The event, which has been held for the past decade, has raise $35,477 since inception
It was a day filled with pampering - haircuts, buzz cuts, facials and manicures.
But the 10th annual Style-A-Thon, hosted at Gloucester County Institute of Technology on Saturday, was more than an affordable day of relaxation. It brought the community and students together to raise money for City of Hope in Philadelphia to help find a cure for cancer.
"I wanted to do something that would help the community and polish the students' skills," said Theresa Kerney, cosmetology instructor at the alternative education high school on Tanyard Road in Sewell.
She said the event, which has reached a milestone celebrating its 10th birthday, is a win-win for not only the students and the community looking for a day to themselves, but also for cancer research and those seeking treatment.
Kerney started the program in 2007 as a community service project for the students. And from there it grew raising $35,477 since inception.
All proceeds benefit the California-based cancer research center, which has a location in Philadelphia.
Gently leaning on the wall above the hair washing station in the salon room at the school is a giant check written out to City of Hope for $4,300. Kerney said it's a reminder of how much was raised the year before and marks the minimum set to be raised for this year.
"Every year we try to outdo the previous year," she said.
Haircuts, wash and sets, blow dry styling, basic manicures and braiding were all listed at $5 each. Facials and paraffin manicures were $8, while hand massages were $3.
About 50 students ranging from freshman to seniors were interacting with "customers" and washing, cutting and blow drying hair; giving facials in a classroom transformed into a relaxing oasis; and giving manicures.
It gives the students a chance to "show off and shine," Kerney said.
Morgan Frye, 17, is a senior at GCIT who aspires to become a hairdresser. She said getting her own chair at the event every year for the past four years makes it feel like she is working in a salon.
Sophomore Kayla Estberg, 16, of Sewell, started volunteering at the event last year. She said it allows her to gain real-world experience, including social skills, for a good cause.
"Today is all about taking a personal day for yourself because they are at work all week," she said, as she tended the Kay Johnson and massaged her hands.
"It's such a good good cause," said Johnson, who spent the past four years as a GCIT's Academy of Allied Health & Medical Services teacher and has a sister who is a cancer survivor. "It's a win-win for everybody."
The high schoolers were accompanied by alumni and instructors as they prepare to head out into the field once they graduate.
Joe Mancini, 22, graduated BCIT's barber program in 2014. He's back at the event for the fourth time, but this year as a full time barber.
"I like the feel of helping and raising money for a good cause," he said.
Outside of the yearly fundraising event, GCIT has a fully operational salon that's open to the public during the school year from Monday to Thursday 8:15 to 10 a.m. and Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Appointments are recommended and hours are subjected to change.
The New Image Salon is located on the high school campus at 1360 Tanyard Road, Sewell.
For more information about the salon call 856-468-1445, ext. 2875.
Organizers raised $2,694 for the day. Although they didn't meet the goal, donations are still being collected.
Kerney said monetary donations can be made out to City of Hope or Gloucester County Institute of Technology and mailed to or dropped of at the school.
Styling products donated by vendors for the event can also be purchase with the proceeds benefiting City of Hope.