ELIZABETH SUSKI
Special to The Leader
Bald for Bucks took place Saturday, March 2 at 6 p.m. in the Williams Center MPR.
Bald for Bucks is a fundraiser hosted annually by Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Fredonia chapter.
This head-shaving and hair-cutting event helps raise money and awareness for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y.
The fundraiser takes place at schools and campuses all across the Buffalo and Rochester areas.
The event had a stage and a basket raffle, filled with fun prizes.
“Sigma Phi Epsilon has been doing this event for about seven years. We [Sigma Gamma Phi] decided to co-host with them this year. We have been helping them raise money, and get people to join in,” said Franci Branciforte, a senior communication disorders and sciences major.
Bald for Bucks surpassed its goal of $5,000 this year.
Earlier in the week it went up to $5,448.
“My favorite thing about this year’s event is the success. It was exciting to hear that we went over because the event hadn’t even happened yet,” Branciforte said.
Besides most of the fraternities and sororities getting haircuts, there was one participant that stood out.
Lisa Newell from the Office of Student Conduct was among the sea of students.
This was the second time Newell had decided to cut her hair for Roswell.
“I do the event because it’s for a good cause. There’s been cancer in my family; both grandmas had it. One passed away at 42 and the other one is here,” Newell said.
With the event ending, junior Emily Warren was one of the last to get her haircut. Warren has a major in social work and is a member of Sigma Gamma Phi.
“I just [felt] inspired and my aunt had breast cancer so I wanted to support her,” said Warren.
She and Branciforte had support from their fellow sisters.
“There’s just so much enthusiasm with the participants,” Newell said.