It's become one of the largest fundraising events for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, in the world. Hundreds walked into Kitty Hoynes Sunday looking one way, and walked out with a lot less on the top and sides. Alexa Green spoke to those who participated to find out why they chose to brave the shave.
SYRACUSE N.Y-- Nine years ago, Brian Schultz starting getting his head shaved for the St. Baldrick's foundation.
"Everybody knows somebody that's affected by cancer. For me, it's kind of the opposite. I've got three beautiful healthy children. I can't imagine what some of these families are going through and I just wanted to contribute," Schultz said.
He also got his family involved and this year, they raised more than $6,000.
"It makes me feel happy that you're helping other people and having some fun out of it too," said his son Nathan Schultz, who also had his head shaved.
On Saturday, more than 500 people went under buzzer at Kitty Hoynes' 11th annual St. Baldrick's fundraiser. Organizers say before the doors even opened, $300,000 had been raised.
"They do it for the sake of the children and the families that suffer. It's a tight-knit community, Syracuse. We live in a very generous place," said organizer Chow Downey.
Those we spoke to say it's more than just a good cause. For many, it's become a family tradition.
"They've been doing it with me now for seven years," Schultz said talking about his kids. "They both were just inducted into knights of the bald table for participating for seven years. I'm very proud of them."
As for what Schultz and his son think of their annual trim.
"It grows back. That's the way we look at it. It's not forever and bald is beautiful," said Schultz.
"It feels like, your head's cold and you can feel your hair. It feels fuzzy and rough," said his son Nathan.
The Schultz family says they plan to continue this yearly tradition, at least until a cure is found.