Bald for a cause

Miss Virginia makes fundraising promise to shave her head

Offering to shave your head for charity is not something everybody is willing to do. This makes Miss Virginia 2008's willingness to put her locks on the line for pediatric cancer research something of an event.

Tara Wheeler, 24, who won the crown in June, has promised to shave her head if enough folks donate to St. Baldrick's Foundation, which supports researchers and institutions studying childhood cancer.

“It's been something I have been involved with for a while,” said Wheeler, who lives in Woodbridge. As an ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network, she has been able to see up-close how cancer affects children and their families.

Wheeler, who has shoulder-length hair, said she was inspired to partner with St. Baldrick's by a college student with “gorgeous, long blond hair.”

“She shaved it all off and raised $11,000. I thought, how much can Miss Virginia raise? How much could I do for this cause?” said Wheeler, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, who wants to be a sports journalist and cover the National Hockey League.

She cleared her plans with Miss Virginia officials.

“I thought they would immediately shoot it down. They heard me out, and said, ‘You know what, this sounds like a great idea. We are supportive of you.’ There are some stipulations of course, but everyone has been very supportive.”

Her goal is to raise $500,000. A spokesman at St. Baldrick's said the goal is ambitious. The charity's top “shave” fundraiser last year brought in about $180,000 in donations.

St. Baldrick's has raised more than $51 million, and lists on its Web site agencies that those dollars have helped. Thousands of men and women have had their heads shaved.

If the goal is met, Wheeler’s locks will be shorn at a public event. She still wants to look the part when she gives up the crown in June as Miss Virginia 2009 is named, and says she's found a wig sponsor.

Tammie Smith is a staff writer for Media General’s Richmond Times-Dispatch.