Buzz, clip, snip! Silver Creek held its fifth Bald for Bucks! Twelve students and staff members recently shed their hair to raise money for patient care and cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year students and staff raised over $2,600, bringing the district’s five-year total over $18,000.
The celebration included honored guests, Bald for Bucks founder Tony George and Buffalo Bandits Cam Wyers and Chase Fraser. Guest DJ Anthony was also on hand to assist student emcees Karissa Buchanan and Marissa Grisanti in keeping the audience cheering.
“This event means so much to me and it has long been a dream to have Tony and DJ Anthony at a Silver Creek event. I have been told how powerful the afternoon was for so many and that is all I can ask. If I can help our students fight back against something that affects so many of them, then I see my dreams for a better world are fulfilled. It’s important they know they have a power to create change and events like these are beyond important for them and for me!” Knights Against Cancer advisor and SCCS Bald for Bucks coordinator Jessica Kardashian said.
An emotional moment during the ceremony was the survivor story of Silver Creek’s own district librarian, Paula Michalak. Her story shows just how close to home this cause is to the Black Knight Family. Knights Against Cancer focuses on relationship building and Bald for Bucks allows students to see different sides of their peers and teachers, and ultimately to see they aren’t alone.
The club brought the Bald for Bucks charity event to Silver Creek in 2017. Even with a hiatus due to the pandemic, the district has raised over $18,000 for the cause.
Participants included staff members Mr. Brad Bish, Mr. Jesse Hamms and Mr. Greg Brennan and students in grades 8-12 Mikey Dispenza, Aiden Voigt, Greyson White, Daniel Ryan, Ahyana Frederick, Abby Gawron, Everett LeBarron, Rachael Beadle, who raised $280, and Alex Karnes, who was top fundraiser contributing more than $650. Alex, like many others who shaved their heads on stage, participated in honor of a cancer survivor close to him, his grandmother, who was in attendance.
“I have witnessed firsthand the horrors of cancer, and it can be a very dark time for those involved. I decided to honor my grandmother because she has conquered these dark times tremendously, and I am so proud of her,” Alex, a junior, who was shorn by his sister Khloe, said. “It felt amazing to honor her.”
Knights Against Cancer also held a braiding and tinsel station for additional donations. Kaelee Weiskerger, a Knights Against Cancer Club member, also raised $300, but did not cut her hair.
Special thanks go to volunteers Debbie and Jasmine from the Cutting Crew, cosmetology students Ariah Miller and Zuly Cruz for assisting with the participants part with their locks.