54°
Hero For Men Barbering — along with Newtown’s Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy and Ricci’s Salon — is scheduled to offer men’s and women’s cuts on Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a donation to help fund the construction of Sean Pesce’s house in West Haven.
Pesce was shot 13 times and had a bullet sever his spine while serving as an Army Ranger. Now paralyzed from the waist-down, he is seeking to build a house that will accommodate the challenges he faces on a day-to-day basis.
Hero’s owner Daniel Riccio, who adorned the wall of his barbershop with pictures of military and first responder heroes, said it’s important that those in the community recognize heroes such as Pesce.
“I think its important that we give back, and I think that it’s important that we recognize them as the heroes that they are,” he told the Daily Voice.
All the proceeds from the event will go to Homes For Our Troops, a national nonprofit that is helping Pesce to build an accessible house, according to Riccio.
Men can receive a haircut for $20. Women can either receive a haircut and blow-dry for $25 or just a blow-dry for $15. Everyone is welcome to simply stop by and donate as well, Riccio said.
Newtown's Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy, which Riccio and his son, Matthew, own along with the salon and the barbershop, has also trained many students who are veterans.
“We’re very attuned to veterans,” he said. “It’s also heartfelt for us because on a day-to-day basis we are working with veterans.”
Riccio said he appreciates the service of the veterans and feels a duty to help them.
“The least that we can do for our veterans when they come home is to either retrain them or and/or help with them living situation,” he said.
To help fund Pesce’s new home, Newtown resident Lois Barber is also holding a beautiful baby photo contest.
Those wishing to have their hair cut during the May fundraiser can call 203-426-1611 for an appointment. Riccio said walk-ins will also be accommodated during the event, which is set to take place at Ricci’s Salon & Spa, 99 S. Main St. in Newtown.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Newtown and receive free news updates.
