All of the buzz is surrounding Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry’s only fundraiser for 2020.

Since the nonprofit organization’s golf outing that usually brings in around $24,000 was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Executive Director Megan Cherry is relying on the fundraising efforts of the 11 Hairless for the Homeless participants.

They have a lot to live up to, as the 2019 contestants set a record by raising $36,750.

They also face a challenge with the ongoing pandemic putting a financial strain on some people, but Cherry has confidence in the participants putting their hair on the line.

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"Some of the candidates were quick to say yes and join in the fun. A few others really had to consider if they could afford to lose their hair, but at the end of the day, they all agreed the cause was worth it," she said. "They are all really good sports. We are very thrilled with the individuals that have agreed to be a part of the fun this year."

The candidates are Bob Cherepski, Ryan Cherry, Kevin Heilman, Angie Mellencamp, Sasha Norman, Adam Schumm, Dustin Steward, Zach Thompson, Don Waldman and Roger Wessel. The bounty is Craig Flinn.

Each candidate must raise at least $1,000 to be in the safe zone and not get their head shaved. If they don’t reach that mark, they will have their head shaved. As the bounty, Flinn will only get his head shaved if $2,000 is raised on his behalf.

"As much as we want the fun of shaving some heads, we would love to see each candidate reach their $1,000 goal and see our bounty hit the $2,000 mark," Cherry said. "Last year was a record year for us, so the pressure is on."

Donations can be made online at facebook.com/ahfamilyassistancecenter or through PayPal by visiting anchorhouseshelter.org, clicking on "Click here to donate," typing in the amount and putting the candidate’s name in the notes. Cash and checks also may be dropped off at Anchor House, 250 S. Vine St., Seymour, or mailed to P.O. Box 765, Seymour, IN 47274.

The deadline to contribute to the fundraiser is 5 p.m. Oct. 2.

This year, the results will be presented virtually on Anchor House’s Facebook page.

"We had to get creative this year due to COVID," Cherry said. "We will be going around to each candidate and videoing the results, and that will include the shaving. We will then compile all those videos together to broadcast the results."

In recent years, the results were revealed during the Seymour Oktoberfest, but that festival has been canceled because of the pandemic.

"It is going to be different this year not doing it at Oktoberfest, but we are making the best of the challenge and looking forward to doing each one at their place of business and being able to highlight that for them, as well," Cherry said. "We are going to have fun with it."

When considering supporting the fundraiser, Cherry encourages people to think about the cause. Anchor House offers an emergency homeless shelter for families with children and a food pantry for the community.

In 2019, the organization provided a home to 48 families and 87 children through the shelter and served more than 4,000 families and provided more than 234,000 meals through the pantry. This year, Cherry said she has had to shift the services because of the pandemic.

"It is fun and games with all the competition with dollars and head shaving, but at the end of the day, it come down to the mission," she said. "There are so many families that need our help. From a roof over their head to the food on the table, we make a commitment to be there and help support those families."

Now more there ever, there is uncertainty with people in the community about where their next meal may come from, Cherry said.

"Our neighbors need us," she said. "This is our opportunity to provide that assistance to those who are most vulnerable to make a huge impact in our community."

Not being able to have the golf outing this year was tough on Anchor House, she said.

"It adds more emphasis on Hairless this year to help make up the loss and continue to allow us to do our work in the community," Cherry said. "We would love to see a big commitment to this fundraiser to help us recover some of those funds we missed out on earlier this year through the golf outing."

Another thing Cherry wants people to remember when considering giving is how Anchor House has stepped up this year.

"When families needed us this year during COVID, we stepped up. When those who were hungry needed us, we stepped up. When families who were vulnerable or unable to get out to get food, we stepped up by delivering food to their door," she said. "We are proud of our commitment to helping those in need and hope everyone will consider making a donation to help us continue that work in our community."

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Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry Hairless for the Homeless contestants

Name;Representing

Bob Cherepski;Premier Companies

Ryan Cherry;Brownstown Police Department

Craig Flinn;Seymour Fire Department

Kevin Heilman;All-Star Paving

Angie Mellencamp;Gymnastics Lane

Sasha Norman;Seymour Chamber of Commerce

Adam Schumm;Cummins Inc. and Anchor House board of directors

Dustin Steward;Jackson County Sheriff’s Department

Zach Thompson;Actors Community Theater of Seymour

Don Waldman;Little Caesars Pizza

Roger Wessel;Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Each candidate must raise at least $1,000 to be in the safe zone and not get their head shaved. If they don’t reach that mark, they will have their head shaved. As the bounty, Flinn will only get his head shaved if $2,000 is raised on his behalf.

Donations can be made online at facebook.com/ahfamilyassistancecenter or through PayPal by visiting anchorhouseshelter.org, clicking on "Click here to donate," typing in the amount and putting the candidate’s name in the notes. Cash and checks also may be dropped off at Anchor House, 250 S. Vine St., Seymour, or mailed to P.O. Box 765, Seymour, IN 47274.

The deadline to contribute to the fundraiser is 5 p.m. Oct. 2.

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