Walt Whitman High School’s Robocats Robotics Club held its annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser on March 10th, a tradition that began in 2007 as a way to give back to the community. This year’s event was another resounding success, raising more than $19,000 for life-saving pediatric cancer research.
 

The event was founded 19 years ago by physics and engineering teacher Jaime Rogers, who started it as a community service project for the Robotics Club, known as the Robocats. Initially involving only 12 participants and raising $3,000, the fundraiser has grown significantly each year. “I thank everyone for supporting us,” said Mr. Rogers. “It's such a great cause. So many of us have had our lives touched by cancer. When I was 16, my mom had cancer. I saw some of my friends donate at a fire department St. Baldrick's event, and then I thought, 'You know what? Let's bring it to the school.'”
 

Among the top money raisers this year was Whitman senior Ryan Pastore, who raised $3,500. Ryan’s reason for volunteering is deeply personal, as he lost his sister, Marissa, to leukemia in 2015. He has been participating in the event since he was in third grade. To those who question his choice to shave his head, Ryan explained, “People have said things to me before like, 'Oh, well, why, why would you cut your hair like that?' And I say, 'My hair's gonna grow back. I'm doing this for the kids whose hair doesn't always grow back, and for my sister, because she can't be with me here today to do all this stuff.'”

 

The biggest “buzz” of the afternoon surrounded the mother-daughter team of Summer and Violet Chetty.  Eleven-year-old Violet and her mom each came with their beautiful long locks in a braided ponytail so their hair could be easily shaved off and donated to a charity that makes wigs for cancer and alopecia patients free of charge. Summer said it was her daughter’s idea. “She came home a couple weeks ago and said, 'Mom, I wanna do St. Baldrick's.' And I asked, 'Are you sure?' I told her, 'You know, kids are gonna make fun of you.' But she didn’t care. And I think because of her bravery—a few days later I said, 'I'm gonna do it with you.'” Their combined efforts also brought in nearly $3,500 for the cause.

 

The St. Baldrick's Foundation began in 1999 as a challenge between three friends who decided to shave their heads at a St. Patrick's Day party to raise money for childhood cancer research and stand in solidarity with children who lose their hair during treatment. Today, it is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants in the world, having awarded over $370 million to support life-saving treatments and clinical trials.

Thanks to everyone in the South Huntington family who worked the event and to our brave volunteers who lost their locks for a good cause!

 

Photo Gallery

 

Participants lined up as clippers began buzzing for the annual event. 

 

This student having the chance to shave her teacher’s head was a fun incentive!

 

Team Maple-Birch, seen before their haircuts here, raised over $10,000 this year.

 

Mr. Rogers presented a highest donor medal to Walt Whitman High School senior Ryan Pastore. 

 

Mr. Rogers had his head shaved by his son, who has been participating alongside his dad for many years. 

 

A clean shave for a good cause is sure to put a smile on your face!