What The Big Shave is
The Big Shave is a head‑shaving and hair‑donation rally that supports St. Baldrick’s, the largest non‑government funder of childhood cancer research in the United States, with grants funding cutting‑edge work at leading institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Dana‑Farber, and Duke — several named in honor of Cayman’s own Hannah Meeson and fellow heroes. Shavees of every age raise pledges, then bravely go bald in solidarity with kids in treatment, while others donate ponytails for wig‑making and offer gifts at community booths, bakes, and raffles that surround the main stage.
2025 date, time, and location
- Friday, October 3, 2025
- 5:00–9:00 p.m.
- Camana Bay, The Paseo, George Town, Grand Cayman
- These details are published on the official St. Baldrick’s event listing for “Hannah’s Heroes — The Big Shave,” with matching third‑party event calendars amplifying the time and venue for 2025.
Why it matters
- Unmet need: Only about 4 percent of U.S. federal cancer research funding is directed to pediatric cancers; community‑powered philanthropy fills critical gaps and fuels breakthroughs that improve survival and quality of life for children.
- Cayman’s impact: Since launching, Cayman’s Big Shave has raised over US$2.5 million, repeatedly ranking among St. Baldrick’s top global fundraisers and directly naming multiple research grants — an outcome that puts the islands at the forefront of international pediatric cancer philanthropy.
- Local heroes: The event honors and supports Cayman’s childhood cancer survivors and families, while remembering those lost; it gives residents a concrete way to help through shaving, donating, or volunteering.
How to take part
- Register as a shavee or team: Sign up via the St. Baldrick’s event page for Hannah’s Heroes — set a fundraising goal, personalize a page, and invite donations in the lead‑up to October 3.
- Donate hair: Grow hair to the minimum length required by accepted wig‑making charities; organizers typically provide on‑site guidance for compliant donations on the night.
- Give or sponsor: Contribute directly to a shavee, team, or the event; businesses can match employee donations or sponsor segments of the evening to amplify impact.
- Volunteer: Help with check‑in, donation stations, kids’ activities, and crowd support to keep the evening safe, fun, and efficient.
What to expect on event night
- Stage program: Emcee intros, survivor tributes, rolling shave slots with professional barbers and stylists, and updates on the fundraising tally create momentum and shared purpose.
- Family‑friendly vibe: Camana Bay’s Paseo offers a walkable, open‑air plaza with room for spectators, strollers, and support booths; kids’ activities and school teams are a hallmark of the Cayman event.
- Community booths: Bake sales, raffles, and information tents help raise additional funds and connect attendees with pediatric cancer resources and advocacy.
Fundraising tips that work
- Start early: Launch pages 6–8 weeks out and share personal reasons for shaving or donating hair; updates with milestones help sustain support.
- Team up: Family, friends, schools, and corporate teams consistently outperform solo efforts and make the shave experience more memorable.
- Match gifts: Ask employers to match donations or set departmental challenges; corporate giving is a major multiplier for Cayman’s Big Shave.
- Small events: Host cupcake sales, dress‑down days, or car washes in September to build momentum and add to team totals before the big night.
Travel and practical info
- Getting there: Camana Bay is minutes from Seven Mile Beach and George Town, with ample parking and rideshare access; arrive early for the 5 p.m. start to secure good viewing and allow time for check‑in if shaving.
- What to bring: A hat or scarf for shavees post‑cut, cash or card for booth purchases and last‑minute donations, and tissues — the survivor tributes and first shaves often bring happy tears.
- Dress code: Wear gold accents for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month or your team’s custom shirts; many groups add neon or glitter to celebrate brave shavees on stage.
A decade of Cayman leadership
Founded by Hannah’s family and friends in 2013, the Cayman edition quickly grew from a grassroots effort at Cricket Square into a national cause embraced by schools, businesses, and faith communities island‑wide. Even during virtual years, the momentum never stalled; ambassadors rallied online and kept grant funding flowing. Today, The Big Shave at Camana Bay remains a signature moment each fall, with survivors and families supported front‑and‑center while the community transforms empathy into action.
Verified 2025 details at a glance
- Event: Hannah’s Heroes — The Big Shave (St. Baldrick’s).
- Date/time: Friday, Oct 3, 2025, 5–9 p.m..
- Location: Camana Bay, The Paseo, George Town, Grand Cayman.
- Beneficiary: St. Baldrick’s Foundation — childhood cancer research grants.
- Track record: Cayman event has raised $2.5M+ to date; repeatedly in St. Baldrick’s top ten worldwide and the foundation’s most successful overseas fundraiser.
How to stay updated
Bookmark the official St. Baldrick’s event page for Hannah’s Heroes to register, donate, or volunteer, and check Cayman event calendars as the date approaches for any on‑site logistics, shave slot sign‑ups, and sponsor announcements. Third‑party What’s On listings and community posts also mirror the official details and are useful for reminders and map links to Camana Bay.
Cayman has shown the world what a small island can achieve when it stands together. Mark Friday, October 3 on the calendar, build a team, and be part of the roar that turns gold‑ribbon awareness into lifesaving research. Whether choosing to shave, donate hair, sponsor, or simply show up and cheer, every voice, every dollar, and every brave bald head helps move us closer to cures kids deserve.