BUZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Well, we did it.  Our team raised around $700 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation for children's cancer research and, true to my word, I actually had my head shaved!  And, strangely enough, I like it and think it is pretty cool, so I’m going to stick with the shaved head for a while!  Just keep the tootsie pops coming – who loves ya, baby?

All told, There were 50 “shavees”, including 3 women.  What was really touching at the event was a group of kids from the Bethesda Christian Academy of Durham.  Known as the “Bethesda Baldies”, these kids (13 boys and 1 girl from Kindergarten through 8^th grade) volunteered to have their heads shaved!  Most of the boys had dyed their hair prior to their scalpings.  The girl, who had long, gorgeous hair even made a sacrifice by having most of it cut off and donated to “Locks of Love” – an organization that makes wigs for ladies who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.  Even more impressive - this group raised over $4100!!!  The kids have done this in past years in Raleigh, but chose their hometown of Durham this year. Let me ask you – when you were 8 years old, would you have had your head shaved?  I’m truly amazed by these kids – it’s just another thing that makes Durham a great city – and a city that I’m proud to call “home”.

The goal for the 94^th St. Pub at Woodcroft was to raise $20,000, and the event raised over $22,000 – a tremendous success.  Thanks to everyone who made a donation – and, hopefully, an impact!

A Hair-Raising (or Hair-Shaving) Tale...

For the past 25 years or so, I’ve been “folically challenged”, which is a polite way of saying that I’m balding.  I’ve survived this phenomenon by remembering two axioms:

1.      That God only created a few perfect heads, and the rest he put hair on;

2.      That grass doesn’t grow on a busy highway.

Based on this, I have a near-perfect head, and a very busy brain! I'm sure there are lots of people that will argue with both of these FACTS, but they’d be wrong.

Anyway, I value what little hair I have, as does the lady who cuts my hair.  She still charges me full price!  When I get a haircut, that’s really what I get – a HAIR cut!  And, if I ask for “a little off the top”, she replies “but you only have a little on the top”.  I tell ya, I don’t get no respect.  (Where’s Rodney Dangerfield when you need him?)

Speaking of not getting any respect, one of my colleagues had the nerve to volunteer me to have my head shaved (something is wrong with that, isn’t it) if we raise $400 by March 24^th for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that is involved with children’s cancer research.  I’m still not sure if I’m comfortable with this idea, but I guess I’m obligated now.  By the way, my colleague isn’t having his head shaved.  Nice guy, huh? 

On the other hand, if I DO have my head shaved, I may never have to get my hair cut again and I can save money by not having to buy shampoo (like I need so much, anyway).

YOU can help decide what I should do by making a donation.  Here’s the deal.  First of all, all money raised will go to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.  And those that make a donation will be voting whether or not I actually have my head shaved.  Simply put a note with your donation to “Shave” or “Keep”.  If more money is raised for me to have my head shaved, then I’ll do it.  But, if you’re really a friend and you don’t want to see me lose what little hair I have, you can make a donation and indicate that you DON’T want me to have my head shaved!

Either way, the kids will benefit, so we all win, right?  Please make your donation to St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and either give it to me or mail it to:

Jon Fletcher

Fonville Morisey Realty

1304 Highway 54 West

Durham, NC  27707

If enough money is raised and I’m forced to have my head shaved, it will happen at the 94^th Street Pub in the Woodcroft Shopping Center in Durham on March 26^th.  I’m sure there will be pictures taken that will be either used to blackmail or humiliate me on Facebook or something like that.  So stay tuned.  And thanks in advance for your support!