ACC officers get shaved for pediatric cancer research fundraiser

ACC officers about to get shaved after participating in Beard It Up

Austin Community College District (ACC) police officers participating in a fundraiser benefiting pediatric cancer research said goodbye to their beards in a public shaving event. The event took place at Highland Campus Friday, January 4, to commemorate the end of the two-month-long Beard It Up/Color for the Cure campaign.

Through the fundraising campaigns, ACC officers raised more than $4,000 to support The Cure Starts Now, a foundation dedicated to finding a cure for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer that affects children almost exclusively.

"Not only has it been a good thing for the community and the charity, but the officers had a lot of fun with it and it's really helped morale," says Chief Lynn Dixon, ACC District Police Department.

More than 60 officers — men and women — participated, each making a donation of $50 to either grow a beard or color their hair, or $30 to grow a goatee or color their nails during November and December.

"It's great to have a beard, but it's also great to get it off. This has been the longest I've gone without shaving," says Officer David Powers.

Clean-shaven ACC police officers with barbers

Barbers from Luis' Corner Barber Shop volunteered to give the officers a clean shave at the event. "David (Powers) has been a customer for years, and it is a great cause. We were more than happy to help," says Luis Salinas, barber shop owner.

The Cure Starts Now has funded more than $12.5 million in cancer research, resulting in over 80 cutting-edge research grants in six countries since 2007.