NYIB Gatsby Competition Raises Over $10,000 for Autism SpeaksTHE EVENT: Each year the New York Institute of Beauty, and Long Island Beauty School hosts a hair, nails and make-up competition to support and raise awareness for Autism. Anthony Civitano, the co-owner of the Long Island Beauty Schools Hempstead and Hauppauge, NY and the New York Institute of Beauty, Islandia, NY, has a son named Jack, who is on the Autism spectrum. The schools have chosen Autism Speaks as their national charity each year, on behalf of Team Jack.

THE DETAILS: This year's beauty gala was organized by the NYIB Make-up Team, Long Island Chapter at Chateau La Mer in Lindenhurst, NY. The Great Gatsby themed hair competition coincided with Halloween and guests were encouraged to dress accordingly. Attendees were treated to a cocktail hour, a dinner buffet, dessert, cash bar, raffles a 50/50 and an amazing Wild Cherryz burlesque dance performance and red carpet appearance by Long Islands' own, singer Nick Tangorra.

Drag Super Star Xtah C Extraordinaire served as the celebrity guest judge of the competition for the cosmetology students. Trophies and cash prizes were awarded to the winners listed below: 

Winners in the Hair Competition sponsored by Wella School Systems, Symbiotic Salon Systems, Burmax, Design Essentials

First Place: Ashley Vessa- Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge

Second Place: Mirlene Virgle- Long Island Beauty School, Hempstead

Third Place: Sara Rios- Long Island Beauty School, Hempstead

Winners in the Make-Up Competition sponsored by MUD Make Up Designory Competition Winners

First Place: Jessica West-Nigro - Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge

Second Place: Lauren McKee- Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge

Third Place: Monique Norwich- Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge

Fan Favorite Make-Up: Kristy Delaney- New York Institute of Beauty, Islandia

Winners in the Nail Competition Sponsored by OPI

First Place: Nicole Ragoonath- New York Institute of Beauty, Islandia

Second Place: Angela Valladares- New York Institute of Beauty, Islandia

Third Place: Megan Fricke & Valeen Kalimootoo (Tie for 3rd Place) - Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge

DOING GOOD: Throughout the year, NYIB has raised $10,000 for Autism awareness. This year's Great Gatsby Beauty Competition and Gala raised and donated an additional $10,300.

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