A day of free haircuts generated $660 in donations for Shore 2 Recover and St. Paul's kitchen in Bay Head, which has been serving free, hot meals to Sandy-impacted residents since the storm hit.

Area residents were treated to free haircuts but many made donations at the event at Ciao Bella Salon, 516 Bay Ave., Point Beach, on Jan. 27. The event was primarily organized by Point Pleasant Beach-based Shore 2 Recover.

Ciao Bella owner Denise Brzezinski allowed the event to be held at the salon. In addition to lending their hairdressing skills, Ciao Bella stylists Michele Carr, Kelly Kelly, Tina Elliot, Rossanna Reynolds, Nicole Valentino and Kim Daddato, along with manager Jessica Goretski, prepared hot food to serve to the patrons.

Bay Avenue’s Little Sweet Cakes donated cupcakes and The Beanery provided the coffee.

Goretski also enlisted the help of friends Michael Servello and Kyle Bellevue who dressed in colorful tuxedos and served the food. Point Boro musicians Kaili McDonald and Katie Provinzano performed songs entertaining all in attendance during the afternoon.

NJ Skateshop donated skate-related shoes and apparel, which was distributed at the event by Team Braveheart, a motivational group. 

Hair stylists Cristina Ortiz of Roselle and Nutley resident Jo Carlo and the crew from “Haircuts for a Cause” spearheaded the event.

The stylists of Ciao Bella and Haircuts for a Cause provided 66 haircuts and 27 manicures at the four-hour event.

Shore 2 Recover, founded in December 2012 by Point Beach resident Toni Pecunia, is working to assist the rebuilding process in the Point area and down the barrier island. For example, they will supply home heating assistance to a local family of a special needs child with the proceeds of Sunday’s event.

St. Paul's continues to supply meals and information to storm-impacted locals as it has since the storm.