Kutting for Kids
Kutting for Kids is a special annual event to raise funds for youth programs on the USS Orleck. The event provides hair donations to Locks of Love for children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
The first event in 2023 raised nearly $17,000 dollars. The 2024 event competed with major events at the beach and the opening weekend of the Clay County Fair. Both participation and fundraising fell far short of our ambitious goal.
We did, however, welcome two new corporate sponsors: Center Shot Selfies and The Neighbor to Neighbor newspaper in Clay County. All funds raised to date have been devoted to the restoration of the berthing areas to allow overnight stays for youth organizations. That should become possible in the not too distant future.”
Kutting for Kids 2025 will be held on a Sunday in late February or early March; exact date to be determined. Hair donations of at least six inches of healthy hair will be donated to Locks of Love so please keep your hair growing if you are inclined to donate next year. Licensed Cosmetologists and Barbers who would like to volunteer their services should contact Lee Goodnight at 904-264-2244 or [email protected].
This fun-filled afternoon is a worth-while event, helping Locks of Love and those children in need as well furthering the Naval Ship Museum’s effort to build a SSTEAM-H program on board the USS Orleck to help our youth learn the value of a nautical career by experiencing real-life nautical science.
Corporate sponsorships are available starting at $250.
Kutting For Kids History
On June 25, 2023 on board the USS Orleck, Jacksonville’s new Naval Ship Museum, a special event was held to benefit the restoration of the berthing areas for youth overnight stays and STEAM education on the ship. The event, “Kutting for Kids”, also provided hair donations to Locks of Love for children suffering from long-term medical hair loss. It was a huge success raising $16,705.00, and 267 inches of hair from 26 hair donors.
We are grateful to all our sponsors: Worldwide Automotive of Clay County, Manifest, Hair By Lee, Landstar, Florida Logistics Solutions, American Made Dumpsters, and the Jacksonville Naval Museum. A special thanks to our volunteer hairstylists who worked hard all afternoon. The largest hair donor fund raiser was Mrs. Kim Williams of Green Cove Springs with $2,820, and Randal Swindle of Jacksonville provided an amazing 22 ½ inches of his ponytail. We also thank the many people who attended and made donations.
Images From The 2023 Kutting for Kids Event
