New Hope-Solebury St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser Raises $175K This Year

NEW HOPE, PA — More than 60 people "braved the shave" and went bald last weekend to support pediatric cancer research at the New Hope-Solebury fundraiser for St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Local barbers donated their time to shave heads and cut hair to be donated to the BeYOUtiful Foundation. Local businesses donated money and items for raffles, silent auctions, and a vendor fair. And, there were plenty of crafts and games to keep children busy as the community came together for the first in-person fundraiser in three years.

This year, the fundraiser will donate $175,000 to the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Laurie Palau, who directs the event, expressed her gratitude to the community.

“It was so great to see so many smiling faces, old and new—and after a three-year hiatus, it was like we never skipped a beat," Palau said in a news release. "I thank everyone for showing up and supporting our community."

The fundraiser at New Hope-Solebury began in 2015, after students Ethan Toohey and Robert Nagg died of cancer. Since then, the New Hope-Solebury fundraiser has raised about $1.4 million, making it the highest-grossing St. Baldrick's event in Pennsylvania, the press release said.

Susan Heard, the St. Baldrick’s Senior Director of Distinguished Giving expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization.

“All of us at the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—from the researchers that receive funding to the families who have a next step in their treatment plan—are absolutely filled with gratitude for the entire New Hope – Solebury community," she said.