Raleigh high school students go bald for a cause

A group of North Raleigh high school students proved today that you're never too young to help someone else.

About 70 students and staff members at Sanderson High school shaved their heads Monday morning as part of a St. Baldricks fundraiser to raise money for children's cancer research. Seven young women also donated their hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children with cancer.

The event, which raised more than $8,400 through donations and bake sales, was organized entirely by students, led by Sanderson junior Eric Fitch, who came up with the idea for the fundraiser. 

Erin Pike, a teacher at Sanderson, said Fitch has been working non-stop to make sure the event was a success.

"Eric handled all communications with the St. Baldrick's foundation, designed and ordered t-shirts, recruited volunteers and found sponsors for the event," she said.

Fitch and his friends started the fundraiser last year, and the school raised more than $5,000 for the foundation. This year, the students set a goal of $7,500, which they exceeded, largely aided by the Sanderson Air Force JROTC program.

"We are very proud of our students for their time, hair, and monetary sacrifices," Pike said. "Our students have big hearts and it was great seeing our community come together today to help kids who are fighting cancer."