New Rochelle Cops Rally for Bald Ambition in Childhood Cancer Fight

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 24, 2025) — The New Rochelle Police Benevolent Association is hosting the Brave the Buzz Fundraiser on Saturday, a head-shaving charity event supporting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer.

Billed as “bigger than a buzzcut,” the event invites neighbors, family and friends to join the NRPBA for buzzcuts, seasonal fun and community connection at Spectators Sports Pub & Restaurant, 227 North Avenue, and Anderson Plaza in New Rochelle.

The St. Baldrick’s Head-Shaving Charity Event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Spectators, featuring a raffle described as a “chance to win, chance to help” the Way to Conquer Kids’ Cancer.

Adjacent at Anderson Plaza, between North Avenue and Le Count Place, a free Fall Social offers fun for all ages for the cause. Activities include cider and donuts, pumpkin lattes, make-and-take jewelry, puzzle station, free dog swag, fall florals, Halloween treats and a clean water for canines station.

The Fall Social also features treats, games, crafts and plenty of photo ops for all ages, with head-shaving, raffles, food and drinks at Spectators.

All proceeds support hope and childhood cancer research with the NRPBA and St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation: A Brief History

Founding (2000–2003)

Started March 17, 2000, as a St. Patrick’s Day head-shaving challenge among reinsurance colleagues Tim Kenny, John Bender, and Enda McDonnell to fund childhood cancer research. The first event at Jim Brady’s pub in Manhattan shaved 19 heads, raising $104,000 for the Children’s Oncology Group—exceeding the $17,000 goal. By 2001, it hit $140,000 despite 9/11 losses, as founders noted kids with cancer “continue fighting.” In 2002, 37 events nationwide raised over $1 million.

Growth and Milestones (2004–2015)

Formed as an independent nonprofit in 2004, raising $5.3 million in its debut year, including the first St. Baldrick’s Fellow grant. Early expansions included firefighters, police, and military events globally. The 2005 Research Priorities Summit gathered oncologists to focus funding; summer fellowships and a Scientific Advisory Committee followed. By one peak year, 18,000 shavees at 402 events raised $12.9 million for research grants and infrastructure. In 2008, co-funded the first Pediatric Cancer Dream Team with Stand Up to Cancer ($14.5 million grant) and began international scholar support. Record $27.2 million in grants awarded in 2015.

Global Impact

Since 2005, granted over $368 million—the largest private funder of childhood cancer research outside government. Key achievements include FDA-approved drugs boosting cure rates for high-risk neuroblastoma. As Robert J. Arceci, M.D., Ph.D., stated: “Childhood cancer isn’t a national problem. It’s a global problem. And if we want to cure it, we need to think globally.” From a pub wager, it became the world’s top volunteer-driven pediatric oncology fundraiser.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.