Purse drive to raise money for makeovers for cancer patients

Editor's Note: Clarifying correction about the event from the Blush Salon Facebook page: Someone will be at salon from 8-3 on Sat to take donations.Purse sale is 1-4 SUNDAYat Emil's HideawayMisprint in Gazette said Sat!

Cancer and its treatment takes its toll on patients mentally and physically.

Hello Gorgeous, a non-profit that provides complimentary, professional makeovers and cosmetic education to women and girls of all ages battling all cancers, hopes to make that reality less of a hardship.

Hello Gorgeous started as a mobile day spa in Indiana. It's expanding throughout the country through salon affiliates, like Blush Salon & Spa, 3956 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids.

The makeovers are free to the women, but cost the salons $150 on average. A makeover requiring a real-hair wig, though, can cost $300 for the wig alone.

A purse drive fundraiser this Sunday at Emil's Hideaway in Cedar Rapids from 1 to 4 p.m. will raise money to fund the makeovers.

Susan Livingston, owner of Blush Salon, said about 150 purses have been donated for the drive, including 18 designer purses that will be sold via silent auction. One brand new Coach purse will be sold via raffle ticket. The rest are priced $5 to $30.

Included in the makeover is a new hairdo, a manicure, makeup and more. Recipients not only walk away with a new look, but also the accessories used for the makeover, including the makeup supplies, wigs and a brand new outfit to keep.

'It's just life changing,' Livingston says. 'It makes them feel brand new.'

Hello Gorgeous is continually accepting nominations for makeovers. For more information, contact Livingston at Blush Salon & Spa at (319) 294-6992.