JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local barber shop and foundation are working together to hold a fundraiser next week to help raise money and awareness about autism.
The Fine Grooming Studio and the For Asher’s Sake foundation combined forces to create the Cuts for A Cause fundraiser. The event was created by the parents of Asher Smith, a 10-year-old boy with autism.
Asher’s mother, Tia Smith, said her son was diagnosed with autism just before his third birthday. To help raise money and awareness about autism, Asher’s parents created For Asher’s Sake. The foundation works to raise money to provide a therapy program for children with autism.
The Cuts for a Cause event is an opportunity to get a haircut for the For Asher's Sake foundation, with some of the proceeds going toward the cause. But, as Kwame Hancock said, it's more than just a regular appointment at the Barber shop.
“We are going to be talking about autism and bringing awareness, and (there are) door prizes, haircuts and a good time,” Hancock said.
“We are just looking forward to a great time,” Smith said. “We will have a bounce house for the children, have Bubbles for Super Powers -- which is another organization that is supporting us. We are looking forward to a really good time for the families.”
Smith said Asher is thrilled that the community is putting on a fundraiser in his honor.
“He is he is very excited about it and understands what’s going on,” Smith said. “He understands we invited a lot of his friends from school (too).”
The Cuts for a Cause event is April 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fine Grooming Studio at 9400 Atlantic Boulevard, Suite 70.
You can make an appointment but walk-ins are welcomed. If you can't make it out to get a cut but want to donate, click here.