The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation Story
For a brief moment in time, the beauty industry was touched by a very special young man. What made Andrew so special? It wasn't his meteoric rise from beauty school graduate to international educator. It wasn't his strikingly handsome physical appearance, his charming personality, his sense of humor, or his ability to be the life of the party, although he certainly had all of those traits. Andrew had a magical way of knowing who needed what at any specific time. He sensed when someone was a little down or needed a hug. He knew when someone was struggling or depressed. Sometimes people who are the life of the party don't notice the sad, quiet person in the corner, but Andrew did. Maybe it was because Andrew struggled with mental illness and depression himself; sadly, in February 2002, he ended the struggle by taking his own life.
As a beauty school student, Andrew was everybody's favorite. So many people loved him, were touched by him, and want to continue the gift he gave. In his honor, his family, former instructors, and friends have formed the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation. This nonprofit organization exists for one simple reason: to continue Andrew's beautiful legacy of giving love, hope, and support to those who need it most. The Foundation wants to be like Andrew: recognizing and supporting individuals and organizations who are sometimes overlooked, the ones who need a little extra love.
For over 20 years, our Paul Mitchell students have passionately donated their time and energy to raise money and awareness for causes including cancer, AIDS, child abuse, the 9-11 tragedy, leukemia, battered women, homelessness, and more. Now it's our turn to give back to our students and our fellow beauty industry professionals. The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation was designed to provide educational opportunities and financial assistance to students and new salon professionals—opportunities they probably would not otherwise have for many years to come. It could be tuition and transportation to a 3-day haircutting class on the other side of the country, or a chance to assist backstage at a major New York fashion show, or a weekend education retreat in some exotic corner of the world. No fanfare. No fuss. Just a plane ticket, a hotel room, money for expenses, and tuition dollars so these passionate individuals can be welcomed early into the industry that has the biggest heart, and the widest open arms, of any profession we know.
The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation also donates funds to cosmetologists and cosmetology-related enterprises that are disadvantaged or facing hardship. For example, funds have been used to help hairdressers who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and to support breast cancer causes after one of our colleagues was diagnosed with the disease.
Supporting the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation is simple: We need tuition dollars, airline miles, and money for expenses. Your donation is 100% tax deductible, but even more important, you'll be helping salon professionals and related organizations so that they, too, can experience the magic of the beauty industry. We do not pretend to know or understand the journey of those we wish to support through the Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation. But we do intend to bring some love and hope to help them in their daily battles. Won't you join us?
The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation
c/o Von Curtis Inc.
1226 S. Jordan Parkway
Unit C, Suite 200
South Jordan, Utah 84095
Phone: 801.302.8801
Email: info@paulmitchelltheschool.com