On June 8th, Brent Richards took part in his second head shaving at the 11th Annual St. Baldrick’s Event in Portland.
While recovering from an injury suffered in preseason, Richards wanted to give back to the community and he thought there was no better way than shaving his head. To keep things interesting, he promised he would dye his hair green if he reached $3,000 in donations. Given that he raised $4,050 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Richards upheld his end of the bargain--if only for a short time before it was all shorn off.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation supports and funds cancer research specifically for children. The Foundation started in 2000 and has provided over $100 million in childhood cancer research grants: funding more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization besides the U.S. Government. In 2012 alone, the Foundation raised over $33 million for childhood cancer research. Shaving events, similar to the Portland event, take place globally.
Last year, the Portland event was the largest of more than 1,300 worldwide. This year Richards, along with 363 shavees, raised over $156,000 with an additional $40,000 coming in as the total donations are counted. After speaking to his involvement with St. Baldrick’s, Brent and three other members of the Portland Timbers team made the brave, but exhilarating walk on stage to get their heads shaved. A few minutes later, their heads were shaved and Brent’s scalp was still dyed green.
Johnathan Bohannon, the lead volunteer event organizer, said the most rewarding part of the day is when children shave their heads for children with cancer.
“This year, a 6-year-old girl shaved her head for the second time and she was so excited to share with everyone that she alone raised $450," he said. "That brought tears to my eyes and inspires me to do more."
To learn how to get involved with St. Baldrick’s, click here.
