Sewanhaka cosmetology department hosts fundraiser

The Sewanhaka High School’s Cosmetology Department volunteered their time after school on Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., to raise money for cancer survivors and previvors. A total of $1,126 was raised by nearly 60 participating cosmetology students at Sewanhaka High School, located at 500 Tulip Ave. in Floral Park. Teachers Maryanne Contarino, Grace Jennings, Virginia Amadi and Ann DiMaria were also very involved.

The department offered manicures, facials, haircuts and hair styling to the public for donations to www.previvorsandsurvivors.com, a website dedicated to cancer survivors and previvors — those who have not yet been affected, but can focus on early detection.

“They provide breast cancer patients, and people who have gone through mastectomies and hysterectomies, with free meals and meals for their families,” explained Olimpia Nicholls, an instructor in Sewanhaka’s Cosmetology Department. “They also provide free transportation to and from hospitals, and hairdressers, and they go to their homes and pamper them.”

Nicholls said the department has participated in four fundraisers, including for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Tobey Young, founder of www.previvorsandsurvivors.com, said Sewanhaka’s faculty and students worked hard.

“Many of the students gave up their tips to include it in our donation box,” Young said, adding that Sewanhaka High School’s cosmetology students provide free services every Thursday and Friday morning. “In this economy, I think this is very important … they could use the people coming to practice on and learn their trade, and people can get a free service.”

Free services are available at the high school Tuesday and Friday mornings, from 8 and 10 a.m., by appointment: (516) 488-9639.