4th Annual Cut-a-Thon to benefit autism awareness was a great success!

[Guest guest]

Here's another update regarding this weekend's fundraiser for NAA-NEO and Autism Speaks.

Sincerely,

Pattison

National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) Helping Hand Program Manager P. O. Box 221195 Beachwood, OH 44122 E-mail: apattison@... Phone (216)544-1231 Web: www.autismnortheastohio.org

4th Annual Cut-a-Thon to benefit autism awareness was a great success!

April 28, 2009 (North Olmsted, Ohio): April is National Autism Awareness Month and North Olmsted’s Salon & Spa hosted their 4th annual Cut-a-thon last Sunday April 26th 2009 in support of this worthy cause.

This year the staff and guests of Salon & Spa raised over $5400 for the National Autism Association North East Ohio and Autism Speaks!

Don Pattison of the National Autism Stylist, LaManna with his

Assocation and Stella Rusek mother of nephew Rusek and mom

Rusek who suffers with Autism Stella Rusek of Brunswick, Ohio

Salon & Spa employees donated their time, creativity and talent for the event which began at 10am. This year they opened one hour earlier than usual to accommodate some very special guests. Several children from the autistic community were given the opportunity to get their haircut in an atmosphere and environment which is conducive to their needs. As one parent within the community stated, “I cannot express enough how amazing it is that this event is taking place. My poor daughter has been running around with her bangs down to the tip of her nose for months. I just didn't even know how to approach it due to her severe sensory issues. Thank you so much to all parties involved for caring

about this function of our lives. Nobody but those that care about the Autism community could possibly understand the grief in something as simple as a haircut. We are in Akron, but it was well worth the trip North!†The event opened to the general public at 11am.

As soon as the doors opened stylists and technicians were busy with guests who were interested in receiving haircuts, waxes and polish changes – with all proceeds going to charity – including tips! By the end of the day, the team of stylists and technicians had done over 100 services!

In addition to the proceeds from the services and tips, there was also a highly successful raffle and generous donations from local organizations to sponsor stations. Salon & Spa was able to raise over $5400 for the National Autism Association North East Ohio and Autism Speaks.

Autism is a neurological disorder which affects as many as 1 in every 150 children born in the United States. Autism can affect any child, in any family, and it knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Several children and families who are directly affected by autism attended the event, including Salon & Spa employee LaManna’s nephew, Rusek. , 16, enjoyed getting a haircut from his uncle and being part of the event.

The mission of the National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio Chapter (NAA-NEO, on the web at www.autismnortheastohio.org) is to provide local families who have a child or children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder the tools to access and locate necessary treatments as well as providing financial assistance to help defray the cost of such treatments. Over 40 grants have been awarded to families already in 2009, with 60 more waiting to be funded.

Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org) is focused on funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cures for autism; raising public awareness about autism, its effects on individuals, families and society; and to bring hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

“Once again, we have been thrilled to be able to help local families who are affected by autismâ€, says owner Petrella, “We always appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community and would like to thank everyone who supported Cut-a-thon 2009.â€

Stettin, owner of

Salon & Spa, North Olmsted, Ohio

Salon & Spa is a full-service salon and spa located in the Macy’s wing of Great Northern Mall in North Olmsted, Ohio. The salon has been owned and operated by Petrella and Stettin since November 1998.

Varga Salon & Spa Salon Manager

440 734 7595

www.davidscottsalon.com

This message was sent from National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio. It was sent from: NAA-NEO, P. O. Box 221195, Beachwood, OH 44122.