the catwalk
Photo by Emily M. Wilson

The Justice and Soul Foundation hosted their third annual fundraising event, “Fashion SOULstice,” on March 19 to raise money to continue and expand operations at its cosmetology school in Cambodia and domestically.

The event, held at the Lynnwood Convention Center, drew a packed house of 650 attendees and raised just over $100,000.

The highlight of the evening was a fashion show with models styled by 15 local salons and schools.

Participating salons and schools showcased fashion and beauty, capturing the theme of hope and restoration. The partnering salons and school included:

·         James Alan Salon and Spa
·         Lisa Power Salon
·         The Cove Salon
·         Swanq Style Studio
·         Summit Salon Academy Tacoma
·         Vasuda Salon
·         TVS  (a collection of stylists from 7 Salon)
·         Coupe Rokei Salon
·         Charbon Salon
·         Tousled
·         Robert Leonard Salon and Day Spa
·         Elle Marie Hair Studio
·         Daniel Ross Salon and Skin Care
·         The Collage Salon
·         Obadiah Salon

SOULstice model
Photo by Emily M. Wilson

The evening also featured a silent auction. Money raised will be used to continue the teaching of cosmetology skills to young survivors of sex trafficking in the Foundation’s new vocational training program at the Kate Korpi Salon in Cambodia, which opened in July 2014.

The Justice and Soul Foundation will also use proceeds to expand its work domestically, with an initial focus on fighting sex trafficking in the Puget Sound area.

“We are thrilled to have built on the success of the last two events, having exceeded our fundraising goal again. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our partners, models, amazing stylists and those who donated. 

"We will continue to build on existing efforts in Cambodia, and are expanding our focus to the Puget Sound area, which is where we started, developing vocational support for our own local survivors,” explained Justice and Soul Foundation Co-Founder Matthew Fairfax.

Models
Photo by Emily M. Wilson

What started as an idea discussed over a cup of coffee five years ago blossomed into a full day of salon “practice” appointments for the soft opening of the Kate Korpi Salon in July 2014. Since then, the Kate Korpi Salon has become Cambodia’s premier hair salon, where students learn cosmetology and professional workplace skills from expert trainers and volunteers from around the globe.

Models
Photo by Emily M. Wilson

The teaching salon was established to provide its students with the fundamentals of cosmetology (hair, skin, nails, and makeup). Students attending the school include survivors of sex trafficking and those at risk for sexual exploitation. The students do not pay tuition, but are instead awarded scholarships. The program also includes a compensation plan for the students so that they can begin experiencing sustainable financial independence while learning this valuable trade.

The Justice and Soul Foundation works closely with local non-profits to ensure students have access to qualified therapists to address the trauma they have experienced. The Foundation also provides problem-solving and life skills necessary for independent living and reintegration.

The Justice and Soul Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating the sexual exploitation of young women, men, and children globally as well as the restoration of the survivors.

Through the founders’ shared connections to the salon and fashion industry, and after several years of research, planning and interviews, they are enlisting the support of the beauty industry to create a sustainable solution for the restoration of young survivors.