The Malden Against Cancer club’s annual Hat Day fundraiser happened this year on Friday, April 8th. Hat Day marks the beginning of the baseball season and the spring season officially taking flight. This day is unique because it is the one day each year that students and faculty paid $1 and to be able to wear the hat of their choice during the school day.
MHS community members who contributed to the cause were given a wristband to make everyone around them aware of whether or not they were supporting the cause. Volunteers were given envelopes and assigned homerooms to help encourage students to support the cause and to collect from those who decided to contribute.
Malden Against Cancer advisor Kristen Kirby stated that she “realize[s] that [the hats] can be a distraction to some” but the support of the community for such a great cause is worth it. The fundraiser has assisted in raising over $3000 since it was first established. The proceeds have been distributed to various cancer charities throughout the years.
The proceeds from this years Hat Day will be split between the Chic by Karina Foundation in memory of Karina Moreira, and the Dana Farber charity in memory of Carol Mastromauro. The club works closely with the Chic by Karina Foundation, especially with the Karinaval celebration that occurs in the spring each year.
The first year implementing a Hat Day had raised a great sum of money, but the second year was not as successful as the first. Kirby has hopes of the proceeds becoming larger to bring more support to cancer charities.
Senior Bianca Alves explained that “[she thinks] it’s just a good day because everyone likes to wear hats and they usually get yelled at for wearing hats so they can… break the rules.” Freshman Nicolette Timmins expressed that “what excited [her] about the fundraiser was that [students] got to give to a charity that helps so many people and it felt good to help people that have to suffer through [cancer] now or have survived it.”
