KPD ‘Double-Down’ on ‘No-Shave November’

Some of the KPD employees who participated in the “No-Shave November” project to raise funds for the American Cancer Society of Hawai‘i – Kaua‘i Branch. First row: Detective Chad Cataluna, left, and Chief Todd G. Raybuck. Second row: Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce, left, and Sergeant Shane Sokei. Third row: Sergeant Clyde Caires, left, and Detective Brian Silva. Back row: Accountant Justin Faford, left, and Sergeant Anthony Morita. Photo courtesy KPD

The Kaua‘i Police Department got hairy for a good cause in November and plan to do so again this month for “Double-Down December,” according to a county news release.

Last month, KPD employees participated in “No-Shave/Let Your Hair Down November” to raise funds for the American Cancer Society of Hawai‘i – Kaua‘i Branch. Almost two dozen KPD personnel participated in the November event and raised nearly $1,500.

This month, the dress code will remain relaxed throughout the department to allow employees the opportunity to support the community in its fight to cure cancer and assist loved ones affected by the disease. KPD employees pledge a donation and, in turn, are able to grow a beard or goatee, or wear their hair in a ponytail or cornrows, while at work. The difference this month is that employees will be doubling down on their November donations.

“I’d like to thank the KPD officers and employees who participated in this fundraiser in an attempt to support the prevention, treatments and awareness of cancer, an ailment that touches everyone in some way,” KPD Chief Todd G. Raybuck said. “We will continue to rally this month and raise even more money, in hopes that more people will be inclined to make a donation, especially during the holiday season.”

“No-Shave November” began as a tradition for a Chicago family, to pay tribute to their father, Matthew Hill, who passed away from colon cancer in November 2007. Two years later, Hill’s family started a web-based, non-profit organization, “No-Shave November,” and began raising funds to fight cancer. The organization has grown tremendously since 2009, with an ongoing goal of raising funds for cancer-prevention, education and research, all while letting hair grow as a symbol for the cause.

“In November, American Cancer Society’s GrowNation encouraged people to be part of a hair-raising movement to lead the fight for a world against cancer. Since the inception of GrowNation in 2017, the initiative has brought in approximately $66,000 towards the mission,” said Patti Ornellas, senior community development manager of the American Cancer Society Kaua‘i Field Office. “We would like to thank the Kaua‘i Police Department for participating in our movement once again and are humbled by their efforts to Double-Down in December. Their support will help fight cancer from every angle and we are truly grateful.”