Manalapan Hair Salon Holds Fundraiser To Fight Breast Cancer

MANALAPAN, NJ — On Monday, Oct. 28 well-known Manalapan hair salon Studio 455 will hold its fourth annual “Blowout Breast Cancer” fundraiser.

Stop by Studio 455 (at 455 Rt. 9 in Manalapan) from 4-8 p.m. that day and get beautiful while raising funds for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer," an annual walkathon sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

This year’s local walk in Point Pleasant is scheduled for October 20.

During “Blowout Breast Cancer” stylists at the salon will be offering $20 blowouts to raise funds for Team Nurse, a walk-a-thon team from Marlboro. One of the Studio 455 stylists, Victoria LoPresti, is on the team. She walks every year in honor of her mother, Doreen LoPresti, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.

Doreen unfortunately lost her battle to breast cancer in 2013, but her motivation to help find a cure continues on every year through her daughter.

LoPresti placed first last year for a total of $15,300 in funds raised by her efforts. The Team Nurse ranked second last year by raising nearly $19,000 in total funds. Studio 455 raised over $4,600 in funds last year.

The salon is usually closed on Mondays, but the stylists are donating their time on Oct. 28 for the fundraising.

Studio 455 — winner of Asbury Park Press 2019 Readers’ Choice for Best Hair Salon, Monmouth County — opened in 1998 with a small staff of six. Now celebrating its 21st anniversary, they now have more than 30 people working there.

“At our salon we get to know our clients intimately' many become dear friends,” said co-owner Jean Gatyas. “Life is a journey filled with ups and downs and we have known many of our clients since high school when they come in to get their hair styled for their proms, then continue as brides, throughout their careers and as moms who then bring in their children.”

Gatyas founded Studio 455 with co-owners Rich Dalziel and Debi Rucci.

Gatyas said that through the years some of their clients have been diagnosed with cancer and undergone treatments; and subsequently they seek advice and solutions for hair loss from Studio 455 stylists. And they then celebrate with a new hairstyle during remission.

Studio 455 will be conducting various fundraising efforts including pink decorations, delicious snacks, gift bags and 20% off product purchases during October to show their appreciation for their customers. Also a gift basket brimming with gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses will be auctioned off during the event.

Where: 455 Route 9 South, Manalapan, NJ (in the South Mart Shopping Center) (732) 972-9890 www.studio455salon.com @studio455