Brooklynites go bald for a good cause at Park Slope watering hole

Members of Kappa Sigma and the Knights of Pythias, and Pratt Institute alumni marked St. Baldrick’s Day on Saturday, March 5, joining forces to raise money in support of research for childhood cancer.

Family and friends showed up at Park Slope watering hole 200 Fifth Avenue in support of 35 participants who auctioned off their hair and lost it all.

Avery Marder of the Knights of Pythias is even rocking a bold new goatee following the event; he had not planned on auctioning off his beard but he helped raise over $700 alone.

Marder, part of a sub-group that raised $2,000 and helped coordinate the event, had taken part before and goes, “as often as possible to show support for the great cause,” he said, stressing, “Eighty five percent of funds go to cancer research.”

Daniel Ryan, a member of Kappa Sigma and a Pratt Institute alumnus, began with a St. Baldrick’s Day event 10 years ago in Chicago. His father, a cancer survivor, and friends helped out and, after their great success, they moved the event to New York, using their connections through Pratt Institute to gain ground. Now, a decade later, the total amount of money they have raised, after a $25,000 weekend, is nearing the $200,000 mark.

Ryan attributes their success to the undergrads and alumni of Pratt, primarily of Kappa Sigma, as well as the Brooklyn Bowl and Lagunitas Beer Co. whose family consists of Pratt alumni. In addition, many other businesses donate gifts for raffles which helps immensely for fundraising.

The top participants include Matt B., Brendan Maroney and Ryan who, in collaboration, raised almost $9,000, nearly half their goal for the day. Both Ryan and Marder also noted that many more donations are promised.

At every St. Baldrick’s event, local children are honored for their bravery in their battle with cancer. Nicholas M., 10 and Joseph M., 8, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and now in remission, were the honorees on Saturday. To read their stories, visit the event page at bit.ly/24P7ZRM.

For more info, go to stbaldricks.org to find out more about the mission, events, honorees and ways to donate.