Over the years, Bald for Bucks has grown into a visible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. But — under the Bald for Bucks umbrella — you can use your hair to show you care in many different ways, one being a program called Beards for Bucks.
With Beards for Bucks, participants pledge to grow a beard over time, then shave it all off at the close of the fundraiser. In winter of 2022, the Town of West Seneca Police Department joined this initiative to raise money for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“We ran the fundraiser through November and December, where each officer donated $25 a month, and they’re allowed to grow a beard. Otherwise, we have to shave every month,” said Officer David Quick, who coordinated the fundraiser.
Their Police Benevolent Association matched the fundraising amount, and on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, several participating officers presented a check for $3,000.
When asked how it felt knowing those dollars will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, Officer Quick replied, “It feels great. It shows a lot from our guys. Anything we can do to help is always good.”
The Town of West Seneca Police Department has donated to Roswell Park for several years, but this was the officers’ first time doing a Beards for Bucks fundraiser.
Officer Quick explained, “One of the fundraising coordinators reached out to us for Beards for Bucks, and I thought it was the perfect match for us.”
For other organizations that might be interested in taking part in Beards for Bucks, Officer Quick says, do it!
“I think everybody should get involved. The bigger we can make this, the better for the community.”
To learn more or sign up, email Brianna Athans at brianna.athans@roswellpark.org.