The Chattanooga Market was the site of a hair shaving event on Sunday, June 10 for the second annual Jack’s Chattanoggins, an event that raises funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Erlanger and its Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.
The event, sponsored by EPB, raised $35,000 to go toward room renovations in the children’s oncology unit.
More than 100 men and women came down to the First Tennessee Pavilion to have their heads shaved by volunteer stylists from Fantastic Sams, who also raised $1000 of their own for the cause.
Other fundraising teams included the Chattanooga Roller Girls and the top fundraising team, “Girls Gone Bald.”
“I am amazed at the support we received this year from the community and grateful that so many are aware of our event in such a short time,” said event organizer Dawn Skowronnek. “To have people say that they want to come back next year and participate, because they were so moved by our efforts, is truly such a blessing for us as well as those we work to help.”
Jack’s Chattanoggins is named after 13-year-old Signal Mountain resident, Jack Skowronnek, who -three years ago-was inspired by the book, Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, to shave his own head in order to show kids with cancer that being bald is not a bad thing.
Erlanger Foundation’s director of annual giving, Ali Dunn said the Foundation is grateful for yet another year of overwhelming support by the Chattanooga community.
“We are thankful for the tremendous efforts by event organizers, volunteers and the Chattanooga community in order to make this year’s event successful. You have truly made an impact on the lives of children battling cancer.”
Jack and his family, along with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, want to thank everyone who helped to make the event a success.