The Malden Against Cancer club’s annual Hat Day fundraiser happened this year on Friday Apr. 8, 2016. 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 can pay $1 and be able to wear a hat 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 contributions from participants.
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 outweighs the potential distractions. Senior Bianca Alves explained that she enjoys Hat Day because it is a “break the rules.”
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. 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] or that have survived it.”
Proceeds from this year’s Hat Day will be split between the Chic by Karina Foundation in memory of MHS student Karina Moreira as well as the Dana Farber charity in memory of MHS teacher Carol Mastromauro. The club works closely with the Chic by Karina Foundation especially with the Karinaval celebration that occurs when the weather is warmer.
