Pepper's hair will vanish tonight!

[Pepper]

To all of you who have become accustomed to seeing me with my wild red mane atop my head - prepare yourselves, because tonight it will be shaved away!

At 7:00PM this evening, on the front patio at Waldo's, my head will be shaved as a fundraising effort for St. Baldrick's Foundation. St. Baldrick's is a nationwide organization that raises funds for children's cancer research, education and treatment.

There is a large water bottle on the counter at Waldo's, and folks have already begun to donate to the cause. By the end of the season I hope to raise $10,000! I am doing this in memory of my beloved sister who passed away this past November, and I hope to raise as much as possible in her honor.

If anyone would like to witness the event, be sure to be there before 7:00! But be sure to wear your shades - - I don't want my gleaming bald head to blind anyone!

[Lin]

Hi Pepper,
What a wonderful thing you are doing. It takes a lot of guts to do that when you have beautiful long hair. My daughter has had her hair cut three times now and ready for the 4th. She does it for Wigs for Kids and has been doing this as her own idea now since about the age of 9. Good for you!!!

[RamJet]

Sounds like a great reason for party or WP Fest!

[tomboymom]

Pepper what a grand gesture!

[Mink Islander]

If your hair is long enough (10 inches or more, I believe), you can donate it to Locks of Love who will use it to make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy or other medical reasons. My 11 year old daughter just did it!

Here's the link:

www.locksoflove.org

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Before

and after

pictures are required!

[Hermit Cover]

You are a really special person! What a great tribute to the memory of your sister. Mrs. HC and I will see you this weekend and would love to contribute to your cause and I know you'll reach your goal with all the Forum Festers and Festerettes out and about. We can't wait to see you! HC

[donnamatrix]

Pepper, you just rock!!!

[Quilt Lady]

You are one classy lady! We'll be adding to your jar over the summer.

BTW, I have a cat that likes to sleep on my head. Would you like to borrow her to keep your head warm at night? Warning . . . she snores!

[gtxrider]

Will WMUR cover this?

My hat is off to you for this gesture.

Just think, you will save on hair nets.

[Waterbaby]

........your VCR, DVR, whatever you use to record! I called this into WMUR at about 5:20, they are going to do their best to get a crew there for coverage on tonight's 11:00 broadcast. Great idea, GTX, hope you don't mind that I ran with it!

[Quilt Lady]

At this moment, DRH is working on the pictures he took of the great event. Soon, everyone will be able to enjoy the buzz by buzz action. It was quite an event!

Pepper . . . you are one COOL Lady!

[Newbiesaukee]

What a wonderful gesture! We will be happy to help fill your water jug if you continue to happily fill our stomachs.

[DRH]

Anybody recognize this lady?



Click Here for more photos of Pepper losing her red mane.

[Mee-n-Mac]

Pepper, I never noticed you had all this beautiful red hair I have been hearing about.....I never got past your beautiful inner personality

You are an incredible woman with the biggest heart I have ever come across...Mee-n-Mac will be by this weekend to help stuff that jar

With much admiration,
--Mee

P.S. I think we should donate any/all proceeds from the Forum Fest III this year to the St. Baldrick's Foundation !!

[Hermit Cover]

...idea, Mee-n-Mac! (Applause)

[Quilt Lady]

and the Quilt Lady is willing to limber up her fingers if others agree with "Mee".

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

P.S. I think we should donate any/all proceeds from the Forum Fest III this year to the St. Baldrick's Foundation !!

Excellent idea! I'll drink to that!

Pepper you are the best! ...and that compliment by Mee-n-Mac? Wow!

I think you will look like Sinead O'Connor with a shaved head!

[PaulS]

Take it from someone who knows, you'll get used to it. Although it takes alot more guts to shave your full head of hair than it was for me to cut the last 4 strands I had a few years ago. We'll be in this weekend to contribute & witness the results.

[DRH]

I am planning to attend this terrific event and will attempt to record it for all to see!

[Waterbaby]

DRH, she's still Pepper, and more beautiful because of what she did tonight! Can't wait to see more pics, and I sure hope MUR made it there -- what a selfless gesture!

