Ryan 2022
Ryan Nichols, a brewer at the Phoenix Brewing Company, has been shaving his head for charity for almost as long as he has been working for the Phoenix. 2022 will be his 6th year in a row shaving his hair off to raise money for St. Baldrick’s Children’s Cancer research.
He started in 2016 as a bartender. In 2017 he embraced the bald by shaving his head for the first time, raising almost $2,000, after being inspired by a customer to take on the challenge. Over the last 5 years, he has raised over $10,000. For his 6th shave, he hopes to raise a lofty $5,000. He is currently a little over 45% of the way to his goal. Ryan said, “It has been great to see how many people willingly contribute to the cause and it has made it easier for me to spread the word about the organization. Which is one of the reasons why I do this every year. Having my own child now also emboldens my efforts.”
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research. They have funded more than $314 million in research since 2005 when they were established as an independent charity. They are powered by volunteers and donors.
At the 2017 Shave
People have been following his journey and efforts. They eagerly watch the transition of Ryan’s shaved head into long curly brown locks through the year. His hair is often the topic of conversation in the taproom about whether or not he will cut it before the shave. He doesn’t cut it, in the hopes that it will reach the necessary 8 inches for donation, but every year it has been just a little shy. This year he says may get it cut in between because the summers get pretty warm. The only downside is how cold his head feels after the fresh shave.
But this time, he isn’t alone. Joining him in his efforts is his 12-year-old nephew, Wesley, who decided to join in the efforts to raise money for other children after being inspired by his Uncle. Ryan beamed,” I'm very proud of him for standing with me, and many others, to end childhood cancer.” Wesley’s mom, Brandie Hall, said “I am proud of my son for taking an interest in such a great cause.”
The plan is for the pair to have their heads shaved over in the beer garden at 7 pm, on April 1. (Not an April Fool’s Day joke). People are welcome to watch in person, or on the live feed on Facebook on the Phoenix page. “Ryan has been such a great role model (to his nephew). They have a bet going to see who can raise the most donations. “said Ryan’s mom, Tonya Swint. Ryan is extremely appreciative of all of the support over the last 6 years from donations to the crowds that have watched in person when the shave was held at Legends in Shelby, and virtually the last couple of times because of COVID. Traditionally the group event has been held in March, but participants shaved virtually on their own selected dates during COVID. The last group head shave was held in September of 2021 outdoors, but Ryan wanted to wait to grow his hair out a little more. He hopes for great weather and a great crowd for his shave Friday and for the September 2022 shave.
Ryan & Keith R.
St. Baldrick’s is also the March charity for The Phoenix Brewing Company. In 2021 they converted to a non-tipped business model. Paying employees a higher living wage ensures a consistent paycheck for staff after inconsistencies in pay through COVID disruptions. Customers, who occasionally still wish to leave cash behind, now leave it behind as a donation to a designated monthly charity.
Anyone wishing to donate, or find more information, can visit this link:
https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/1097118/2022