• In Our Papers • About Us • Links • Advertising •
Google Custom Search  
       
 

Event raises money for unique charity

Photos and story by Larry Austin
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, March 29, 2007
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, March 31, 2007

After Beau Cheveux hairstylist Jayné Keller lopped off 10 inches from Brianna Larson’s long mane of brown hair, the North Tonawanda teen-ager shed a few tears.

Larson estimated her hair had taken three years to grow to that length.

“Why I was crying? Because I love my hair!” she said, facetiously. Larson was following in the footsteps of her sister, Chelsie, who donated her hair last year.

Beau Cheveux Salon and Day Spa, located at 9200 Niagara Falls Blvd., drew dozens of young girls like Larson who raised money for Locks of Love on Sunday, March 25. Those who participated in Locks of Love donated $10 to the organization, but those who donated 10 inches or more of hair had their hair cut by Beau Cheveux at no cost. Their hair would then be used in the making of hairpieces for children under 18.

   
Jayné Keller shows the remnants of Brianna Larson’s long hair during the Locks of Love fund-raiser.

Julie Goss, owner of Beau Cheveux, said this was the first time her salon has conducted the event.

“It’s awesome. I’m so excited,” Goss said. “Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, and what we have so far is just phenomenal.”

“In our first hour, we already had probably 100 people sign up.”


Roberta Siuta shows two ponytails cut from her hair by Julie Goss, owner of Beau Cheveux, during Sunday’s Locks of Love charity event. Siuta’s hair will be made into wigs for cancer patients. 		  

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller was scheduled to show up for the event and sign autographs, but his appearance was canceled. Goss was hoping Miller would help wield the scissors for a ceremonial haircut. The Miller mullet was not seriously in jeopardy.

Hair is a personal issue for girls especially. Sarah Banas, 15, of North Tonawanda took part in the event because, “It’s a good cause, and my grandma was diagnosed with cancer.”

Banas’ grandmother wears a wig due to the loss of her hair, a side effect of cancer treatment.

The wig “gives her a lot of confidence because if she was walking around without any hair, she’d be very self-conscious, and she wouldn’t go places,” Sarah Banas said.

Sarah and her mother, Roberta Banas, also participate in the Ride for Roswell fund-raiser.

“I think it’s great to have everybody come out at one time to donate all their hair because I know some girls wouldn’t have the guts to do it,” Sarah Banas said.