GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The City of Goldsboro is recognizing the fight against childhood cancer by proclaiming March as St. Baldrick’s Foundation Month and encouraging residents to support this weekend’s annual Cuts for Cures fundraiser.
During the March 2 meeting, the Goldsboro City Council presented a proclamation honoring the work of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research to find cures for childhood cancers.
As part of the recognition, the community is invited to attend the upcoming Cuts for Cures event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at The HUB in downtown Goldsboro.
The annual event features volunteers who shave their heads in solidarity with children battling cancer while raising funds for lifesaving pediatric cancer research.
Local organizers Shelby Ostendorf and Eric Ostendorf say this year’s event is expected to be the largest yet.
“We have the most shavees we’ve ever had,” Shelby Ostendorf said. “We have five teams this year, and one was formed in honor of someone who passed away from cancer. That’s a very special team for us and they’re doing some amazing fundraising.”
Now in its fifth year locally, the fundraiser has grown significantly despite early challenges. Organizers said the first attempt to host the event at The HUB coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing a smaller gathering at the Elks Lodge. A winter storm the following year pushed the event to another location before it eventually returned and expanded at The HUB.
This year’s fundraising goal is $25,000, and organizers say they are on track to reach it thanks to strong community support.
The event will also feature live music from 581 South, along with food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Local vendors participating include Goldsboro Brew Works, which will serve craft beer, and Uniquely Ours, offering hot and iced coffee. Food will also be available from Tantra Indian Grill and Britt’s Pizza, longtime supporters of the event.
Additional attractions will include a lemonade stand hosted by Kriquette’s Kids, kids activities, raffle baskets, and a mini health fair from UNC Health Wayne.
Eric Ostendorf will also be stepping into the shaving chair this year after growing his beard and hair for two years. He joked that his wife Shelby will make the first cut.
“After two years of growing this beard and hair, it’s all coming off — the beard, the mustache, everything,” he said.
Ostendorf will also co-emcee the event alongside Doug McGrath, helping lead the festivities while encouraging the community to continue supporting the cause.
Organizers say residents can still participate by signing up to be shaved, donating online at goldsboroelks.org, or simply attending the event to cheer on participants and enjoy the activities.
“Cancer is terrible for anyone, but it’s especially heartbreaking when it affects a child,” Ostendorf said. “If what we’re doing can help find a cure for childhood cancer, then it’s worth it.”
