Ripped and Stripped for the Cure

Men lined up for a waxing. “I’d been wanting to do something to support breast cancer awareness month,” said Jane Ury, owner of DeVitos Barbershop at 117 E. Miller St. “But, I just cut men’s hair.”

Enter Todd Howard — local mailman. He had this crazy idea. Men could have their legs waxed and women (or other men) would pay to watch or even to pull off a strip. Geared up in shorts, hairy legs exposed, 17 males turned out Thursday to be stripped — of the hair on their lower extremities in this hairless-raising event.

“It hits close to home for me,” said Newark resident Kevin Schutz, of the cause. “There’s a lot of cancer in my family.”

Earlier, the men were out beating the streets, drumming up pledges.

“Two of my aunts are breast cancer survivors,” said Ben Harder, of Newark. “It’s a way to show respect for them.”

Hot wax was applied to legs by licensed cosmetologists, Roxy Cantwell, of Marion, and Gina Johnson, of Newark, paper placed over the wax, which was then ripped away — hair and all.
“It’s not too bad,” said Schutz, then added with a laugh, “but, I’m not coming back to get it done again tomorrow.”

In all, 40 people donated their money, raising $3,574 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Top donor, Dave Harder, received pledges from every employee of the town of Arcadia and from the Wayne County Town Highway Superintendents Association.

“When I decided to get involved,” said Dave, “I got on my cell phone and called all my contacts. My sister, Brenda Westcott, and my Aunt Sharon had breast cancer. I did it for them.” Dave raised $1,435.
“It was a great effort,” he said. “I hope we can build from here next year.” Howard never imagined the fundraiser would become this large. “I would like to make this an annual event,” he said.

Facility, staff and food were donated by the barbershoped by the barbershop.