From Prank to Purpose: HCHS Students Turn Head-Shaving Dare into Fundraiser

Last year, Camden Robinson wanted to shave his friend’s head, but Ben Ramos kept saying no. Finally, on the day of the Homecoming football game, he agreed. Camden raced home to get the clippers. To the cheers of their classmates in the student section, Camden finally got his wish and shaved Ben’s hair. “There were definitely patches,” said Ben. 

A few weeks ago, the two seniors were joking with Vice Principal Joe Yurisich about last year’s antics when Mr. Yurisich warned the duo, “No shaving heads in the student section this year!” To which Camden responded, “How much for your head?” The three of them laughed and went their separate ways without an answer to the offhanded question. But the next day, Mr. Yurisich told Ben and Camden he would allow them to shave his head for $2,500. Ben then asked how much more for an eyebrow slit. Mr. Yurisich agreed to $5,500. The students then went for the beard. Mr. Yurisich took a little time to think about that request. He has had a full beard, sometimes longer than others, for 15 years. He settled on $10,000 for a goatee, although he later stated, “If they get to 10, it will all come off.” What better time and place to do the trimming than at this year’s Homecoming football game, Friday, October 3, in the student section? 

Camden and Ben knew they wanted to donate the money to charity and asked Mr. Yurisich to choose the recipient. He knew immediately which charity to support: Isaiah 117 House. Ben and Camden had not heard of the charity, but looked up information about what it does. “We did some research, and it’s a pretty cool charity. Their goal is to help children who are in foster care.” Isaiah 117 House provides a place for children to stay after being removed from their homes. The wait can be short or can last several days. The children often have nothing with them and are taken to child welfare offices. Isaiah 117 House is a safe, comfortable place where they can wait for foster placement. Volunteers provide clothes, comfort, toys, and the care they need. Isaiah 117 of Calhoun County is currently building a house to serve children entering foster care.  

“As a family, my sister doing foster care and adopting, we kind of have become pretty big with helping out Isaiah House and helping move the project with them building the new house,” Mr. Yurisich explained. His wife, daughter, parents, and sister, Jessica Davis, a 6th-grade teacher at Harper Creek Middle School, all volunteer with the organization. His schedule has not allowed him to put as much hands-on time as he would like. Working with Ben and Camden is a way he can give back to the charity close to his heart. 

This grassroots effort to raise money is receiving attention through word of mouth and social media, especially on Facebook and LinkedIn. They have collected almost $3,000 so far. Ben and Camden now have another source of funds. The high school and middle school are hosting Hat Days. HCHS Principal Stefanie Howard said that for the next four Friday’s students will wear hats at school for a $1 donation to the cause. HCMS is also hosting a Hat Day to contribute to the fundraiser. The boys are not stopping there. The two plan to reach out to local businesses for more support in reaching their goal. 

Mr. Yurisich wants people to know this effort, born out of fun, is all Camden’s and Ben’s doing. What began as a joke between friends has become a meaningful fundraiser to support children in one of life’s most vulnerable moments. When the clippers come out the the Friday night lights of Homecoming, it won’t just be hair hitting the ground, it’ll be a show of what happens when students lead with heart. 

You can contribute to the fundraiser through GoFundMe.