Oct. 10, 2012

Hokies raise nearly $35,000 for Shave event

The Virginia Tech baseball program held its third annual “Shave for the Brave” event, raising nearly $35,000 for childhood cancer research. The event collected $5,000 a year ago.

More than 60 players, coaches, staff members, friends and family of the Hokies had their heads shaved, including head coach Pete Hughes (pictured right). The event was held in association with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which supports childhood cancer research. The Hokies surpassed the team goal by $10,000, using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to raise the funds.

The money will be donated to Melina Brown, whose son Levi (an adopted member of the Hokie baseball team) was diagnosed at age 4 with medulloblastoma, a highly malignant primary brain tumor. Levi is now cancer free at age 12.

Among the participants was Marie Mogensen, who made the four-hour trip from Herndon, Va., to have almost two feet of hair cut to support the program.

This was the eighth event in the 2012-13 academic year for 19 Ways, the program’s initiative to find 19 ways to make a difference in the community.

(photo courtesy of Virginia Tech Media Relations Office)