Hairy Situations Help Those in Need

Whether they’re rockin’ the Telly Savalas or the Magnum, P.I., individuals across the metro area are making a difference in our community through the power of their hair.

This March, two organizations – Mustaches for Kids and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation – will help change the lives of children throughout St. Louis thanks to the dedicated volunteers who are willing to volunteer their time and hair follicles.

Participants raising money for Mustaches for Kids - St. Louis Chapter started growing mustaches on Feb. 18 to prepare for the ‘Stache Bash mustache contest on Saturday, March 20, at Atomic Cowboy.

According to Jeff Howard, founder of the local chapter, during the four-week growing period, participants are seeking donations for DonorsChoose.org – an education nonprofit through which public school teachers can submit projects for funding. Local St. Louis and Missouri projects include everything from art supplies for autistic students to flash cards to help elementary students build their math skills.

To learn more about Mustaches for Kids or to contribute to a grower’s selected project, just visit the St. Louis chapter Web site.

On March 6, up to 265 men, women and children will go under the razor to shave their heads, raising both funds and awareness for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research.

Laura Wulf, a nurse at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and a founder of St. Baldrick’s in St. Louis, noted this year’s shave day includes a balloon artist, a visit from Fredbird, silent auction and 50/50 raffle as well as the entertainment of seeing friends and families sacrifice their hair.

Since 2004, the event at Helen Fitzgerald’s Irish Grill and Pub has raised more than $1 million locally. Said Wulf, “Our event has brought a great deal of awareness to our local community about childhood cancer and the importance and successes in the field due to the support of research.”

Brian Bueter of House Springs has participated in the event for the past four years. “I shave in memory of our neighbor's son, Charlie Long, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 6 and lost his battle to this terrible disease at the age of 8. Even to the end Charlie was a fighter and thought of others. His parents have a team called Charlie's Angels that shave in his memory – this team even includes his father and sister.  I hope by participating that we can help find a cure for pediatric cancers.”

While registration for shavees is closed, you can visit the St. Baldrick’s-Helen Fitzgerald’s site to find a shavee, learn more about the event or, even better, donate to this worthwhile cause.

The research group Convio recently ranked St. Louis the eighth most generous city in the country. With organizations like Mustaches for Kids and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation – and the hundreds of generous St. Louisans who support their causes – it’s easy to see why!

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle blogger for SmartParenting