Spring is traditionally a busy time for local nonprofits, with galas, races and fundraisers galore. But in the last week, many have had to cancel or postpone major events, leaving them to find other ways to close the funding gap.
Greyson Bamonte, 12, of Apex, was planning to have his head shaved at a St. Baldrick’s Foundation event, originally set for April 4 at Ruckus Pizza, Pasta and Spirits in Cary. The event has been postponed until later this year.
The foundation funds childhood cancer research, and at events nationwide, people raise money and volunteer to have their head shaved. Participants spread awareness and support for children going through radiation therapy each time they show off their fresh new look.
“I’ve been raising money for these kids called honored heroes,” Greyson said. “A few years ago, two boys in my neighborhood got diagnosed with cancer, and I started making them my honored heroes — Clay and Preston.”
The first time, he shaved his head because a friend was doing it, but knowing children who are battling cancer has fired up Greyson’s fundraising efforts.
“In 2015, I shaved my head and raised $300, which is a pretty good amount for my first year of fundraising. Last year was my sixth year and I raised, $2,971, and this year would have been my seventh year,” said Greyson, who hopes to raise $3,000 this year.
He says donations are down, but while he’s home from school, he plans to put together some video messages to generate some interest. And whenever Ruckus reschedules its annual St. Baldrick’s shaving event, he’ll be there.
“We have already over $52,000, and we’ll continue throughout the year,” said Ruckus team leader Christine Hurley, speaking about fundraising efforts. “Hopefully we will be able to reschedule shortly.”
More information about St. Baldrick’s and the Ruckus event is at stbaldricks.org/campaigns/ruckus.
Want to know how you can help other local nonprofits? Here are a few that have had to cancel or reschedule their spring fundraisers:
The Carying Place’s Annual Benefit Auction, originally scheduled for April 25, has been postponed until Friday, Aug. 21. All purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. The nonprofit supports homeless, working families as they work toward self-sufficiency. For information, see thecaryingplace.org.
Fit & Able Productions’ Cary Greenways Half-Marathon, originally scheduled for March 29, has been canceled, but you can still support the nonprofit’s efforts to promote health, fitness and wellness by donating here.
The 15th Annual Triangle VisionWalk, hosted by the Foundation Fighting Blindness of the Triangle on April 4 has been canceled. Show your support by giving to the organization, so they can continue their research in prevention and treatment for people affected by blinding retinal diseases.
The Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation funds skin cancer research, hosts skin cancer screening events, and educates the community about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. All screenings and events, including the Taste for a Cure Gala, which was scheduled for April 26, have been canceled through May. The nonprofit welcomes donations.
In Durham, the 2020 Triangle Autism Speaks Walk, hosted by Autism Speaks of the Triangle, has been postponed from April 5 to sometime later this fall. Show your support for the nonprofit by donating to enhance the lives of people living with autism.
You Call This Yoga’s annual YogaFest, originally scheduled for March 28, was canceled. The event was an opportunity for yogis of all levels to enjoy yoga classes throughout the day, and it raised money to provide accessible yoga to the under-served people in our community. Consider donating the cost of your ticket to support of the nonprofit here.
