With hair dryers humming and brushes rolling, Kristin Messina and Kaitlyn Mikule of Marissa Michaels Salon of Andover prepared models for the runway at the recent Hats On dinner and fashion show hosted by the Hallmark Health Cancer Center.

The Hats On event was designed to show solidarity with women and men undergoing cancer treatment. Monies raised help the cancer center come closer to its goal of building a boutique in its Stoneham facility that will fit wigs, hats, scarves and prosthetic devices in a dignified atmosphere.

Because the cancer center draws so many patients from the Andover area, Dennis Forman, owner of Marissa Michaels, said he is pleased that the salon was able to be involved in the event.

"We have a strong commitment at the salon to give back to organizations that make a positive impact in our customer's lives. Hats On was a great opportunity to participate in an event that was fun and very important at the same time," he said.

This first-time event attracted 360 women and men and featured a talk by the Hats On Honorary Chairperson, Kelley Tuthill of WCVB-TV, Channel 5, who courageously chronicled on television her battle with breast cancer, according to a release.

The Hallmark Health Cancer Center is a member of Hallmark Health System, a charitable provider of vital health services to Boston's northern communities. The system includes Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, the Cancer Center of Stoneham and the Reading Health Center.