By Mary Thurwachter
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach has been forgotten too many times, says Lantana Mayor Dave Stewart, and he is ready to do something about it.
The Hypoluxo Island resident has agreed to have his hair and beard shaved off if the Chamber of Commerce can raise $20,000 for Forgotten Soldiers Outreach by Veterans Day.
Stewart, 62, has sported a Hemingway-like beard since he was 25, and his wavy locks pretty much all his life.
Hizzoner is not nervous about noggin nakedness.
“I’ve seen cancer patients have to endure baldness for years,” he said. “Six months (the time he anticipates for regrowth) is nothing. It’s worth it.”
The idea for the fundraiser sprouted during a Chamber of Commerce business card exchange, routinely attended by a Forgotten Soldiers volunteer holding a little plastic box for donations.
“Every time he’d end up with six or seven bucks,” Stewart said. “I thought, you know, four soldiers were killed in Iraq today and here we are exchanging business cards and having drinks. I challenged everyone to put $10 in the box.”
One woman said she would put $500 in if Stewart would have his head and beard shaved. But Stewart had a larger number in mind — $20,000.
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach is a nonprofit organization based in Lake Worth that mails care packages with donated items (toiletries, edible treats, reading material) and letters to military men and women serving abroad.
The Chamber of Commerce is planning a Red, White and Buzz Festival at the Recreation Center from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 9 to celebrate veterans and soldiers, and featuring vendors, children’s activities, food, entertainment and the mayoral shaving. The money raised by the Chamber event would go toward postage.
The Lantana Town Council on July 14 agreed to waive the $200 rental fee, which will be donated to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.
Follicly challenged council member Phil Aridas said Stewart will benefit from a chrome dome.
“Chicks really dig bald men,” he said.
Lynn Smith, executive director of the Chamber, said more than $4,000 has already been raised.
IF YOU GO
What: Red, White & Buzz Festival
When: 2-6 pm Nov. 9
Where: Lantana Recreation Center, 418 S. Dixie Highway.
To donate: Mail checks payable to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach to Lantana Chamber of Commerce, 212 Iris Ave., Lantana, FL 33462. Or go to www.forgottensoldiers.org (please note on check the event the donation is for).
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