Bald for Bucks is changing lives – in more ways than one. You already know the dollars raised support groundbreaking research and patient-care programs at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to help patients throughout their cancer journey. But that’s not all.
Hosting a Bald for Bucks event, or even participating in one, leaves a lasting impact on the students involved, as well. This type of community-driven fundraiser exemplifies what it means to come together to make a difference. Participants will walk away with not only an incredible sense of pride, but also intangible skills they can carry with them for years to come.
Here are the five ways Bald for Bucks fosters leadership skills:
1. Event management
Bald for Bucks provides a rare opportunity for students to plan a class-wide, school-wide or even community-wide event. Everything from setting a date, booking speakers, outlining a run-of-show, arranging decorations and promoting the event can be a part of a several months-long project.
2. Public speaking
In an age of digital hangouts and meetings, public speaking is becoming an even more coveted and hard-to-come-by skill. Bald for Bucks teaches public speaking not only through the requirements leading up to the event, like hosting meetings or info sessions, but also on the day-of assembly. Coordinators often appoint a student to host or emcee the event, in addition to bringing up speakers who may have been affected by cancer.
For students who are fundraising, they build their public speaking skills by continuously sharing their Bald for Bucks why with people in the community, family members or peers.
3. Divvying up tasks based on other’s skills
Every person has different, unique strengths. It takes a true leader to recognize that and provide a platform for others to utilize their gifts to the best of their ability. Bald for Bucks can create an avenue for this by dividing up tasks based on the skills and interests of other students. For example, a student interested in photography may be tasked with taking all the pictures at the event. Likewise, a peer who loves theater or public speaking may be the perfect candidate to host the assembly. The opportunities are endless depending on the group at hand.
Lancaster High School
Abby Maw, Courtney Broska and Samantha Skowronski, all seniors at Lancaster High School, hosted a Bald for Bucks event as a quarter project in their Leadership Class.
“We thought that this was a nice way to give back and show our appreciation for everything Roswell Park has done for our families,” said Abby.
When asked about what message she has to other students who want to host their own Bald for Bucks event, Abby said, “We know that it’s not always easy, but you can do it and it will be a great payoff in the end. You’ll be so happy that you got to participate in something this big.”
Heim Middle School
“I shaved my head in honor of my brother Rohan! My brother lost his hair three times during his cancer treatment and hated it every time! I am going bald for him and our brave friends who fought and continue to fight,” said Milan Singh, a seventh grader at Heim Middle School.
Milan’s family is involved in several events supporting cancer research, including Bald for Bucks.
His mother, Sandhya Singh, explained, “Knowing that we are making a difference and possibly saving lives and learning what Roswell Park does and the impact that it makes, it’s empowering.”
4. Developing community relationships
Bald for Bucks pushes students to step out of their comfort zones and engage with people who may not be in their immediate circle. In preparation for the event, students are encouraged to connect with the Bald for Bucks team, local hairdressers and leaders in the community to donate or help spread awareness. Networking and building relationships through Bald for Bucks can benefit students personally and professionally.
An added benefit: Bald for Bucks can help students meet their community service requirements and it looks great on college applications!
5. Rallying a group around a common mission
Above all else, at the heart of Bald for Bucks is the mission to end cancer — and through this program, students really are leaving a lasting impact. The ability to unite people of all ages around a meaningful cause is invaluable not only to that student’s individual success, but also the success of our community.
Bald for Bucks builds emerging leaders, with compassion and service at the forefront.
Want to bring Bald for Bucks to your school?