Bald For Bucks
Lake Shore Central School District · Since 2002
Bald for Bucks turns 25.
Thursday, April 29, 2027
It started at Lake Shore with a teacher, his sister and 36 students. Twenty-five years later, more than 125 schools have joined in, and Bald for Bucks has raised more than $6 million for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Where it all began
It started right here.
In 2002, Lake Shore history teacher Tony George shaved his head in solidarity with his sister, who was fighting cancer. He promised not to let his hair grow back until hers did.
When his students heard, they wanted to help. That year, Tony, his sister and 36 students held the very first Bald for Bucks and raised $3,600.
One year later, three more schools joined in and the idea got its name. Today more than 125 schools have taken part, and Bald for Bucks has raised more than $6 million for Roswell Park. In 2023, Roswell Park honored Tony with its Katherine Anne Gioia Inspiration Award.
“Founder of Bald For Bucks and inspiring figure to countless students”
Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
Roswell Park honors Tony at its 2023 All Star Night. Watch on Facebook
2002
36
Lake Shore students joined Tony and his sister.
Today
125+
schools have taken part since.
9,300+
students and teachers have taken part
$6M+
raised for Roswell Park
#1
Lake Shore, the top school of all time, with more than $579,000
Save the date
Thursday, April 29, 2027. Our goal: $25,000 for Roswell Park.
Businesses, groups, families and neighbors
Go all in for 25.
Twenty-five years of shaving for a cause deserves our biggest year yet. Our goal is $25,000 for Roswell Park, and we can't get there without you.
Anyone can sponsor: a business, a club or team, a church or community group, a family, or just you. Here are three ways to go all in.
1
Match the pledges
Pledge to match what our students raise, for one day, one week, or up to an amount you choose. A business, a group or a family can do it. A match doubles every gift.
2
Sponsor year 25
Put your business, group or family behind the 25th anniversary. Barbers and stylists who give their time will be thanked as sponsors too.
3
Host a donation jar
Keep a Bald for Bucks jar with a QR code on your counter, at work or at your group's meetings, so everyone can chip in.
Ready to go all in? Sponsor and matching details are coming soon.
25 years of Bald for Bucks
From 2 people to 125+ schools.
It started with a brother, his sister and 36 willing students. Here is how one simple act of solidarity grew.
2002
Tony George shaves his head in solidarity with his sister, who has cancer. 36 students join them and raise $3,600.
2003
Three more schools join in, and the idea gets its name: Bald for Bucks.
2016
Back where it all began, Lake Shore High School raises $30,000 in a single Bald for Bucks day.
2017
Bald for Bucks raises $850,000 in one year, at about 50 locations.
2018
Bald for Bucks passes $5 million raised for Roswell Park.
2022
The Buffalo Sabres team up with Bald for Bucks for a month-long campaign.
2023
Roswell Park gives Tony its Katherine Anne Gioia Inspiration Award.
2027
The 25th anniversary, celebrated right where it all began.
And it all started with one brother standing with his sister.
Take part
More than a haircut.
You don't have to shave your head to be part of it. Pick your way.
Shave
Go bald for a great cause.
Cut, dye or braid
Change up your hair, or add some tinsel.
Donate
Help us reach $25,000. Every gift counts.
Volunteer
Lend a hand on event day. Sign-up opens in February.
Bald for Bucks 2026
2026 in pictures.
Shaved, snipped, braided and sprayed. Here is what 2026 looked like.
Share your story
Why we do it.
Every Bald for Bucks haircut has a story. After 25 years, it runs in families. Students who shaved in the early years now cheer on their own children. We want to hear every story.
Part of the last 25 years?
Tell your story
Whether you shaved in 2002 or last spring, tell us why you did it and what it meant to you.
Send a photo or a short video too. Your story could be featured right here for our 25th year.
Form coming soon
Runs in your family?
A family tradition
Did a parent or grandparent shave before you? Is your child taking part this year?
Send a photo from back then and one from today. We would love to share your family's then and now.
Form coming soon
Taking part in 2027?
Dedicate your shave
Tell us who you are doing it for, and why.
Cheer on someone in treatment, celebrate a survivor, or remember someone you love.
Form coming soon
Why it matters
Raising money for Roswell Park.
The money we raise goes to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo. Roswell Park cares for people with cancer and looks for new ways to treat it.
Roswell Park is cheering us on for our 25th year. Watch for Bald for Bucks on Roswell Park's website and social media.
Save this page
Coming in February.
We will post all of this right here. Save this page and check back.
Time and place
Where to go on April 29, and when.
February
Team sign-up
Join the Lake Shore team and start raising money.
February
Volunteer sign-up
Help make the big day happen.
February
Event-day plans
What you will see and do at the celebration.
February
Questions? Contact the Lake Shore Communications Office at communications@lscsd.org or (716) 259-5918.
Cut · Shave · Style · Since 2002