More than 500 beauty industry executives, artists and City of Hope supporters recently celebrated the culmination of their year-long fundraising effort, called “Create Beauty. Unmask Hope,” at the 2009 National Professional Salon Industry Spirit of Life® dinner. This year, more than $1.1 million was raised for cancer research, treatment and education.

Jim and Cheryl Markham celebrate a successful fundraising effort. (Photo by Bill Knapp)

Cheryl and Jim Markham, founders of PureOlogy Serious Colour Care, were presented with The Spirit of Life Award at the gala dinner, which was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas in July. Salon industry professionals donned colorful masks for the event.

Guests included celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Kim Vo, Wella Professional creative directors and salon owners Sonya and Christopher Dove, Joico’s Damien Carney and Sue Pemberton, Robert Lobetta (formerly of Sebastian International) and actress Debi Mazar, who served as mistress of ceremonies. Michael A. Friedman, M.D., City of Hope president and chief executive officer, presented the Markhams with The Spirit of Life Award.

The year-long fundraising effort also included exclusive Behind-TheChair.com T-shirts, public service announcements by beauty industry icons and a partnership with the Paul Mitchell School’s FUNraising program.

“This has been an incredible year dedicated to raising awareness, support and funds for City of Hope,” said Jim Markham. “I am proud to announce that we exceeded our fundraising goal, and I truly believe that this will make a tremendous impact on the lifesaving treatment programs at City of Hope.”