By a very slim margin, the Stayton Police Department earns bragging rights over the Aumsville Police Department in the No Shave November contest to raise funds for the Santiam Hospital Can Cancer program. Aumsville PD raised $1,238.75 and Stayton PD raised $1,288 to capture the win.
“Our hats off to them as they beat us by a hair – $46.25,” said Richard Schmitz, Aumsville’s chief of police. “The real winner here is Santiam Hospital’s Can Cancer program, who, between our two departments, is receiving $2,523.75.”
Voting for best beard, worst beard, lumberjack beard, Santa beard or grayest beard is still going on the City of Aumsville’s Facebook page.
“We thank our community as well as the Stayton community for all of your support for this fundraiser,” Schmitz said. “We look forward to a rematch next year with Stayton PD.”
And the votes are in for Stayton winners!
“Officer Leonard was a standout vote for Best Paul Bunyan Beard,” Capt. Gwen Johns said. “And it was a vote-by-vote battle for Best Beard, but ultimately Officer Munoz ousted Officer Reynolds by one vote!”
The department presented their $1,285 to the Santiam Service Integration after the contest. Donations from community partners included the Covered Bridge Café, Hidden Thai Restaurant, Stayton Kiwanis, and a friend of the Stayton Library.
“Great work everyone and thank you to the community for your support,” said Johns, speaking for the department.
Santiam Service Integration Coordinator Kim Dwyer thanked both departments for raising funds for the Can Cancer relief program. Funds are used to support patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and are going through a financially difficult time, she said.
“This will assist many in our local community who are fighting cancer with utilities, groceries, and fuel,” she said. “We appreciate you all so much!”
Melissa Baurer echoed Dwyer, saying, “Thank you for supporting the Can Cancer program. It has benefited many households over the last several years.”
Crystal Svinth Buchheit posted, “It warms my heart knowing you are helping those in your community that are fighting cancer and helping them pay for non-medical expenses.”
“We hope to grow this in the coming years to include other police agencies, including Turner, and possibly fire departments,” Schmitz said. “Our goal is to bring awareness and support to those battling cancer.”
Donations to the Can Cancer Fund can be made to Santiam Hospital. For more information, call Dwyer at 503-769-9319 or email [email protected].
