World record breaker cuts hair in Iowa

The Iowa School of Beauty and Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue will host nationally recognized hair stylist Patrick Lomantini as he attempts to set a new Guinness World Record in Urbandale on Wednesday.

Already a current Guinness World Record holder, Lomantini is traveling to a metropolitan city in each of the 50 states to give 50 individuals haircuts in each city — all within 50 days. Lomantini’s 50-50-50 Iowa event will take place at the Iowa School of Beauty’s Urbandale Campus at 3305 70th St. in Urbandale at 8:30 a.m.  He will cut hair until his 50 haircuts are finished around 4 p.m.

Joseph Pundzak, president of Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue, said his organization is excited to be part of this record-setting event.

This is the first time the Iowa School of Beauty and Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue are partnering for an event.

“[Raccoon Valley] was contacted by Pat Lomantini who was in the process of setting a record, so we contacted the Iowa School of Beauty,” Pundzak said.

As has been Lomantini’s policy in each state, all haircuts will be at no charge in lieu of a donation to a local humane society. However, the Iowa Department of Health prohibits guest licensed barbers and stylists from providing services to aid non-profit organizations.

Those receiving haircuts will still be able to do so at no charge, but are encouraged to support the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue with a free will donation. The organization accepts both monetary donations as well as animal food.

Pundzak said that due to tough economic times, getting donations is more important right now.  Since it began in 1987, the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary & Rescue has relied on donations from both corporations and individuals to drive the organization.

Pundzak said the aid that will come from Lomantini’s 50 haircuts in Iowa will largely help.

“It’s a good thing,” he said.  “We’ll definitely benefit.”

The greatest need right now is cat and kitten food. More information about how to donate can be found at raccoonvalley.com.

Pundzak hopes the Des Moines community as well as the Drake community will come out to support the record-breaking fundraiser. He said the Drake ROTC students will attend.

For a free, world-record attempt haircut by Lomantini, please schedule an appointment by calling Marti or Kim at the Iowa School of Beauty at 515-278-9939.