The Connecticut Cancer Foundation announced the successful results of their first statewide No Shave November campaign, which raised over $91,000 to benefit Connecticut cancer patients and their families.
Forty police departments participated in No Shave November in 2018. They were joined by one fire department, one school and one company, for a total of 43 teams.
The money raised during No Shave November will provide financial assistance to Connecticut cancer patients and their families to help with everyday living expenses such as rent, mortgage and utilities. The Orange Police Department, let by Det. Ryan DePolo, raised $2,235 for this cause.
During the month of November, police departments across Connecticut relaxed their facial hair requirements and allowed their officers to grow beards. Instead of shaving, the officers raised funds in their department and in the community. One hundred percent of the funds will go to Connecticut cancer patients to help with basic living expenses.
Terri Eickel, director of development for the Connecticut Cancer Foundation, said that the response from the police officers and their communities was inspiring.“The police officers were so excited to participate, especially since the money they raised will stay in Connecticut, helping our residents who are fighting cancer,” she said. “Because of No Shave November, Connecticut cancer patients throughout our state will be able to focus on their health and recovery, not worry about their bills.”
DePolo, who organized the department’s fundraising efforts, said the officers were enthusiastic about No Shave November. “The Orange Police Department had a great time growing their beards and raising money for Connecticut cancer patients this November,” he said. “We are grateful to the community for supporting our efforts to help the less fortunate.”
No Shave November will especially benefit the family of Wesley Woronecki, a 15-year-oldboy battling metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma. Woronecki was the ambassador for this year’s No Shave November, which means that his family is eligible to receive a significant grant as a result of the fundraiser. The rest of the money raised will be distributed to other cancer patients throughout the year.
“We are so grateful to all of the police departments and other organizations that participated,” Eickel said. “They truly made a difference in the lives of Connecticut cancer patients this holiday season.”