Relish Salon Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

By Erin McAlister
 On Monday, April 21^st, 2014, RelishHair Salon will be open from noon until six, doing great hair for a great cause. April is Autism Awareness Month, and, in recognition and celebration of autistic children and adults, the Relish team will be coming together, doing haircuts, color and blow-outs to raise money for The Hirsch Academy, a non-profit organization in metro-Atlanta which educates and honors autistic individuals and their families.
On this day, top Atlanta stylists and support team members of the Relish family will donate 100% of their time and talent – including their tips and the sales from hair care products – to the cause. At 12 noon, Ami Klin, Ph.D., Director of Marcus Autism Center will speak about issues concerning autistic individuals today. In Atlanta since January 2011, Dr. Klin has been at work implementing research studies and programs that change the lives of thousands of children with autism and their families. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S.: one in 88 children is affected by autism and related disorders nationally; one in 84 in Georgia.
On April 21^st, walk-ins will be welcomed, but appointments are strongly encouraged. There will also be a silent auction, raffle and plenty of food and drink. Call (404) 248-1009 to reserve your time. Men, women and children are all welcome.
Relish is a multi-cultural hair salon founded in 2009 by 3 hairdressers whose combined experience in the hair industry total over 50 years. Salon co-owner/stylist Erin McAlister is also the mother of an 11-year old autistic daughter. They are located in Glenwood Park, an in-town community that, like Relish, emphasizes and celebrates community, diversity and quality over quantity.
Based in Atlanta, the Marcus Autism Centeris a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism and related disorders, treating approximately 5,000 children a year. Marcus Autism Center offers services with the generous philanthropic support of community leaders and funding from local and state governments.