DUBOIS – Seven Penn State DuBois students volunteered to have their hair cut in an effort to raise funds for sick children. One of those students even took his efforts a step further by also donating his hair to a second organization.
The THON Hair Auction at Penn State DuBois raised over $600 this year. All proceeds will be donated to THON, the Penn State Dance Marathon, which supports the Four Diamonds Fund for children battling cancer. Students, faculty and staff cast bids on each of the volunteers. The highest bidder on a particular volunteer got to cut that person’s hair.
Nick Siple, of Brockway, brought in the most money. His hair, which hung past his shoulders, went for $125. That total came with a lot of help from Nick’s mother, Barb Holt, who works in Administrative Support for Penn State DuBois Student Affairs.
“A group of us pulled some money together,” Holt recalled. “Some faculty and staff members pitched in, along with some of our family members. It’s a good cause.”
Siple didn’t stop at one good cause, however. Since he went under the shears for the first time in a long time, he made it well worth the effort. In addition to the money his haircut raised for THON, Siple also donated the 12 inches cut from his locks to Wigs 4 Kids, an organization that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other illnesses.
“I miss my hair, but I’m glad it’s going to support good organizations,” Siple said.
“I’m always proud of my son,” Holt said. “I’m extremely proud of him right now for showing such generosity for the kids.”