[Just Sold]

Pepper I firmly believe this is a wonderful tribute to your sister's memory and to help children thru St. Baldrick's Foundation is a great jesture. You are so beautiful inside and out.

BTW you look marvelous!!!!

I am very sorry that I could not make it tonight as schedules changed preventing my attendance but you were in mine and Katie's thoughts.

LOL and see you soon...hopefully this weekend.

Thanks Don for the photo!

[Pepper]

Thank you - all of you - for supporting me in this endeavor! Your kind words truly warm my heart!

DRH - I cannot thank you enough for your buzz-by-buzz photography, and for helping me share this event with all my forum friends! Having you and Quilt Lady there to share this evening with me means more than you will ever know!

Waterbaby - WMUR did not make it, but we did have a reporter/photographer from the Citizen! Thanks for thinking to alert a much larger media then I would have! You're sweet!

To all who wish to make a direct donation, you can do so via my page on St. Baldrick's website. You can reach that page by clicking here http://www.stbaldricks.org/ShaveePho...umber=15338634

To those who have already accessed that page and make donations - you knocked my socks off!!!!!

The generosity of members of this forum never ceases to amaze me, and I am blessed and honored to call so many of you my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm truly overwhelmed ...

[Island Girl]

You are quite a woman... I understand the depth of anguish over your loss and commend you on doing something!

I will be contributing to your jar when I come for a lobster roll... soon.

Love you
IG

[Waterbaby]

Pepper, you are truly an amazing woman! Talk about an act of love! Please accept my condolences on the loss of your sister, I gathered from some posts you had lost someone dear to you and now I know who. Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Regarding your haircut, I wish you the best, and I'll definitely be contributing! I assume, BTW, it's okay to send a donation via the mail just to make sure it gets there as I'm not sure when I'll be up?

[dpg]

Just one thing to say:

[Winni]

Pepper,

I just found out about the foundation through this forum and am sorry to have missed your event. I have lost a number of friends to cancer in the past couple years and a most dear girl friend almost exactly a year ago. She was only 54, my age, and I miss her very much. Sitting with her as she passed was one of the hardest times of my life.

Children, which she was unable to have, meant everything to her and they do to me too. Both my husband and I are/were elementary school teachers and our own children are the pinnacles of our lives. A donation will be on its way to St. Baldrick's very soon. After all the oppositional discussion I've participated in in the last few days, I am so glad to read of your inspiring action.

[Winni]

Pepper,

Just came from dinner with a friend at Patrick's Pub. They promoting the St. Baldrick's "dedication coasters" you can "buy", so all 3 of us made good size donations and were happy to be able to dedicate them to people we loved and lost. I don't know how long they plan to be doing this, but if people are interested you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to donate in this way.

More importantly, one of the owners, Alan Beetle, was on the microphone talking about an upcoming event where at least 50 people were to have their heads shaved, I presume, at Patrick's. I couldn't hear him well over the crowd, so perhaps, Pepper, if you can elaborate on this fundraiser, which is for such an excellent cause, it would help people to know about it.

[Pepper]

The event you reference will take place this coming Saturday, at the Belknap County Sportsmen's Club, and will be a fun event of shavings, auctions and family fun! The link below will help folks see the names (and sometimes photos) of all the participants who will shave their heads that day, and allow you to donate directly under the name of any friends you may have on that list.

http://www.stbaldricks.org/location_...ycode=USNHGF06

For those who would like an update on my progress, so far I've received a total of $500 in online donations made on my profile page, and a total of $1,095 in direct donations made in the water bottle on the counter. So, I'm well on my way to my goal of $10,000 by the end of summer!

I'm keeping a daily accounting each night as I empty the bottle, and the past few days have been a little slow. I'm hoping that will change over the weekend, and we'll pick up a little momentum again.

Meanwhile, my hair is growing back rapidly, and I look a little less scary than I did a week ago!

Thanks to all who have helped me get off to a great start, and to all who will help as the summer progresses!

[Island Girl]

It certainly did grow fast...nice and shiny... bright color... weird texture, though!

