On Saturday, July 11, 2015, over 700 beauty industry professionals gathered at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino to honor PRAVANA founder Steve Goddard as this year's City of Hope Spirit of Life honoree. Together with ticket sales for the annual Spirit of Life award gala, the Rock the Cure Cut-A-Thon that took place earlier this year, and other generous fundraising efforts by beauty industry professionals, over one million dollars was raised to benefit City of Hope and help the organization continue to research and fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The evening’s on-stage events went fittingly with the Rock the Cure theme, as Goddard, whose heartfelt speech brought brought both laughs and tears from the audience, grabbed a guitar and belted out several tunes, including an original dedicated to his wife, Karen. He was joined on stage throughout the evening by other industry rockers such as Kevin Wachs of Earthly Body, Sara Jones of Joico and Ann Mincey of Redken.
Three of the industry’s most talented stylists, Sam Villa, Sherri Jessee and James Gartner, joined Goddard and his band on stage for live hairstyling, creating three uniquely wonderful looks. In true Vegas-style, the event was concluded with a live performance by legend Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, who got the crowd off their feet and grooving to well-known songs like “Hotel California.”
The evening also included a silent auction complete with autographed guitars from a few of rock music’s legends, a reception, dinner and video presentations sharing City of Hope’s mission and the amazing industry professionals that participated in the Rock the Cure Cut-A-Thon.
The Spirit of Life award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor. It is presented annually to an industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and philanthropic achievement. Goddard, throughout his 30-year career in the beauty industry, has consistently made a commitment to dedicate time, financial support and service to the community, including an ongoing donation of five percent of all PRAVANA NEVO product sales to the City of Hope. To contribute, please visit https://www.crowdrise.com/RocktheCure.
[Images courtesy of City of Hope]
