WESTFIELD – For the third year, Westfield State University students will hold a cancer buzz-off fundraiser to benefit One Mission: The Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off, on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in Scanlon Banquet Hall. The event will conclude with a ceremony in which participants shave their heads in solidarity.
One Mission: The Kid’s Cancer Buzz-Off benefits pediatric cancer patients, their families, and cancer research. The organization spreads the donations in four ways: by giving smiles, including decorating hospital rooms, giving comfort by providing caregiver relaxation, giving assistance to individual families and research grants, and giving support by providing education and outreach programs.
Westfield State students have raised more than $12,000 for the organization in its past two buzz off fundraisers. This year, the Westfield State University Class of 2018 is organizing the event and Casey Hiltz ’18 of Holbrook, Mass. said the fundraising goal is $7,000.
Hiltz decided to become involved in this year’s buzz off after having a positive experience volunteering at last year’s event.
“I had heard about One Mission and the Buzz Off before, but had never witnessed what actually happens there,” Hiltz said. “There was so much love, excitement, and overall joy throughout the room.”
Hiltz said it’s important to keep in mind that the fundraiser benefits both children who are battling cancer and their families.
“This is such an important fundraiser because not only by shaving your head are you supporting children who do not have the choice of losing their hair, but by raising money and collecting donations, we are assisting families who have a child with cancer,” Hiltz said.
The fundraiser was originally organized by Class of 2016. Class President Ryan Losco of North Andover, Mass. said he is happy the event has become an annual tradition that will continue past his graduation.
“We started this fundraiser because we were so passionate about One Mission and the work they do with families who are going through the worst situation imaginable,” Losco said. “To see our sister class motivated and passionate about the Buzz Off and supporting One Mission is truly a great feeling. I know that the future of the Buzz Off will only improve the leadership of the 2018 Class Council and I am looking forward to coming back to campus to see what great things they have accomplished.”
To donate or sign up for the buzz off, visit http://www.onemissionbuzzoff.org/WSUBuzzOff16.
