HUMBOLDT — Mark Doepker, owner of Universal Sports in Humboldt, is shaving his head to raise money for the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation.
“I just walked in the store one day, sort of when this [the COVID-19 pandemic] started, thinking, ‘There has to be something a person can do to help or do something,’” Doepker said. “I don’t know why I came up with that idea.”
The fundraising goal was originally $3,700, which is $100 for every year Universal Sports has been in business in lieu of a traditional 37th anniversary fundraising celebration due to the pandemic.
Doepker started off the fundraising on June 2 by donating the first $200.
By June 15, the goal was already met.
“I feel really good about it and I’d like to thank everybody who has donated and made it possible,” Doepker said.
The fundraising campaign will end on June 21, which is when Doepker plans to face the clippers.
“I’m just hoping we can raise a lot more even if we double it, the more the better. The way I look at it, sooner or later everybody is going to need a hospital at some point in my life.”
Doepker said he has never shaved his head, with the last time he was completely bald being as a baby.
“I figure as the day draws close I will probably get a little nervous and scared, but it will grow back. At least I’m hoping. If not, I’ll have to wear a toque a lot.”
Contributions can be made online.
All donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
