Candor Shaves for a Cure on March 31

Candor’s ninth annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-Thon happens Sunday, March 31 at the Candor Elementary School. The day kicks off with a 5K run/walk that provides a tour of town along with your cardio workout. Sign-in begins at 8:30 with a race start time of 9:30 a.m. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate, and you may even register that morning up to ten minutes before race time.  

The afternoon Shave-a-Thon goes from 1 to 4 p.m. at the school and there is always room for more shavees. The event grew out of people shaving their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatment. So if you’ve been thinking of going bald for a cause, this is your opportunity. Money raised from this event goes towards childhood cancer research. 

It’s called a Shave-a-Thon, but there’s a lot more going on. Throughout the afternoon a DJ will spin tunes and there will be face painting and other activities. Tables will be filled with gift baskets and raffle items, including a gorgeous quilt, and there will be food. As in past years, there will be a Knighting ceremony, investing long-term volunteers as Knights of the Bald Table.

This is the ninth year that Candor Emergency Squad has hosted St. Baldrick’s. Over the past eight years hundreds of people have had their heads shaved, raising more than $288,400 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. This year Candor hopes to raise $50,000. 

“Candor and the surrounding communities have taken great pride in our event,” says Kelly Starkweather, event organizer. “We have had many generous people and businesses take part in our Shave-a-Thon. And I know I am helping find cures for children battling cancer in our community and throughout the world.”  

To register for the 5-K run/walk or to be a shave, visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/candor2019. For the race, register as a VOLUNTEER and type “5K” in front of your name. Your fee can be paid as a donation ($15 to participate; $25 if you want a T- shirt). If you want a T-shirt, make sure to register by March 13.

While you’re at the website, scroll down to the list of Honor Kids and read their inspiring stories. “We like to honor all children who have or had cancer at our event,” says Starkweather, adding, “If you know of someone we should be honoring, please contact our website or Facebook page.”

You don’t have to wait until the shaving event to get involved. This month, people can donate their cans and bottles to help raise funds for Candor’s St. Baldrick’s event. Look for collection wagons at the Hi-Way Dairy Bar and the Iron Kettle Farm.

For questions or more information, contact Kelly at krstarkwe@gmail.com or call (607) 972-4395. You can also follow them on their Facebook page, St. Baldrick’s Event Candor, NY.