The sound of hair clippers buzzing filled the air as members of Bradley University’s chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity ended their 17th annual St. Baldrick’s philanthropy week by shaving their heads.
“Every year we end our philanthropy week with us shaving our heads because we want to show unity with the children who have cancer,” said Max Kras, a sophomore in the fraternity.
Max Kras’ head being shaved.
All of the proceeds raised went to the St. Baldricks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization with the aim of raising funds to help find cures for childhood cancer.
According to their website, “Worldwide, 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. And in the U.S., more children die of childhood cancer than any other disease”. You can visit their blog to read about the strength and determination the families and their children face in their battles with cancer with.
Jax Melville, the fraternity’s St. Baldrick’s chair, said they raised over $15,000 for St. Baldricks this year through four events held throughout the week.
Each member raised money on their social media accounts using a “bingo board” flyer with Melville being the top fundraiser, raising $1,238.75.
On April 19th, they held their “Splash-a-Pike” event on Olin Quad where passersby could throw water balloons at participating fraternity members.
Ethan Fritz, Jax Melville, Ryan Aponte, and Collin Brandon (left to right) at the Splash-a-Pike event.
On April 20th, they brought a dunk tank to Olin Quad for people to dunk some of the members.
On April 21st, the members held a cookie sale. Donators could purchase two cookies for $2 that were hand-delivered by members of the fraternity.
April 22nd was the last day of their philanthropy week where friends and family shaved members’ heads.
Jack Bryant shaving Pi Kappa Alpha President, Chase Etzel’s, head.
This event is held every year and the fraternity members are strongly encouraged to participate.
However, not everyone chose to shave their heads which caused some upset among the fraternity members.
“The only people who have ever been excused from shaving in the past have been seniors,” said Sam Kuhlman, a senior member of Pi Kappa Alpha, “I don’t know where the idea that it’s optional for underclassmen came from, but it’s disappointing that some members chose not to support a great cause.”
Cody Kopanski, a sophomore member spoke more on the issue as well.
“It’s not about how you look. We’re bald, we’re not going to look great. These kids don’t get a choice to go bald, and we should all stand in solidarity with them.”
Cory Kopanski shaving his brother, Cody Kopanski’s, head.
Despite the upset, many members of the fraternity still believe that shaving their heads is important and meaningful.
“I think it means a lot to do something out of solidarity. Shaving your head doesn’t mean anything in itself, but raising money and putting that into action shows we care,” said TJ Subang, a sophomore in the fraternity.
The gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha plan to continue their head-shaving tradition in the years to come. Many of the members are passionate about the cause and what going bald stands for regardless of how they look in the end.
Brian Scheepe, Hector Olvera, Tom Janssen, Caleb Osterman, Grant Heinberg, and Derek Lee (left to right) after shaving their heads.