Nicole Storz On March 10th 2008, Salone Di Capelli, in Stewart Manor, and the Junior Women's Club of Bellerosehosted a Pantene Beautiful Lengths hair cutting event. Many women of all ages came to donate 8" or more of their hair to make wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Panteneand the Entertainment Industry Foundation have partnered with HairUWear to create this first-of-its-kind campaign that encourages people to grow, cut and donate their healthy hair to make high quality, hand tied, real-hair wigs. Once the donations are received and free wigs are made, they are distributed through the American Cancer Society's extensive network of wig banks across the country. Every six donations will provide 1 wig for a woman in need. Over 30 ponytails were collected as a result of this event.

Paige de Armas, of the Junior Women's Club of Bellerose, approached Joe Tetro, owner of Salone Di Capelli, back in November about hosting this event. "I was inspired by an episode of Oprah, where Hilary Swank cut her hair for the cause, so I went to the Beautiful Lengths website and started making plans to coordinate this event. Joe Tetro was also inspired when we spoke, and he and his staff of stylists were enthusiastic about hosting an event like this from the onset." said Paige. "My wife and I were always very involved in cancer-related fundraisers, so this event carries on in her legacy." says Joe. Joe's wife passed away from pancreatic cancer 3 years ago.

Isabel McKeown and Cara Adams So many wonderful people came out to help with the event. The stylists of Salon Di Capelli came on their day off to cut everyone's hair for free. Many of staff, and students performing community service, came as well to help shampoo, sweep, clean, and coordinate appointments, making the event run very smoothly. This event far exceeded my expectations. It was great to see so many people want to give of themselves. It was such a positive experience." said Paige de Armas.

The women who donated their hair so generosity are Annie Power, Kerry O' Hagan, Claire Byrne, Vicki Rattigan, Cara McGuire, Kathleen Smith, Caroline Galaner, Tami Felicetti, Jasmine Abel, and Karen McLoone of Floral Park; Cara Adams, Sarah Leone, Lindsay Marrinan, Isabel McKeown, Nicole Storz and Joanna Matuza and Suzanne Bautch of Garden City; Eileen Ungberg, Bryn Roeder and Natasha Fumasoli of Stewart Manor; Gabrielle DeMicco and Monika Henrichs of Franklin Square; Patricia Moloughney of New Hyde Park; Paige de Armas of Bellerose Village; Julie Roebuck of Bellerose; Gabriella Foto of Elmont; Debbie Kaufmann of Wantagh; Courtney Napoli of Oceanside; Jennifer Azzariti of Massapequa Park; Jill Tomczak of Maywood, NJ and an anonymous donation.

Sarah Leone The stylists of Salone Di Capelli who gave so graciously their time and talent were Gina Cella, Dina D'Agostino, Nancy Zith, Carmela DeOliviera, Jennifer D'Amore, Irene Perla and Jeanette Rivera, as well as the staff Lori Santagata, Jaime Scott and Samantha Friedberg. Local students Christina Cella, Claire Beatty, Melissa Santulli and Nicole Santagata helped as part of their school community service projects. Maryel Balletta, a member of the Junior Women's Club of Bellerose, came as Club Photographer and took amazing pictures, documenting the day. Amy Metz and Lauren Gurdus, representing the American Cancer Society, also came to lend their support.

Lindsay Marrinan If you would like to donate your hair, simply go to www.beautifullengths.com to review the hair requirements and learn about everything you need to know about cutting your hair for the cause.

Joanna Matuza