The annual Brave the Shave fundraiser in Avalon is set for Saturday at Wrigley Stage. Volunteers recently arranged a program at Avalon School to promote and encourage any brave souls to shave their heads and raise money for childhood cancer research.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation began with an event in 1999, where volunteers sought donations if they shaved their heads, with the money going to fund childhood cancer research. Sabrina Garza, with family connections to Catalina has become a dedicated volunteer and has been the driving force behind bringing the event to Catalina.
Three assemblies were held at Avalon School on Friday.
High School
Teacher Ben Guzman shaved his head.
Middle School
Firefighter Juan Cisneros shaved his head.
Elementary School
During this assembly Fire Chief demonstrated a timed change-out and then six students who bravely shaved their heads last year in support of childhood cancer research, were highlighted and recognized:
- Giovanni De La Cruz – 5th Grade
- Locklan Gillick – 4th Grade
- Damien Valdivia – 4th Grade
- Hayden Echegaray – 4th Grade
- Dominic “Cruz” Morones – 3rd Grade
- Blake Bogard – Kindergarten
As of the time of the programs, the event had already raised $13,000, with 25 people signed up to shave their heads and 5 people signed up to trim their hair in support of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
“Every day we see the numbers rise,” Organizer Sabrina Garza said.
Gaspar Garza and Gaspar Garza Jr. have also been long-time supporters and volunteers for the event. They will return this year to, once again, Brave the Shave. The Garza family has been involved with St. Baldrick’s for decades. Gaspar Garza has shaved his head for 21 of St. Baldrick’s 25 years, beginning at age six, and continues in honor of children in his life impacted by cancer. His father, Gaspar Garza Jr., will mark nearly 20 years of shaving this year, and Virginia Garza has volunteered with the foundation for 15 years and plays a key role in organizing the event. Avalon’s event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wrigley Stage
For more on the event, including how to help if you can’t attend, visit stbaldricks.org/events/avalon2026. For more on the Baldrick’s Foundation visit stbaldricks.org.
