Everyone at Vanguard needs a haircut. Everyone.
St. Baldrick's is the brainchild of three Irish-American executives who, in 2000, turned their company's St. Patrick's day party into a head-shaving fundraiser for children with cancer. They ended up raising well over six times more than their goal with a total of $104,000 and started a tradition the FVEC adopted three years ago.
Today, St. Baldrick's raises more money towards the research of childhood cancer and funds more grants than any other non-profit organization. Today they have raised more than $117million towards their cause.
For the past three years, Vanguard and Forest View have participated in hosting St. Baldrick's events, raising money and collecting hair for locks of love. Last year, I even donated 9 inches of my own hair. My grandfather suffers from stomach cancer so I felt obligated to. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first but I manned up and went for it because I realized it would grow back almost instantly. And, to be honest, it felt really good knowing that I contributed to a fantastic cause.
I spoke with a fellow student who had a similar experience last year. Jessica Ogelsby who's a senior here at Vanguard, has many close family members that suffer from cancer. She shaved off and gave away almost 20 inches of her own hair at our St. Baldrick's event last year.
"Baldrick's is a wonderful organization that supports a good cause. It's so awesome seeing all these people coming together to help fight kids' cancer. I had many mixed emotions at first about donating my hair. I was really nervous at first about my appearance, but afterwards I felt so honored knowing that my hair was going to someone that needed it way more than I did. Afterall, I can always grow it back. Everyone should try donating at least once," said Ogelsby.
I also spoke to Olivia Gabcova who will be a speaker at this year's event. This cause is close to her heart. Her nine-year-old brother was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.
"I feel very privileged to be a part of Baldrick's because they help fund research and grants that make it possible to aid kids such as my brother in the fight against cancer. It gives these children a sense of hope they wouldn't have otherwise," stated Gabcova.
So far over twenty students have signed up to fundraise. Each student must raise a minimum of fifteen dollars and students who decide shave or cut their hair will receive a free lunch. With the ever-approaching date of March 15th closing in, students should sign up with Mr. Markos as soon as they can.
You can sign up here - http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/4482/2012
By: Eli Martinez
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