On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the MacArthur Varsity cheerleading team held a fundraiser in search of a cure for breast cancer. The cheerleaders sold over 250 pink hair extensions to students, faculty members and teachers at $10 per hairpiece.
Later the following week, Cheryl Torre and Jessica Nelson, beauticians from Salon Fringe in Amityville, came to MacArthur. They volunteered their time from 6 to 10:45 p.m. and installed the hair extensions. Salon owner Janet Pesa was able to order three different shades of pink for the participants to choose from. Most of the people getting the actual extensions were females, however there were some males that did have extensions put in. Many students and staff members that did not receive a hair piece, donated money in the name of someone that has survived, someone that has passed or simply for future cures and prevention.
MacArthur High School members were not the only participants. The Levittown Community was also represented by the varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders from Division Avenue coached by Kristin Malik and Ericka Meany. Additionally, members from LICCA (Long Island Cheerleader Coach’s Association) also showed their support. Melissa Mehling from Carle Place cheerleading brought her team to the fundraiser. Lisa Ingentio from Seaford cheerleading also encouraged her cheer team to participate. Freeport coach Laurie Kolodny brought her family and friends as well.
When the night was over, hundreds of people left with pink hair and with the assurance that they did their part to fight this common disease. After final hair extension counts were completed and final donations had been tallies up, the MacArthur cheerleading team and Salon Fringe raised $3,000 in the name of breast cancer. The MacArthur cheerleaders would like to thank the salon, all participants and donors for their help, time and effort.
