Local interest on Friday’s “20/20”–the DeJorias

Barbara Walters has a special this Friday, October 28, on “20/20”  called “Behind the Scenes with Barbara Walters and the Superrich,” and there’s an Austin link: John Paul and Eloise DeJoria.

You may be surprised to find out that the DeJorias call Austin home.  John Paul DeJoria is known as the co-founder of Paul Mitchell Products, in salons everywhere.  Eloise DeJoria is the beautiful face of Paul Mitchell Products as its spokesmodel; you’ll easily recognize them from print and ad campaigns for the popular hair care products.  While you may have had a shot or two of Patron, you might not have known that the tasty tequila was founded by DeJoria as well.  Even if you haven’t bumped into them around town, you’ve probably searched out and bought their products.

The DeJorias are no surprise to the Austin philanthropic community, however.  They’ve long been a friend to Austin Fit Magazine, and their ties to a variety of worthwhile  projects around the world show them as folks who are committed to doing good, not just looking good.  If you’ve read the recent running hit, “Born to Run,” you’ve heard of the Tarahumara tribe of barefoot runners, and the DeJorias supported the tribe ‘way back in 1991 with a donation of farming equipment, seeds, blankets, and food.  A recent philanthropic focus lies with a project called “Grow Appalachia,” which helps Appalachian families, some of the poorest people in America, plant gardens, learn healthy food preparation and preservation, and develop farmer’s markets.  These are just two; it’s amazing to look at the number of charitable projects described on the Paul Mitchell website over their 30-year history.

The “20/20” show will give you a sneak peek into their home and life here in Austin.  There are a few of preview photos on the ABC website; also featured on the show, among others, is CEO of Zappos.com, Tony Hsieh.  This looks to be a great peek into some fabulous lives and a nice chat with a neighbor.