Leo Maiolo, the morning disc jockey for 105.7 The Bird, and listener Justin Lahaie are taking part in a fundraiser where each is attempting to collect $1,057 to donate to Friends Together and they also intend to donate their long locks to Wigs for Kids, which makes wigs for children who are losing their hair because of cancer treatments.

The $1,057 amount mimics the call numbers for The Bird, but the hope is much more money is raised.

A haircutting party is slated at Players Pub and Grub on Oct. 2 beginning at 4:30 p.m., if and when the monetary goals are met.

The event will also feature food and drink specials, along with prizes and raffles. If both Maiolo and Lahaie reach their goals, Player’s Pub has agreed to donate $1,057 to the cause, too.

Justin Lahaie

Suzi Wikaryasz, the owner of Salon Suzi, will cut the men’s hair during the event and it will be turned over to Wigs for Kids.

Shannon Roeske, program director for The Bird, said both men were considering cutting their hair, but decided together that if they did, they wanted the decision to help others.

“This is going to help people in the community,” she said. “It will help support Friends Together’s programs, to help pay for gas cards for people to use them to get to doctor appointments out of town, and all of the great things Friends Together does.”

Friends Together Executive Director Melissa Burns said Maiolo and Lahaie’s generosity and compassion is admirable, welcome, and hopefully motivates other young people to participate in philanthropy.

“What stands out to me the most is the significance of young adults stepping up to make a positive impact,” Burns said. “Both Leo and Justin exemplify what it means to support our community. I hope their involvement inspires other young people to follow suit. Every person, regardless of ability, has something valuable to contribute to the greater good of our community.

Wikaryasz said it is an honor to be the one to cut the men’s hair when the time comes. She said Friends Together and Wigs for Kids are amazing organizations, which she also supports.

“Friends Together is very close to my heart and I am glad to be a part of this,” she said. “I think it is great that the guys are willing to give up their hair and their time to help others. It is very cool.”

People who want to donate can click on the donation link on the Friends Together and The Bird’s Facebook pages. Donations can also be dropped off at the radio station’s office at 123 Prentiss St. in Alpena. Donations will also be accepted at the party at Players Pub.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.