SOUTH RIVER–Raising $2,185 for the Mama Mare Breast Cancer Foundation, South River High School Principal Edward Bucior kept his promise and shaved off his hair.
Bucior joined the South River Public Schools on July 1, replacing former high school Principal Wayne Sherman upon his retirement.
With the initial fundraising goal set at $1,000, Superintendent Sylvia Zircher said students, staff, community and family/friends rallied together to raise money before Bucior got his head shaved on Oct. 28 at LX Factory Barber Studio, located at 10 Ferry St. in South River.
“Although I cannot speak for everyone, I feel that most people know of someone that has battled through or is currently going through cancer treatments. Personally, I have family members currently going through it and I know how tough it can be. In my opinion, the shaving of my head is a simple way to show support, but it is also a great way to raise money for a great cause,” Bucior said.
The Mama Mare Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps cover the cost of medical treatments while providing support to those currently going through treatments, according to Bucior.
Bucior said that the fundraiser helped raise money that will specifically provide support services to breast cancer patients and their families.
“A few years ago I did a similar fundraiser and it was a way to bring the community together for a common cause. That is why the title, Together Against Cancer, was selected for the fundraiser,” Bucior said.
From Oct. 22-28, Bucior was able to more than double the initial fundraising goal.
“Through the help and generous donations of our students, staff, parents, community members, and friends and family, we have currently raised $2,185. In every correspondence with my students and parents guardians, I start my videos, email, or Instagram stories with ‘Ram Family,’ ” Bucior said. “We are all diverse and come from different backgrounds and I think it is important that we create a family-type culture here at South River High School. In tough times, it is always nice knowing that your ‘family’ has your back.”
Originally appointed the high school’s new principal in March, with a start date of July 1, Bucior said just a few days into the original two-week mark in March, all schools shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“As we all know, the two weeks quickly turned into the remainder of the school year. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet the students or staff before school let out for the summer,” Bucior said. “To help the students get to know who I am during the virtual setting, high school Assistant Principal Nicole Yorek and I created a high school Instagram account.”
Bucior said he tries his best to post all of the positive things happening at the high school building.
“My intention was to always shave my head for charity, but I also wanted our student body to get more involved. So what started as a friendly bet of increasing the number of students following the account from 580 to 750 turned into the shaving of my head as a fundraiser,” Bucior said.
Bucior said the truth is, he thinks it is amazing that various stakeholders rallied behind this fundraiser.
“Being new to the district myself, it was great to see that my Ram Family had my back. I honestly would have shaved my head even if we only raised a dollar, but the fact is that we more than doubled our initial goal of $1,000,” Bucior said. “Knowing that the Mama Mare Breast Cancer Foundation will be receiving this money, we know with confidence that they are going to use it to help those currently fighting or who have gone through breast cancer treatments.”
For more information about the Mama Mare Breast Cancer Foundation visit, www.mamamare.org.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].