Students and staff sheared their hair and almost doubled their goal for childhood cancer research
8th grader Lillian Tedesco donated her hair during the MTMS St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser
Cape May Court House, NJ – Middle Township Middle School (MTMS) students and faculty held their fifth St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser, nearly doubling their $10,000 goal.
On March 17, students gathered in the middle school gym for an activity that teaches courage and selflessness. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is known for its nationwide hair-shaving events that show solidarity with children battling cancer. Leading up to the main event, students and staff collect donations for their participation.
Almost 60 students and volunteers shaved and donated their hair. This included middle school staff members MTMS Principal Jeff Ortman, Jessica Douglass, Julie Seitz, Christopher White, Amy McGarrity, Amanda Crafts, Robert Maloney, David Farrow, Nicholas Matousch, and Everett Garrison.
8th graders Eli Read (left) and Dyveyen Adams (right) donate shave their heads during St. Baldrick’s Day event.
“I’d like to thank Monica DeRose, Jessica Douglass, Amanda Crafts and Domonique DeCamillo for organizing this event,” said Principal Ortman. “The students who shaved their heads and donated hair were very proud of their accomplishments and how much we raised for such an important cause. This act symbolizes putting the needs of children above their own personal appearance. It’s such an important lesson.”
As of the date of the event, 8th-grader Eli Read raised more than $2,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in addition to shaving his head. Eli was the top fundraiser at MTMS.
St. Baldrick’s was founded in 2000 and has since become one of the largest private funders of childhood cancer research grants.
“St. Baldrick’s events teach our students compassion while bringing awareness to a powerful cause,” said Middle Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David Salvo. “It was incredible seeing the number of students who donated their hair or shaved their heads to show their support to children battling cancer. It’s a scary part of the process – losing their hair – so other students showing they’re not alone in this battle, it’s so important.”