Salon 'chops' its prices to support fundraiser William Anthony Salon offered $10 haircuts to benefit The Arc BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer JENNIFER AMATO Hairdresser Joyce Cahill, of South River, gives Maryanne Urbaniak, of Hillsborough, a haircut in exchange for a donation to The Arc of Middlesex County. The William Anthony Salon on Livingston Avenue in North Brunswick raised over $800 on April 27 through their fundraiser. NORTH BRUNSWICK - The William Anthony Salon tried to be a cut above the restApril 27, holding a cut-a-thon fundraiser in support of TheArc ofMiddlesex County. Located at 971 Livingston Ave. in Livingston Plaza, the salon neighbors the state office of The Arc, whose mission is to help people with disabilities achieve their goals and have equal life opportunities. They assist with everyday needs such as getting a job, owning an apartment, making medical appointments, banking, cooking and laundry. Therefore, salon owners Billy Campbell, of South Brunswick, and George Danton, of Pennsylvania, wanted to volunteer their services for the cause. "For the kids,we thought thiswas a good foundation for them," Campbell said. The 12 employees of the salon normally work on Sundays, but volunteered their time last week so that 100 percent of the $853 raised could go toward The Arc. Sammy Elkasri, of North Brunswick, a hairdresser whoworks at the full-service hair salon, said she didn't mind because "to donate my time is nothing. Iwish I could do thismore often." She normally does a lot of highlights and coloring, but enjoyed doing just haircuts because she felt the customers were very supportive of the charity. "Today there was a great atmosphere," she said. Normal haircuts for men, women and children cost around $27, but William Anthony asked for a $10 donation and provided full haircuts, not just trims. Maryanne Urbaniak, of Hillsborough, was one of the 40 customers- both regular clients and new patrons - who decided to stop by during the five-hour fundraiser and take advantage of the price cut. She had been to the salon once before and returned again because "I thought this was a good chance to support an organization and to get a haircut," she said. Deciding to trade in her longer locks for a shorter do, Urbaniak also decided to help TheArc because there is a center near where she lives. "It's the kids that need help and people donate more than just a few dollars to help them," she said. "When I leave here, I'm going to feel like I did a meaningful thing: I donated to a good cause. It also benefited me. It's nice to see other people come in and donate and do a good thing," she said. Campbell said Lou Herchele of NewBrunswick, LABagels ofEdison, The Business Bistro in New Brunswick, My Favorite Muffin of North Brunswick, Dunkin'Donuts of North Brunswick, North Brunswick Cable Channel 15, Scala Bakery in North Brunswick, Anthony's Trattoria in North Brunswick, and Greater Media's WCTC 1450 AM and Magic 98.3 FMradio stations supported the cause. The next fundraiser for The Arc will be the 2008 Step Up for The Arc Walkathon at Roosevelt Park in Edison on May 17. Rutgers University head football coachGreg Schiano is in his second year as the honorary team captain for the walk, and various companies including PSE&G, DCH Brunswick Toyota andGreaterMedia radio stations, sponsor the walk. "People come out because they care and want to help others. It's a way of giving back to the community. They are grateful for what they have and they want to share," said Bill Boyles, director of strategic advancement for TheArc. TheArc ofMiddlesex is located at 219 BlackHorse Lane, Suite 1,North Brunswick. There is a state office at 985 LivingstonAve. For more information about The Arc or the walkathon, call (732) 821- 1199 ext. 145, or visit www.arc-middlesex. org. For more information about the salon, call (732) 828-6888. To make an additional donation, residents may drop off an envelope with their name on it to the salon.