Through Saturday’s fourth annual St. Baldrick’s Shave Fest, the community, through the efforts of groups like the Kissimmee Police Department, Kissimmee Fire Department, Osceola County Fire Rescue EMS, and numerous businesses, organizations, and individuals, raised $23,300.85 to fight childhood cancer.

And if you couldn’t make it to Saturday’s event in downtown Kissimmee, you can still donate to the cause — money, not your hair — at the event’s website, so you can still make a positive difference and a positive impact!

Even Kissimmee Police Department’s Lt. James Napier, who who thought he was only serving as Saturday’s emcee, got in the chair when local businessman and City Commission member Felix Ortiz quickly had raised $900 during Saturday’s event to see Napier’s head shaved. Kissimmee Fire Chief Jim Walls was also shorn, and county Fire Rescue PIO Andrew Sullivan gave up both his hair and beard, all while raising hundreds or thousands

“Trust me, I love my hair. But it will grow back,” he said. “When I heard Felix had raised $900, it became a no-brainer. My hair will grow back. For the kids we’re trying to help, it may not. Then I see Leila (who has fought neuroblastoma for 2 1/2 of her four years) grab the clippers and, well, it was fine.”

He also shared anecdotal stories of families who participated last year with children fighting cancer, who returned this year despite the child losing the fight just to be part of the event, and the solution.

“It keeps getting bigger and better as we do it,” Napier said. “We’re getting a better response online and in person at the event the more we keep doing it.”

It’s an honor for Positively Osceola to be a part of a community that is rapidly growing in everyone, but still takes the time to open its heart to care for those in need and to make a Positive Difference in Osceola County!