Couture Cut-a-Thon for Matt's Mission Raises Almost $700

On April 22, hosted a to benefit , raising $690. Matt's Mission was founded in honor of Matthew Picciuto, who died on May 23, 2009, and had written in his yearbook that he wanted to make a difference.

His mom, , took on that goal and has given back to the community in countless ways since founding Matt's Mission. Riordan was on hand to take these great photographs as people came in for haircuts, feather extensions and glitter tattoos. Debbie Lear, owner of Couture Hair Studio, organized the event.

"I had cut her daughters' hair and had heard the whole story about Matt and Matt's Mission and thought it would be nice to give back," said Lear. "She's doing such a great job and I just wanted to help."

Lear had plenty of help at the Cut-a-Thon as her parents helped as did Britney Colwell, a hairdresser at Couture. The help didn't stop there, though, as CarolAnn Candenella, who owns her own salon in Guilford, and Shaun O'Brien, who is a teacher but has been a stylist for 30 years.

"He walked in Debbie's shop on Saturday and said he would like to donate his time and cut hair," said Riordan. "Thank goodness he did–it was so busy!"

"He was wonderful–a godsend," said Lear.

Other volunteers included Sarah Rapuano and the Rebeshi family, which held a wine tasting party to benefit Matt's Mission. Riordan also received checks from people who designated their charitable work contributions to Matt's Mission Fund including All For One Fund (St. Raphael's), a Pitney Bowes employee and a United Way contributor. 

"I am so overwhelmed that almost three years later, the love and support for my family and son is as strong as ever," said Riordan. "Passion usually waxes and wanes, but I think Matt's Mission Fund has snowballed. People are just amazing." 

You can or register for the Matt's Mission on Sunday, May 20. You can also check out Couture Hair Studio on Facebook.

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