[Merrymeeting]

That's cheating!

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

That's cheating!

Indeed it is! However, that glorious head of red hair was a special gift, from a VERY special forum member! Lets just say we had a LOT OF LAUGHS that day!!!!!

Afterwards, I resumed my chia pet appearance.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Pepper, I am proud to call you friend. This is such a wonderful thing to do.
Your sister and Mr. V’s Lady of the Lake are smiling down on you.
You are extraordinary!!!
You’ll be seeing us soon for an in person donation.
DRH, great photo documentation!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

It certainly did grow fast...nice and shiny... bright color... weird texture, though!

Looks kinda "disco" to me, like something from the '70s. Though if we all had something similar .... well then ... you know how that old song goes, "I'm a Pepper, you're a Pepper, ....". Next we could build a racing crib and ... naaaahh ... will never happen

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

Looks kinda "disco" to me, like something from the '70s. Though if we all had something similar .... well then ... you know how that old song goes, "I'm a Pepper, you're a Pepper, ....". Next we could build a racing crib and ... naaaahh ... will never happen

BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!


They'll never know what hit 'em.

[MikeWelsch1559]

Pepper I will be thinking of your sister when i swim across the lake this summer.God Bless!
your friend - Mike Welsch

[Kevin C]

Pepper......What's the latest tally in the cancer fund?

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by Kevin C

Pepper......What's the latest tally in the cancer fund?

Total online donations = $600.00
Total "in bottle" donations = $1,797.00
Total to date = $2,397

Not too bad for 26 days, I say!
My deepest thanks to all who have helped me thus far, and to those who will do so over the summer.

[Kevin C]

Originally Posted by Pepper

Total online donations = $600.00
Total "in bottle" donations = $1,797.00
Total to date = $2,397

Not too bad for 26 days, I say!
My deepest thanks to all who have helped me thus far, and to those who will do so over the summer.

Hey Pepper....What's the latest total to date?

[Pepper]

Kevin, thanks for asking! I'm making great progress!!!

Total online donations = $600.00 (still )
Total "in bottle" donations = $2,532.00
Total to date = $3,132.00

Plus, there is a huge canvas bag full of change that I've been collecting from the jar, which will be counted tomorrow in the machine at Laconia Savings Bank. By the looks of it, I'd say there's about $200.00 worth in coins at this point.

Again, my very deepest thanks to all who've supported me in this endeavor!

[upthesaukee]

My son, his wife, and two of their kids (two of our grandchildren ) were able to come up to the lake today, and after a nice ride down to the Weirs, we took the short walk over to Waldo Peppers for a wonderful lunch. My son and his wife (she has long beautiful hair, as long as Pepper's was) were totally taken by what Pepper has done.

Pepper even took time to say hi to us at the table, and here's a picture of her with Rhiannon and CJ. Thanks Pepper for the visit.

For those of you who can't get to Waldo Peppers to put your donation in the Jar, you can go on-line and either make a donation on line, or get info on how to call it in or mail it in.

For those who visit WP's there is always the jar, and there is also on line.

Let's help Pepper reach her goal. If you need the Website, here is the link: http://www.stbaldricks.org/ShaveePho...umber=15338634


And here's a picture of Pepper on 7-20-06 with Rhiannon and CJ. Thanks again Pepper.

[Winni]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

And here's a picture of Pepper on 7-20-06 with Rhiannon and CJ.

Wow, you can't score much higher in the cuteness department, Upthesaukee! How lucky are you!!? And, you still look gorgeous with your short hair, Pepper! Great cause. Everyone help, please!

[Pepper]

Just to keep everybody up to date on my progress:

Online Donations $ 750.00
In-the-Bottle Donations $ 3,085.96

Total Raised to Date: $ 3,835.96 !!!

Thanks to all of you who continue to support me in this endeavor.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

I finally made it to The Lake last Wednesday to drop a meger donation into the bottle and have a great hot buttered Lobsta Roll. I didn't see Pepper but there was a nice young man at the counter who took our order with a smile and brought it to us. Is he Pepper's replacement

Hope the donations are still progressing.

