<em>Photo above: Jennifer Marsh (left) and Christine Spado show off Jennifer’s new hair in front of Shear Miracle.</em>
<h3>By Gloria Duryea</h3>
South Carolina ranks first in the nation in the rate of women killed by men. Since purple is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Jennifer Marsh voluntarily dyed her entire head of hair purple for the month of October to raise awareness for this issue – though it didn’t hurt that purple is her favorite color.

Inspired by a video she saw on social media and encouraged by her friends who are survivors of domestic abuse, Jennifer partnered with Christine Spado, owner of Shear Miracle Beauty Salon on Hilton Head Island, to bring light (and color) to a dark topic – domestic violence. For a $10 donation, folks received a purple hair extension or a purple gift. Christine donated the products and her time so that 100% of funds given went straight to CODA (Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse).

The response was tremendous, raising $2,255. Both men and women dyed their hair. “It was amazing to me that people would come and sit in my chair and open up about how domestic violence has affected them or loved ones and how willing they were to donate,” said Christine.

“I didn’t think it would take off like it did – the overwhelming response brought me to tears,” said Jennifer, who also matched all funds raised. To honor her word, Jennifer asked that a check go to CODA from the Caroline Marsh Fund of Coastal Community Foundation. The fund is named in memory of Jennifer’s mother who passed away in 2007. Jennifer, along with her father, is happy to have a way to honor Mrs. Marsh and keep her memory alive.

Kristin Dubrowski, CODA’s executive director stated, “Jennifer and Christine Spado at Shear Miracle did an amazing job turning Jennifer’s idea into a huge success – not only because of the funds they raised, but also because they helped raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence and the fact that help is available locally through CODA.”

With Jennifer’s energy and passion, along with the generosity of Christine and her clients, awareness has spread. Through this, Jennifer has also been bitten by the fundraising bug – she’s already thinking about next year!