Over $35K Donated In Memory Of Fairfield 9-Year-Old

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfielders may not be able to gather in person this month to shave their heads for charity and honor the memory of one special Osborn Hill Elementary School student, but that hasn’t stopped them from showing up when it comes to making donations.

As of early Thursday morning, Fairfield’s Team Teddy had raised the most money so far of any 2021 event associated with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation's fight against childhood cancer, with more than $35,000 donated to the team's efforts and no sign of slowing down.

2021 marks the 12th year of Team Teddy, which holds an annual fundraiser in memory of Teddy Gerber, who was 9 years old when he died less than a year after being diagnosed with undifferentiated sarcoma.

“One of Teddy’s most joyful times during his illness was the St. Baldrick’s event at Osborn Hill School,” according to a post on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation website written by Teddy's parents, Jessica and Bill Gerber. “He was the star, overseeing the first ‘shavee’ of the night (his older brother John), as well as many of his friends.”

Since 2010, Team Teddy has raised over $1.2 million for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds more research grants for childhood cancer than any organization other than the U.S. government, according to information provided by Jessica Gerber.

In 2020, Team Teddy generated $76,000, despite having to cancel the event at the last minute due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Connecticut. This year, the event will take place virtually March 19, with participants shaving their heads at home or at an area barbershop.

Those who want to contribute without going bald can sponsor a shavee or purchase raffle tickets to possibly win a new bike from Cycle Dynamics or gift cards and baskets from businesses such as Mo’s, Tasty Yolk, The Pantry and Harry’s.

To sign up to be a shavee, visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/108/2021.