Granite Telecommunications Raises Over $3.55M in ‘Saving by Shaving’ Fundraiser for Boston Children’s Hospital
On Tuesday, March 11, Granite Telecommunications announced that it had raised more than $3.55 million during its 12th annual “Saving by Shaving” fundraising event benefiting Boston Children’s Hospital. The event featured participation from more than 700 individuals, including New England Patriots Coach Mike Vrabel, Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla, and Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser. Since its inception in 2014, the “Saving by Shaving” initiative has raised more than $58.5 million to support pediatric research and treatments at Boston Children’s Hospital.
“What started as a lighthearted dare over 10 years ago has grown into one of the most meaningful traditions of the year,” said Granite Telecommunications CEO Rob Hale in a media release. “I’m incredibly proud of the Granite team and our community for uniting once again in support of Boston Children’s and its life-changing work. I’m also deeply grateful to the special guests who lent their voices and presence to this event, shining a brighter spotlight on this worthy cause.”
During the past 12 years, more than 12,000 people have contributed to “Saving by Shaving” by shaving their heads and donating their hair. For each person who shaved their head or donated at least 8 inches of hair, Granite donated $2,500. The Hale family contributed a matching dollar-for-dollar gift, raising $5,000 per head to support The Every Child Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital.
All locks of hair were donated to the organization Hair We Share, which makes custom wigs free of charge for those experiencing hair loss due to medical treatments.
A donation of $100 was also made for “chemo caps,“ hats created by the Granite Fiber Art team for cancer patients who have lost hair due to chemotherapy. This year, the team made 250 hats for children and adults.
Although the “Saving by Shaving” event was closed to the public, individuals can still donate to this charitable effort through Granite’s online portal.