St. Baldrick's celebration set for March 12 at MSSU

(From Southern News Service)

Civil War re-enactor … Duck Dynasty … Col. Sanders.

Those are just a few of the names that Dr. Scott Cragin has heard used to describe his appearance in recent months as he grew out his hair and beard.

The long hair isn’t a fashion statement or the start of a new trend, however. For Cragin, it’s all about the kids.

The Missouri Southern State University marketing professor is among those raising donations in preparation for the fourth annual St. Baldrick’s celebration, set for 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, in Young Gymnasium. He’s currently accepting donations in advance of getting shorn as part of the fundraising effort for childhood cancer research and awareness.

“We have volunteers who have agreed to shave their heads and have been raising money for the last couple of months,” said Brittany Lampe, a senior secondary education/biology major and member of the Student Senate, which sponsors the campus event. “Barbers come in and shave their heads, and there will be food, games and a silent auction … different ways you can help out the foundation.”

During this year’s event, organizers are working with Pantene Beautiful Lengths, so that anyone who cuts off at least eight inches of hair can donate it to use in making wigs. City Pointe Beauty Academy will also offer green hair extensions and mini manicures for a donation.

Over the last three years, the St. Baldrick’s event at Missouri Southern has raised nearly $20,000, said Lampe. Members of the Student Senate were on hand for the Joplin City Council meeting this week as Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean issued a proclamation declaring March 12 as St. Baldrick’s Day.

Cragin said he was inspired to get involved after watching fellow faculty member Dr. Joy Dworkin raise $4,000 during the 2013 event.

Just how his head will look after a representative from City Pointe gets done with him is up in the air, however.

“People can vote for a full shave, a mohawk, a reverse mohawk or a top-knot,” he said. “This will let me cross two things off of my bucket list,” said Cragin. “Letting my hair grow out and being bald.”

For more information about the event, search for “MSSU Young Gym” or “Scott Cragin” at www.stbaldricks.org.