Students and faculty may feel a little extra breeze after going “Bald for Bucks” to benefit Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The event, staged by Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Sigma Kappa sorority and the Sophomore Class, raised over $3,800.
“It felt great to do something for the community, especially one that is so close to home,” noted sophomore Phil Frankino, chair of the event. “This whole organization (Bald for Bucks) was started by my teacher in high school in 2002 who went bald for his sister who had cancer.” Phil was excited to continue the cause at SUNY Fredonia.
With the hair of over 20 people covering the William Center Multipurpose Room, the event allowed students to watch their peers “go bald,” as members of Sigma Kappa shaved the heads of fellow classmates to raise funds and awareness for Roswell.
“What other chance does someone get to shave a person's head for fun and for a good cause?” said Emily Palka, Sigma Kappa member. “I was asked if I wanted to and I said ‘of course.’ I wouldn't want to miss out on doing something fun like that.”
Many people, including members of Sigma Phi Epsilon, The Guerillas a cappella group, and a member of Sigma Kappa sorority participated in the event. Professors Alberto Rey, Thomas Laughlin, David Swift and Dr. Scott Ferguson, can also be seen styling a bald head.
At last year’s “Bald for Bucks,” Sigma Phi Epsilon and Sigma Kappa raised over $2,500, dominating the previous year by over $1,300.
Since 2002, “Bald for Bucks” has raised more than $2.1 million to support research and patient care programs at Roswell with help of schools, individuals and organizations across the United States.
