Ten-year old Zachary Watson, a fifth grade student at Candor Elementary School, is participating at the Candor St. Baldrick’s Shave-A-Thon to raise money for childhood cancer research. Pictured is Zachary’s rainbow hair, which he sported in 2014.
Ten year old Zachary Watson, a fifth grade student at Candor Elementary School, witnessed something amazing four years ago when a family friend volunteered to get his head shaved at the annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-A-Thon, which raises money for childhood cancer research. Then just five years old, Zachary immediately liked the idea of helping other kids in need. So much so, that Zachary announced then that he planned to sign up to get his head shaved the following year. He’s been participating ever since.
Zachary’s father, Rick Watson shared, “He has always had a soft spot in his heart for young children and animals.”
This year marks the fifth year Zachary will participate, and to date he has been a top money raiser four times. An amazing accomplishment, Zachary has raised over $15,000 for St. Baldrick’s and has a goal set to collect another $4,000 this year, however his ultimate goal would be to hit $5,000. If he accomplishes the goal, it would put his total well over $20,000 during the five years he has participated.
In an effort to teach people about St. Baldrick’s, Zachary gets his hair colored in festive shades, like orange, green, pink/green and even rainbow. A hot topic of conversation, Zachary’s unique hair attracts attention, and that is exactly the intent.
Rick Watson shared, “It allows him to talk to people and answer questions about why he is doing it.”
Now ten-year old Zachary Watson, a fifth grade student at Candor Elementary School, has been participating at the Candor St. Baldrick’s Shave-A-Thon since the age of six. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Candor American Legion. Visit stbaldricks.org and search for Candor, N.Y. or stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/739381/2015 to help Zachary’s team.
The 2015 St. Baldrick’s Shave-A-Thon is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Candor American Legion, 90 Spencer Rd., and is hosted by the Candor Emergency Squad and American Legion. Participants shave their heads in solidarity with kids dealing with cancer, in an effort to raise money for childhood cancer research.
Festivities include food, music, raffles, and a children’s area featuring face painting and crafts. Rick Watson is one of several volunteers at the event, and is coordinating a collection of deposit bottles and cans, and is also selling peanuts for $3 a bag or two bags for $5. All proceeds benefit St. Baldrick’s. Contact Rick at (607) 972-1034 for more information, including pick-up of bottles and cans.
Local children fighting cancer are honored on the “Candor Honor Wall.” Candor EMS and American Legion families first began supporting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation when they learned that less than four percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget is allotted for childhood cancer research.
Interested participants, a.k.a. “shavees” are encouraged to register prior to the event. There will be an opportunity to sign up at the event as well.
Zachary Watson would like more people to join his mission, the “Two Wild and Crazy Guys” team. Participants need to be willing to fundraise and get their heads shaved. Or, you can donate to Zachary Watson’s mission by visiting his fundraiser page; www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/739381/2015.
To find out more about the event or to make a donation, visit www.stbaldricks.org, and search for “Candor N.Y.” Shavee participants can click on the “get involved” button on the same web site.
For additional information, contact Kelly Starkweather at (607) 972-4395 or email krstarkwe@gmail.com.
