RIDGELAND, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Cut by cut Patrick Lomantini is making an impact for animals in need.
Through his Bark Aid event, the Kansas man travels across the country for 50 cuts-in 50 states-in 50 days. Bark Aid selects one organization in each state. This is the second year of the nation-wide fundraiser.
He says it combines two things he has a strong passion for.
"Meeting these volunteers and the people in the communities doing what they do and the amount of sacrifices they give to these homeless animals. It means a lot to me. I can't do what they do, but I can do what I do. And so, this is my sacrifice to say thank you to them."
Colorize Hair Studio in Ridgeland opened its doors Sunday. Customers got a trim and were even able to pet a rescued litter of 10 puppies.
A donation to Bark Aid helped a cause close to many people's heart.
"My clients are very supportive of me and many of my clients own and run businesses, and I'm going to be very supportive of them," says Colorize Hair Studio Owner Leah Vincent.
"We just came out here to get a $20 haircut today, it needed a new hair trim for sure. So, just came out here to support here and the pups and the organization," says customer Nikki Ramshur.
Cheshire Alley is a new animal rescue organization. Chrissy Cheshire saw the need for a stronger rescue mission in the area and this fundraiser couldn't have come at a better time.
"It's our start up funding. So, it helps. Every little bit helps," says Cheshire.
"They don't actually have a facility that houses the animals but they have a great network of volunteers that are bringing those dogs into their homes and then nurturing them back to health and them finding homes for them," explains Lomantini.
Mississippi is day 19 on Lomantini's tour. He will be in Little Rock, Arkansas on Monday.
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