A section of the mural commissioned for the Santa Barbara Cancer Center

This Sunday, May 22, Salon Patine is taking customer service to a new level. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the beauty salon will host a Cut-a-Thon benefiting longtime client Sandy Whittington, who is making an effort to beautify the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara.

Recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has since metastasized to her liver and lymph nodes, Whittington receives treatment from the Cancer Center’s chemotherapy branch. Discouraged by the center’s treatment room, whose medical look and feel offers its patients little to distract from the often lengthy chemo process, she commissioned local artist Phoebe Brunner — herself a breast cancer survivor — to paint a mural for decoration. According to Salon Patine’s owner, Sarah Van Bourgondien, Whittington hopes this mural installation, expected to occur within weeks, will improve the healing process for all Santa Barbara cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy treatment.

Proceeds from the Cut-a-Thon (which offers styling discounts), a silent auction, raffles, and a bake sale directly fund Whittington’s project. Even prior to the event, Salon Patine had raised $3,000 in donations.

“I’ve been a hairdresser for a number of years and have had so many Cut-a-Thons, but I have never seen this much support,” said Van Bourgondien, adding that clients, vendors, business owners, nonprofits, and competitors have contributed to the cause. Along with receiving significant community support, the salon’s Cut-a-Thon has recruited the help of hairdressers from all over Southern California who are familiar with Whittington and her work as a hair product sales representative.

Van Bourgondien attributes this overwhelming public involvement to Whittington’s charming personal and professional character. “She’s a great sales rep, very professional and kind,” explained the salon owner, who, in addition to styling Whittington’s hair for the past 15 years, bikes and works out with her as well. “Everyone loves her and we’re all happy to help,” she said.

Donations to Whittington’s cause are welcome at Salon Patine or any SalonCentric Store in the Santa Barbara and Ventura County areas.

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