Pivot Point Cares for KidsTM announces that plans are underway for its fifth annual Nationwide Cut-a-Thon fundraiser on May 24. Pivot Point works with schools and salons throughout the United States in its annual fundraising efforts for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). For several years, Pivot Point has been a proud supporter of NCMEC with all money donated to the NCMEC raised from hair, skin and nail services and contributions.

Last year, more than 100 Pivot Point and AACS schools and salons across the nation participated in fundraising to raise nearly $1 million for this worthwhile organization.

To participate in this year's Cut-a-Thon, go to the "Organize A Cut-a-Thon" page on our website to download participation and contribution forms, PR releases and posters to use in your community to publicize the event and gain additional support for your efforts.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that an estimated 800,000 children are reported missing each year - more than 2,000 every day. In addition, research indicates that 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys will be sexually victimized before adulthood. Yet, only 1 in 3 will tell anyone. In addition, research indicates that 1 in 7 youths (10 to 17 years old) have received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet.

In January 2011, Comcast launched Missing Kids On Demand and online at
xfinity.com/news/missingkids, to make information about missing children available to millions of Comcast video customers and consumers across the United States.

Since the NCMEC was established by Congress in 1984, it has operated the toll-free 24-hour national missing children's hotline, which has handled more than 2,528,730 calls. It has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 157,720 children. With such staggering statistics, the work of the NCMEC is more important than ever.