[Pepper]

Gene - I'm so sorry I missed you! I was really looking forward to seeing you again!!! Apparently I didn't miss you by much - I was out running a few errands, and was gone a little over an hour. You must've come by then.

The young man at the counter is my youngest step-son. Perhaps if I ever retired, he could be my replacement, but he'll have to finish highschool first.

You ask about progress on the donations, so I guess it's time for me to post another update:


Online Donations $ 750.00
In-the-Bottle Donations $ 3,722.96

Total Raised to Date: $ 4,472.96 !!!

Plus, there's quite a lot of coin piling up, so I'll be heading back to the bank again soon for it to be counted again.

All things considered, I think we're making tremendous progress. I set a very high goal, and to be closing in on halfway there is pretty exciting, I think! Considering we're a little bitty place, in a seasonal resort, I'd say the funds collected thus far are a real testament to the fine folks who live in, and visit our region of the world.

Many thanks to all who continue to help me raise funds for this remarkable foundation.

[Silver Duck]

Hi Pepper

Just thought I'd pass this along. Yesterday six of my dockmates were having a debate over where the best lobster rolls in the area were to be found, so I aimed them your way. They all came back raving about how good yours were! I wish that I liked lobster (sigh).

And, one of them is a professional restaurant manager herself; she also came back raving about the cleanliness and efficiency at Waldo Peppers and saying that it showed that somebody cares very, very much about the business.

See you again soon!

Silver Duck

[gtxrider]

I had the large lobster roll to go but it only took a short ride to Alton Bay instead of traveling to Joisey. The lobster was great but the best part was the Pepper hug. Thanks I needed it! I mean the hug but the lobster roll was delish.

I was happy to put a little something in the jar.

[ghfromaltonbay]

[QUOTE=gtxrider]I had the large lobster roll to go but it only took a short ride to Alton Bay instead of traveling to Joisey. The lobster was great but the best part was the Pepper hug. Thanks I needed it! I mean the hug but the lobster roll was delish.

Just kidding, gtx. I hope to get a lobstah roll of my own this weekend, although I seem to recall your kindhearted sister brought you one back to Joisey in March after the season opening celebration at Pepper's. The way this summer is going I could use a double lobstah roll + the famous Pepper hug too.

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Pepper, somehow I suspected that young man was family. He is a fine example of what is good about youth these days. When my wife could not eat all of a good Egplant grinder (she doesn't like lobster ) he cheerfully wrapped it for travel. It was part of my supper back in the campground that evening.

Obviously I was kidding when I said he was Pepper's replacement, nobody can replace Pepper

[Pepper]

Something happened today which has left me not only speechless, but actually took my breath away.

This morning a member of this forum and his wife came in for lunch while I was out doing the banking. Before they left they quietly left an envelope with my name on it.

Inside that envelope was a check to St. Baldricks - a check which represents 1/10th of my entire goal. As I stood staring at this check my staff thought for sure they were going to have to call an ambulance for me, as I had stopped breathing, and could not even blink.

Over the course of the day I was brought to tears several times just thinking about the generosity of this wonderful couple. Truly I have been deeply moved by this remarkable donation.

So many of you have been so kind, so generous, and so loving. This entire experience has been made so much more meaningful because of so many folks from this forum, and I am forever grateful.

Tomorrow would have been my sister's 53rd birthday. I, along with six of my remaining siblings and our mother, will be in Philadelphia together to share time in her memory. When we visit the cemetary, I will tell her what a difference she has made, and that she is being memorialized in a way I never would have dreamed.

Many thanks.

[Tired of Waiting]

Hi pepper,

I have been watching this thread as a lurker cause I couldn't get on the forum.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It takes a woundeful person to do what you have done. I wish ToW could have helped but through our emails you know why I couldn't. But next time count me in to help.

Again CONGRATS!!!!

Oh by the way if you want to share the picture of me in my frustration,,,,,, Be my guest. Post it in the ToW is MIA thread if you chose to.

ToW

[John A. Birdsall]

Our timing was great, we got to go to Peppers last day of business in 2006 and the lobster rolls, french fries, and Onion rings were the best. My family was so glad to go their and very amazed at the service, and the love that was in the air. Pepper thanks and my next year be yet another great year for you.

