One of the feel-good stories of the day is a memory shared by the Secret Service, recalling the time President George H.W. Bush shaved his head in support of a Secret Service member whose 2 year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia.
There's plenty of history around celebrities using their fame to raise money for charity by shaving their heads. Back in 2013, British singer Jessie J shined a spotlight on Comic Relief by buzzing her hair. And she stuck with it for months afterwards, telling Glamour UK: "There's no point in shaving your head for charity if you're then going to just grow it back the next day."
Just this past March, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady made headlines when he showed up as the surprise guest of Dana Farber Cancer Institute's annual "Saving by Shaving" event. His buzzcut raised over $6.5 million for cancer research, prompting him to joke on Twitter: "They call me Buzzy...Tom Buzzy."
And while Majella O'Donnell may not be a household name in the U.S., her head shave on Irish national t.v. inspired an amazing €400,000 donated to charity and crashed the Irish Cancer Society's text, phone, and website systems with the influx of donations. Originally hoping to raise €50k, Magella awoke the next morning to the news that she had wildly exceeded her expectations.
You may not be a celebrity, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be inspired by these stars to make an impact - and try out a bold new look - of your own. Here at C3, we hold a special place in our hearts for people who shave their heads for charity. Our chosen charitable partner, The St. Baldrick's Foundation, is famous for its Rock the Bald head shaving events, held year-round (but primarily in March and April) to raise funds to end childhood cancer. Now's the time to start planning for your buzzcut debut this spring!
If the Newcastle Jets can do it, so can you.