Dozens of Colorado charities owe a big thank you to a local hair salon.
Normally Salon Utopia is closed Mondays. However, on a recent Monday in June, the Cherry Creek salon was a beehive of activity.
"What we do is cut hair, do color and all the proceeds go to whoever we're benefiting that day," explained David Leon, Salon Utopia owner.
Leon has been cutting hair for 30 years. And for the last 20 years he has chosen a different charity to benefit around once a month.
"I am able to give back my time and my skill and do something good," said Leon.
So instead of his Salon Utopia customers paying for their hair styles, during the cut-a-thons, they simply write a check to a designated charity.
"Oh, they love it. Because they get to write a check and write it off also," said Leon.
"Because everybody needs help, everybody needs their hair done," adds fellow stylist James Mucker.
In June, Leon's charity of choice was Dash for Smiles.
"Dash for Smiles was created by three mothers of children with cleft pallets to raise awareness in the Denver community, and also to support Children's Hospital and Rose Medical Center," said Cassandra Rocha, CEO Dash for Smiles.
Dash for Smiles will use the money to put on its July 31 5K at Stapleton Central Park. That event benefits hundreds of families.It is quite an impact made possible, in part, by Leon.
"It just makes me feel good to give back," said Leon.
Salon Utopia is located at 3rd and Josephine in Cherry Creek.
Learn more about Dash for Smiles here.
Mitch Jelniker anchors 7NEWS Now in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on 7NEWS. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a 7Everyday Hero here.