September 14, 2009

Contact:
Susan Levi Wallach, public relations
(803) 699-2800 ext. 79742
swallach@rnh.richland2.org

Cash for the (mus)Stache could mean new look for hirsute principal
Columbia, SC:  Richland Northeast High School student Caleb Brown wants to raise money for Camp Kemo, a summer camp for children with cancer. Ralph Schmidt's upper lip hasn't seen sunlight since the 1970s. The result is Cash for the Stache, a Camp Kemo fund-raiser whose goal is to raise at least $15,000 - because at that point Mr. Schmidt, RNE's principal, will shave off his mustache. Not only will Ralph do almost anything for our students, but, given that his wife, Jeanne, runs Camp Kemo, well - Barbasol, anyone?

Caleb came up with the idea as a memorial for his mother, who died from cancer three months ago. "It broke my heart to see her slowly fade out of my life," he said. "Instead of going out with my friends, I cared for my mother. I would watch her, help her up, feed her, clean her. I also spent many hours at hospitals and hospice centers. After going through this living hell, I decided I was going to make a difference to help fund a good cause. Mr. Schmidt caught my eye ... and I thought what if? So I struck a deal. I don't believe I can change the world, although I wish I could. I just want to live knowing that I made a difference towards the greater good. My heart, soul, and devotion is contained within this fund-raiser, and I will succeed."

RNE will have a booth for donations at every football game. On September 18, the school will have its first Cash for the Stache event: Hat Day. Students and teachers will stop by Student Activities from 8 to 10 a.m., donate a dollar, and get a sticker enabling them to wear a hat all day.

"Caleb's idea for Cash for the Stache ties in well with this year's expansion of HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) for the Holidays into the HOPE 365," said Kim Sanders, HOPE 365 coordinator. "In September our focus is on health and wellness, and all community service and service learning is directed towards those efforts. For years our students have raised money for Camp Kemo, so to kick off the Cash for the Stache works beautifully in this initiative. Caleb exemplifies the Core Values of Richland Northeast and what our HOPE idea represents." .

To return to RNE press page, close this window