Walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons and most ‘a-thons’ are contests centered on performing the same task over and over with the bragging rights going to the contestant who outdistances the others.

But that’s not what the cut-a-thon to be held April 20 at Allure Salon on Main Avenue in Greenwood is all about. Neither Sue Mello, owner, or the four-member crew who will be volunteering their time, are looking to do more haircuts than the other.

Yet, in a sense they are looking to set records. They want to do as many cuts as possible between 2 and 6 p.m., not to gain notoriety as the fastest stylists or to just say they have done it. Rather, the goal is to raise as much as possible to help Rachel Kilday, whose ongoing battle with cancer has placed tremendous financial strain on the family.

Rachel’s story has touched the community and her friends have rallied to stage a pasta dinner – with homemade meatballs – on April 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on West Shore Road.

Sue is looking to do her bit to help as well.

Sue’s daughter Abby is a student at Gorton Junior High School. Alicia, Rachel’s daughter, also attends the school. The two are friends and often visit one another.

After reading a Beacon article about Rachel’s battle, Sue found herself asking, “What can I do as a friend?”

Her answer: “I’m lucky everyone around me is healthy. I can’t give $2,000 but I can give time.”

She talked to her crew and they also agreed they could give time.

The plan is to offer “wet cuts” for $10 with the full amount going to the Rachel Kilday Fund. In addition, every person bringing a food item will get a raffle ticket for a gift basket. Additional tickets will be sold for $1 with the proceeds going to the drive. The food collected will also be given to the Kilday family.

Wet cuts, Sue explained, take 15 to 20 minutes, or considerably less time than cuts followed by blow drying and styling. That way Sue estimates she can avoid delays and raise more money. If time allows, Sue said those patrons wanting the blow dry and styling would be able to get it for an additional $10 contribution to the fund.

The level of contribution sought is a discount over the salon’s going rates. A shampoo, cutting, blow dry and styling run for $32.

The suggested contribution is no mistake.

With the economy on the skids, Sue said she has seen a significant drop in business. People are holding back; cutting expenses wherever they can.

Sue figures the cut-a-thon is an opportunity for people to get a bargain, feel good about saving some money and feel good about helping Rachel. Also, she is hopeful it will turn out to be a wise business decision, as it will bring people into the salon, introducing them to the quality of work she and her stylists offer. Assisting at the event will be Jean Lebeau, Patti Hanson, Allison Meegan and Lisa Ciesynki. Abby will also help and Sue wouldn’t be surprised if Alicia makes an appearance.

For additional information, call Sue at the salon at 732-5335.

Betty Torcq, Rachel’s mother, said her daughter remains in good spirits, although she is now in a lot of pain and undergoing chemo treatments in Boston and radiation treatments here.

“Every time,” she said, “it seems like she has another form of cancer.” Rachel has been battling the disease for at least the past five years.

Betty said the Tri-City Elks, the Oakland Beach Volunteer Firefighters and the Firefighters Auxiliary are all assisting with the pasta dinner on April 19.

Tickets to the dinner are $20 and can be obtained by calling Betty at 732-0381.

Contributions can also be made to the Rachel Kilday Fund at Citizens Bank.