An on-board raffle in honor of September 11th first responders

A guest came aboard our September 11th, 6-night cruise this year with a mission and a plan. Marc didn't have time to get a hair cut before his cruise and, with hair longer than normal, decided that he had the perfect idea for a way to raise money for a foundation that means a lot to him. He offered raffle tickets to everyone on board. The tickets were $10 a piece and the winner won the opportunity to cut his hair. On board. However they would like! He went further and set an amount that, if met, would require him to go to lunch on Saturday in town after returning from the trip . . . without a hat on! He also matched each dollar raised from the sale of the raffle tickets.

The money raised was donated to the FealGood Foundation. Their web site states: "The primary mission of the FealGood Foundation, a non-profit organization, is to spread awareness and educate the public about the catastrophic health effects on 9/11 first responders, as well as to provide assistance to relieve these great heroes of the financial burdens placed on them over the last eight years.

A secondary goal of the Foundation is to create a network of advocacy on 9/11 healthcare issues. We not only advocate for Ground Zero workers, but show others how they can advocate for themselves and help others through grassroots activism."

I, unfortunately, didn't win the chance to cut Marc's hair but lots of people ended up getting a chance to weigh in on how it should look. Jay's name was drawn and, acting on a pact he made with another guest, Joe, he set to designing the final coif; Jay directed and Joe cut.

Marc before the cutting began.

Joe grabbing a clump of hair for the first snip.

It's too late Marc, you can't have it back!

By the end there were several people involved in the styling.

The finished product.

This photo really just doesn't do justice to how bad this haircut looked. There was one tiny pony-tail sticking out of the top of his head as well as two little braids, one on either side of his forehead, neatly tied with dental floss (one colored with red Sharpie)! And, despite the 1/4" minimum length stipulation, there were several nearly bald spots in the back!

Overall, this was great entertainment for a foggy morning . . . and all for a good cause. I can attest to the fact that Marc actually did donate the $400 raised because he sent the check to me first as a matter of confirmation. Thank you, Marc . . . good work! And Marc thanks everyone that supported the hair cut raffle!