KINGSTON, R.I. – March 15, 2018 – The University of Rhode Island is hosting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for a third time on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to raise awareness of childhood cancer. Participants will voluntarily have their heads shaved as they raise money for childhood cancer research. The event will be held in the URI Memorial Union Ballroom, 50 Lower College Road. Participants can register for the event here or in person the day of.
Before the big day, here are seven things you may not know about shaving the day for St. Baldrick’s:
1) The event’s organizer and co-coordinator is Ian Kanterman.
URI senior Ian Kanterman, who is majoring in biomedical engineering and French, started the event at URI in 2016 with fellow coordinator and organizer Vincent Evola. As a pediatric cancer survivor, he said the cause is particularly important. “I watched my cousin shave his hair in honor of me so many times before I finally went under the clipper and shaved my own. Cancer is never a positive thing, but without its lessons, I would not be as passionate as I am today to support nonprofits like the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and I would not be the person I am today. I do this because I have a second opportunity at life to make the most of it,” said Kanterman.
2) Participants may shave their head, donate hair, or fundraise to help the University reach its goal.
There are many ways to participate in the St. Baldrick’s event. Those attending the event can have their heads shaved, have 8 inches of hair removed, and/or donate money. There will even be opportunities to craft “Get Well” cards for patients at the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. If you can’t make it to the event, but still want to help the cause, you can donate here!
3) The event helps pediatric cancer patients in need.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-based charity that funds more childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. By getting involved, you’ll be giving hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers!
4) There are many activities at the event.
Those who donate will be eligible to enter a drawing for a couple of cool prizes that have been donated by local businesses and and organizations. Those shaving or donating their hair will have the opportunity to win a free Love Your Melon beanie (something to keep your bare melons warm!). There will be music and a photo booth!
5) Total Image Hair Salon is providing the haircuts at the event.
Brenda Celona, owner of Total Image Hair Salon in the Memorial Union, is the barber coordinator for the event. Celona recently celebrated 30 years at the salon. Celona has been helping raise money and awareness for St. Baldrick’s since the event at URI first began in 2016.
6) The event has been growing since its beginning.
Last year the event raised almost $20,000. This event is one that is definitely memorable and meaningful. Between shavees, volunteers, barbers as well as spectators, the last two years of the event has seen around 1,000 people. “As a senior, my hope is to leave URI with a new tradition and one that will continue to grow and grow each year. I can’t wait to see everyone come out to shave or donate their hair in honor of young children battling cancer,” said Kanterman. As of March 14, the event has raised over $11,000 with the goal of reaching at least $20,000 with the event.
7) Register to secure a time online or on the spot!
Spectators are welcome to stop by, donations are welcome day-of, and day-of registrations are accepted too! Shaving will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will be six spots available every 10 minutes for shavees to register for. To register for a spot in advance you can do so here.
Alexa Stewart, intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at URI and Public Relations and Communication Studies Major, wrote this press release.