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

Our timing was great, we got to go to Peppers last day of business in 2006

Last day of business?? NO!!!!!!

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

Last day of business?? NO!!!!!!

So sorry you missed it WeirsGuy. It happened a week earlier than I had originally planned. Just no traffic in the neighborhood, ya know?

We'll be back in March ...

[Silver Duck]

no more Waldo Peppers pizza! Guess we may as well put the boat away this weekend.

Seriously, Betty & I will miss seeing you this weekend; have a great Winter, and we'll look forward to seeing you at ice out! (Is it too early to start planning a Spring mini-fest? Pretty please with pepperoni & extra cheese on it ... oops, that's the pizza, should have said sugar! )

Fred & Betty

[ghfromaltonbay]

Pepper,

I'll be in for another lobstah roll, a hug and to make a donation next week. I hope by then you'll be past the $10K mark. The last 2006 trip from Joisey for me will be on 10/5 - 10/10. See you then.

gh

[Pepper]

You people are nothing short of amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truly, words cannot express my sincere gratitude.

Jetskier - check your PM's. I replied to your request. You're a gem!

To all - I've been running at near mach speed since FFIII, so I haven't been able to personally reply to each post and PM. Please know that each and every one of you are special to me, and I am in awe of the support all of you are offering. That statement in my signature is proven correct, once again! This is the world's most wonderful forum, bar none.

[Pepper]

EIGHTY
SEVEN
DOLLARS
AND
THIRTY
TWO
CENTS
TO GO !!!

Needless to say, I'm half out of my mind at this point, and so deeply grateful for all who have helped me reach this lofty goal.

[Pepper]

Indeed, today is a landmark day.

$10,141.83

In just eighteen and a half short weeks, a goal which once seemed insurmountable has not only been realized, but quicly surpassed!

I could not have done this without the support (both emotional and financial) of so many members of this forum. You are truly a gracious and loving group of philanthropes. While it's true that hundreds of customers, friends and family members played a part in helping me reach my goal, by far the lion's share of the thanks belongs to my many dear friends here. Your kindness, generosity, and sense of humor getting me through those "bald" days means more to me than you will ever know. I am deeply grateful, and eternally thankful for such wonder friends.

I can't write anymore right now, because I'm going to cry.

Thank you!!!

[Resident 2B]

Pepper,

Congratulations on reaching your goal!

You had the courage too publically set such a lofty goal. You also had the courage to make a huge personal sacrifice to raise awareness of your worthy campaign. And, you had the courage to post progress in the early stages of your drive, even when the results were not so good. Your commitment and dedication have inspired so many of us.

Thanks for being a person who unselfishly made sacrifices to benefit those less fortunate than most of us.

Congratulations on a job very well done!

R2B

[DRH]

Pepper,

R2B eloquently stated what we all feel about your noble effort this year to raise money for cancer research. I am sure Mary is very proud of her loving sister.

[Quilt Lady]

It's time for the "Babes" to do the "Happy Dance"! All are welcome to join in!!!

Congratulations on a job well done, Pepper!!!

Now wrap yourself in your quilt and feel all of our love and hugs right back at you!!!!

[riverat]

Hip, Hip, Hooray! Hip, Hip, Hooray! Hip, Hip, Hooray!
Congratulations Pepper! You've made us all proud to know you and we feel warm all over.:

[Lin]

awesome summer, Pepper, Congratulations, hope to see you this weekend.

[SIKSUKR]

I think I speak for all those that have met the mighty Pepper,"couldn't have happened to a nicer person"!

[jetskier]

Jetskier

[rrr]

Congratulations! We knew you could do it! You are truly an inspiration!

[Pineedles]

This time really, "Mission Accomplished"!

[Silver Duck]

Pepper

Both you, and the way people responded to your cause, help restore my faith in humanity in the face of what's sometimes a truly whacked-out world.

Congratulations, and I'm verry proud to know you!

Fred

[Kevin C]

Sis is smiling down at you. Congratulations!!