New Hope-Solebury Fundraiser Crosses $1 Million Mark

NEW HOPE, PA — A community fundraising effort started by New Hope-Solebury School District students in 2015 has hit a huge milestone, crossing the $1 million mark.

Students, teachers, staff and community members have hit seven figures shaving their heads in support of the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money to research cures for childhood cancers.

After the haircuts, of at least eight inches of hair, the hair is donated to make wigs for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Despite limitations due to COVID-19, enough students and others donated this year to pass the million-dollar mark. In 2015, New Hope-Solebury responded to the cancer deaths of students Ethan Toohey and Rober Nagg by launching the local campaign.

"We wanted to give our kids a platform to show them you can come together and be part of the solution," said Laurie Palau, who has directed the fundraiser for the past seven years.

Susan Heard, Senior Director of Distinguished Giving at St. Baldrick’s, called New Hope-Solebury’s contributions "staggering" and "an enormous accomplishment—one that there are not enough thanks for."

In recent years, the youngest elementary school students have shaved their heads and hosted fundraising walks, upper elementary student have hosted basketball tournaments and National Honor Society students raised money with face-painting and arts and crafts at the events.

"Part of the reason St. Baldrick’s has been so welcomed in our schools is because it ties in so well with the qualities the district is trying to instill in the students — acceptance, respect, solidarity, and empathy," said Liz Sheehan, director of the district's board of directors whose daughter, Clare, recently shaved her head for the campaign.

"(Shaving your head) is such a simple concept, but it helps in such a big way," said Hayden Beck, a seventh-grader. "It makes me feel good that I can help out."