Chop Shop Hits $25K Goal For St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraiser

Mike Platow and Tiana Stebbins established a goal they wanted to hit for their first time hosting a St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser, and they knew it was a lofty one.

But when it comes to raising money for a kids cancer charity, the pair believed they should aim high and see where it got them.

"It's for kids. You gotta take care of the kids," Platow, the salon's owner, said.

Following the event on Saturday, they were thrilled to report that by the time all the checks come through and everything is tabulated, they will have met their stated goal of raising $25,000 for the charity.

"The turnout was much better than we thought. I was blown away by the support," Platow said on Sunday.

"We raised nearly $11,000 at the event and another $12,000-plus through our online campaign," Stebbins, the salon's general manager, said.

"I admit I wasn't sure we could make our goal," Platow added. "But it looks like, with a lot of help, we just about made it."

The all-day event drew hundreds of people to the dowtown area around the shop, and it featured entertainment, classic cars, food and lots of haircutting.

Stebbins estimates they shaved around 50 heads on the stage outside of the salon, a tradition that is the root of the St. Baldrick's Foundation charity.

Platow and Stebbins were most impressed with the support of the city and citizens of Safety Harbor, many of whom chipped in to single-handedly make sure the event was a success.

"One little boy raised $1,300 himself," Platow said. "How awesome is that?"

"And Dan Stewart of Happy Grasshopper upstairs raised the most of any individual, over $2,600," Stebbins added.

Needless to say the pair was thrilled with how the day turned out.

"Tiana did a great job running it, and Joe Cooper and the city were phenomenal with their help," Platow said.

"I appreciate the city, our clients and the people of Safety Harbor for all their support. We couldn't have done this without them."

Did you attend the St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser? Feel free to share your photos, and your thoughts on the event, right here.

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