Paterson, NJ [April 22, 2010] - The Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, founded by Dina Manzo of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” has been enriching the lives of seriously ill pediatric patients and their families at SJCH in Paterson, NJ since 2007. Through a number of ongoing initiatives including day trips, birthday parties and financial assistance to families in need, the organization has performed miracles for patients in the children’s hospital. In recognition of their important work, Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres of Paterson has proclaimed the month of May “Ladybug Month” in order to raise awareness of the cause and promote the newest undertaking by Project Ladybug: a playground on the grounds of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for patients who cannot afford a day away from the hospital due to treatment and ongoing care.

In partnership with SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA, and as part of Ladybug Month, The Project Ladybug Fund at SJCH has launched Lucky Locks. From May 1st through June 7th, supporters of the cause may visit participating salons to receive a single red hair extension for a donation of $10. The Project Ladybug Lucky Locks extension may be seen in Dina’s hair during Season Two episodes of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” beginning May 3rd at 10 pm ET/PT on Bravo.

“On behalf of The Project Ladybug Fund, I would like to thank Mayor Torres for his support of the organization,” says Dina Manzo, Founder of Project Ladybug. “My work with St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is incredibly important to me and without the support of others, none of it would even be possible. I hope women will take part in Lucky Locks and sport a red extension like mine!”

The playground that Dina and Project Ladybug hope to build with the money raised by Lucky Locks will provide young patients with an important respite from the difficult treatments they face daily. Plans for the playground are underway and include a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment. In addition to the new playground, Project Ladybug hopes to expand on the recent renovation of the pediatric treatment room for hemotology/oncology patients by creating a more at-home feel throughout all areas of the Children’s Hospital. Dina also hopes to broaden the reach of The Project Ladybug Fund by distributing money raised to pediatric hospitals across the country.

“Over the years, Project Ladybug has become an incredibly important resource to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and we are very grateful to Dina and her organization for the positive impact and the wonderful work that they are doing here,” says Michael Lamacchia, M.D.,Chairman of Pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. “The children and St. Joseph’s health care team are already excited about the plans for a new playground and I hope to see Lucky Locks red hair extensions everywhere this month!”

Lucky Locks will allow supporters of The Project Ladybug Fund at SJCH the opportunity to show their commitment to, and raise awareness for, this incredibly deserving cause. With red hair extensions generously provided by SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA, supporters may visit a participating salon and receive a single red extension for a donation of just $10, which also includes removal of the extension at a later date. All proceeds will go to The Project Ladybug Fund’s playground plan for St. Joseph’s. For a list of participating salons, please visit www.luckylocks.org or call 877.855.4247.

“SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA is proud to work with Project Ladybug and the Lucky Locks initiative. We hope that by offering professional salon hair extensions in exchange for a charitable donation, we are providing salon clients with a fun, fashionable and trendy way to show their personal support for such an important cause,” says Ron Cardillo, Sr., President of SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA. “Our Lucky Locks red hair extensions will have people asking questions and help raise awareness not only of the fundraiser but of the vital services Project Ladybug provides to St. Joseph’s youngest patients.”

The Project Ladybug Fund at SJCH will conclude Ladybug Month and The Lucky Locks Initiative on Monday, June 7th with the annual Ladies Night Out event at The Brownstone (351 West Broadway, Paterson). The 4th Annual Event will feature dinner, dancing, celebrity appearances and a spectacular “tricky tray.” Tickets are available for $100 until May 14th and for $125 thereafter. For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://stjosephshealth.org/index.php/ladies-night-out

ABOUT THE PROJECT LADYBUG FUND AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

The Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital was founded by Dina Manzo, star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, in 2007 to provide “Make a Wish”-type services to patients being treated for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Through ongoing initiatives including day trips to Sesame Place and sporting events, gifts such as laptop computers and toys for patients, and financial assistance to families in need, the Project Ladybug Fund at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital has become an important resource to these patients and their families as they face lengthy treatment regimens. For more information or to support their important work, please visit: http://www.projectladybug.org or http://stjosephshealth.org/index.php/project-ladybug-fund/

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ, is an acute care state designated specialized children’s hospital known for its broad spectrum of advanced high quality pediatric services. With a focus on caring for the “whole child”, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital offers the expertise of more than 200 Board-certified pediatricians specializing in 24 pediatric concentrations, nurses who have received the Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence three consecutive times since 1999, and a skilled team of clinicians and support staff. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is a member of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. For more information, visit: http://www.stjosephshealth.org

ABOUT SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA

SHE Hair Extensions is based in Naples, Italy, with several offices across Europe and North America. SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA, the official North American branch, is headquartered in Mahopac Falls, NY, with numerous regional offices around the country. They have been featured in many professional beauty trade and consumer publications around the world. For more information regarding She Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA or to find a salon near you, visit www.SOCAPUSA.com or email Info@socapusa.com.

For media inquiries regarding SHE Hair Extensions by SO.CAP. USA, contact Hannah Mayo or Larry Oskin of Marketing Solutions at Hannah@MktgSols.com or 703-359-6000 ext. 34. www.mktgsols.com.