Throughout the month of November, 11 male teachers participated in the No Shave November event run by Relay for Life. This year, the teachers that participated were Anthony Brown, Ned Greene, David Allen, Bill Bowen, Wayne Kotary, Christopher Brown, John Nidzgorski, Patrick Claycomb, Erik Ruhmann, Christopher Connole and Scott St. Dennis. As these teachers were growing their beards, they were helping raise money for the American Cancer Society. The winner of this year’s fundraiser was math teacher, John Nidzgorski, in his first year of participation. Nidzgorski had a $50 lead over the other participants.
Relay for Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society that helps to raise awareness about cancer and generate funds to support patients and their families. WA has a Relay for Life club of their own and they organized No Shave November, which is a creative and fun way for the school community to contribute to this noble cause.
WA’s Relay for Life club has a new advisor this year, history teacher Amanda Everett, who helped lead this event. She felt the fundraiser was important, as she has been through the troubles of a loved one having cancer, and decided she should step in to help continue this fundraiser.
“No Shave November is just one way to help raise cancer awareness,” Everett said. “This is my first year advising the club and our student leaders wanted to continue the tradition.”
Many teachers who participated in this fundraiser have experienced the impact cancer has had on their loved ones’ lives, which is why they want to try to help out as much as they can.
“Cancer has hit a lot of people in my family so any chance I get I try to help out,” Nidzgorski said.
While the main focus is on the funds raised, another goal for Relay for Life is to create awareness and support for the American Cancer Society.
“I can’t speak to previous years, but the real purpose of No Shave November is more about awareness rather than fundraising,” Everett said. “I wish we had spent more time sharing our volunteers’ stories as to why they participate in No Shave November.”
The teachers try to make it a fun experience to bring attention to the importance of the cause. Some teachers find a way to put their own little twist on No Shave November.
“This is my first year, and I’m not sure if I will do it again next year, but it was fun, especially trying out different mustaches [throughout the winter],” Nidzgorski said.
Now that this fundraiser has ended, Everett expressed that moving forward, she believes more awareness is needed to promote the cause.
“I think our club needs to focus on more consistently educating the community as to the purpose of No Shave November and Relay for Life in general,” Everett said.
Fundraising opportunities happen more often than people realize, and this is just one way that WA tries to bring awareness into the community.
“Participating in Relay for Life is just one way to give back to the community, in honor of those who are survivors or those who have lost loved ones, and to raise funds for the American Cancer Society,” Everett said.
