On Wednesday, April 9th, our school held a Bald for Bucks event at 2-2:30 in the cafeteria; a fundraising initiative for children in the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, (RPCCC). This event encouraged participants to either, shave, cut or style their hair, in order to raise funds for cancer research. The event buzzed with excitement as attendees enjoyed a vibrant basket raffle, mouthwatering food, and an array of fun games to keep everyone entertained and smiling. We went down to the event to interview some of our advisors and participants, specifically Mr. VanderWater, as this was his last bald for bucks event. Here’s what he had to say.
“If you could say one thing to everyone who’s been involved, what would it be?”
MV: “Thank you, thank you for helping people survive cancer, thank you for remembering those we lost.”
“If this event could speak back to you, what do you think it would say?”
MV: “It would say, how many years do you have to be up there to prove you have an ugly head.”
“What are you going to miss most about being apart of this event?”
MV: “You know what I really love is when we’re raising money, me and the other students doing this, we’re doing it together, its not like I’m a teacher, you’re a student, were just equal doing it together…It takes away that student-teacher thing I like being apart of that. ”
We also spoke to our principal, Mr. Pafk, asking him: What message do you want to share with people who might be hesitant to donate or get involved?
MP: “There’s no hesitation whatsoever because its such a good cause, I think everyone is touched in some way, shape, or form whether its direct to their family or friends of theirs, and no donation whether its time, money, is too big or too small. Definitely encourage everyone to be apart of it.”
Next, we talked to Mrs. Breske, Keon Breske’s mom, to ask her: How does it feel having a son contributing?
MB: “It feels really good for him to be passionate about helping others…I’m really proud of him.”
Last, we talked to freshman Chase Pocobello.
“What message do you hope to send by participating today?”
CP: “Some people have to go through chemo and they don’t wanna lose their hair, and like I have no problem doing it, so hopefully it motivates people.”
Bald for Bucks represents the strength of our community and the impact of collective action. Through everyone’s efforts, we helped raise money for the children of RPCCC. Thank you to all who helped by donating, spreading awareness, and participating!
