Photo story: fraternity shaves heads for cancer funds
Whitney Rogers
Intern
The UNT chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity hosted Shave to Save on Saturday, an event that raised money for St. Baldrick’s pediatric cancer research, at the 14 Fifty-One apartment complex.
During the event, more than 45 volunteers had their heads shaved to help raise money and create awareness for pediatric cancer. Students from the Ogle School of Cosmetology and Esthetics in Denton shaved volunteers’ heads, and the fundraiser amassed more than $7,500 for the children of St. Baldrick’s.
Jackson Savarese, pre-studio art junior and external vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha, planned the event.
“There is a lack of funding for pediatric cancer right now because no one is really paying attention to it,” Savarese said.
Pi Kappa Alpha invited the children and families of St. Baldrick’s to watch participants have their heads shaved and enjoy a carnival of bounce houses, balloon games and ring tosses.
The members of Pi Kappa Alpha have been raising money for the event since January.
“I was nervous that we weren’t going to reach our original goal of $5,000,” Savarese said. “But as the event got closer we’ve just blown it out of the water.”
Funding for cancer normally goes toward adult research because adult cancer is more prevalent than childhood cancer, according to the St. Baldrick’s website.
Because of this, pediatric cancer is normally underfunded. However, fundraisers like Shave to Save help fill the gap.
Every volunteer had a different reason for participating and getting their head shaved for the fundraiser. Some had family who had died from cancer or are currently undergoing treatments, while others wanted to show their support.
“I shaved my head because a close friend’s brother passed away and I wanted to do it to honor him,” said James Moresi, performance senior and Pi Kappa Alpha internal vice president.
Pi Kappa Alpha’s mission is to develop men of intellect, integrity and high moral character, according to www.untifc.com.
“This is the stuff fraternities do,” said Patrick Copeland, kinesiology senior and Pi Kappa Alpha secretary. “We’re not all like ‘Animal House.’”
For the full slideshow, visit our Flickr.
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