Thursday, April 19, 2018

CUTTING LOCKS FOR LOVE

By GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ

This past Monday, April 16th, the Washingtonville High School’s Wizards Against Cancer Club and Catherine's Hair Salon teamed up for 4th annual Cuts for a Cure event.  Lucia Dugan originally started the event her senior year in 2015.   Over the course of three hours, teachers, students, members of the faculty and community members alike gathered into the small cafeteria which had miraculously been transformed into a hair salon. 

GABRIELLA MARKGJONAJ FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY
As customers arrived, they were directed into the cafeteria which was filled with purple ribbons, the color that represents all types of cancer.  The room was wall to wall with people eager to help the amazing cause while also getting a bit of a makeover.  One of the best parts of the event was the fact that there were also many cancer survivors attending who were thrilled to see the community come together to support them.  

The event had a lot to offer community members in need of a fresh new look.  Salons such as Catherines, from Salisbury Mills, and A Good Hair Day, located in New Windsor, set up shop and used their skills to beautify willing customers.  Some of the services the stylists offered included haircuts costing a mere 12 dollars, manicures for only 10 dollars and reflexology for just 12 dollars.  For those who are unaware, reflexology is a substitute for acupuncture therapy that targets parts of the body through hands and toes. 

Another special deal the salons offered were free haircuts to anyone generous enough to donate their lovely locks.  These hair donations went to ‘Wigs for Kids’, a foundation specializing in wigs that form tightly to the head to fit the lifestyles of active children.  These wigs make hobbies such as swimming, running, and jumping stress free for children who do not want to be left out of participating in sports and fun activities.

Mrs. Lynch, a guidance counselor and one of the advisors of WACC, expressed “how amazing it feels to be helping such a wonderful cause.”  Mrs Lynch also shared that “the money made during the event goes directly to the Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center, a place that WACC works very closely with throughout the year.  We also received 3 hair donations which is about 36 inches of hair!”

Cancer survivors felt the love and support of the community.
It takes a village to ensure that an event of this magnitude runs smoothly and successfully.  Volunteers and participants all ensured that this would be the case at Cuts for a Cure this year.  There were over 75 participants who received at least 1 of the 3 services offered and many more who just stopped in to donate.  As usual, the event was a tremendous success raising over 1,200 dollars.   Hopefully the tradition will continue in years to come.


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