COST CUTTERS TEAMS UP WITH AUTISM SPEAKS

Many of us have seen the television ads that have been running recently that state the shocking statistic that 1 in 150 children are now being diagnosed with autism.The mysterious,developmental disability that strikes 67 children each day in this country,which translates to a new diagnosis happening every 20 minutes. April is Autism Awareness month and Tasha Chen, owner of the Cost Cutters Family Hair Salons, has once again volunteered to help. Throughout the month of April in each of her salons on the Treasure Coast: Stuart, Jensen Beach and Palm City, Tasha will make a donation of $2.00 from each eligible haircut to benefit Autism research. To participate in this program the client need only say they wish to have the $2.00 put into the fund.They will not be charged any additional fee to do so. This month-long drive reinforces the mission statement of commitment to community that Tasha outlined for herself when she started her business two years ago.

Tasha is teaming up with Jensen Beach resident Susan Maxwell, mom to 11 year-old Matthew who was diagnosed with autism in 1999. On March 2 in West Palm Beach, Susan was co-chair along with former CEO of NBC Universal, Bob Wright and his wife and Suzanne, for "Walk Now for Autism". The fundraising event drew 3,000 participants and raised an incredible $230,000.Susan was delighted with the participation and said, "each event helps bring awareness and brings us a step closer to finding a cure.I'm thrilled that Tasha has partnered with us on this great event. " In addition to being a busy mom, Susan is also a realtor with Premier Realty in Sewall's Point and donates a portion of her commissions to Autism Speaks.

"It is overwhelming to me that more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. As the mother of two young children I feel we all must do our part to help in any way we can. The cut-a-thon is something that I can do with my salons and help bring awarenessto this cause, said Tasha.

There is no medical detection or cure for autism. Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases, which is why the need for independent fundraising is so great. For more information on autism visit the website at www.autismspeaks.com.

Please drop infor a great haircut and support this extremely worthwhile cause.To make an appointment at the Jensen Beach Cost Cutters please call 692-0965, in Palm City call 223-0306, and in Stuart call 403-2214. COST CUTTERS is a Franchise of REGIS Corporation, a Minneapolis-based operator and franchisor of more than 5,000 Salons in six divisions.