Shaving My Head for Charity

April 24, 2009 · Comments

Before I Shave My Head Once, a while back, I said to a few people that if I got to #1 on the Advertising Age Power150, I’d shave my head in tribute to Seth Godin, a true mentor and leader in my space. I didn’t figure I’d ever get to one, and quite honestly, I think it’s a technological glitch. That said, Justin Levy is keeping me to my word.
UPDATE: I did it. Now will YOU do it?

My Bald Head

Live video of this will be here

I’ve decided to raise money to give kids laptops. I’m going to find the specific program, but why not do the raising first?

We’re in contact with various companies to see who wants to support the charity. But I’m asking you, too. Will you donate a little bit for this charity? The goal is to give underprivileged kids educational tools. I’ve already done a One Laptop Per Child drive. I wanted to do something different. Are you in?

Current Corporate Matching Sponsors

Citrix Online (who is also a client).
Radian6 (who is also a conference sponsor).
AMD
Crocs (thanks for 200 or so pairs of shoes!)

You? (This part will be updated).

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  • Thanks for the explanation. It's a good look and an even better cause.
  • Atta boy! I had a shaved head in college... NOT a good look for me. BUT, I chipped in...
  • Awesome, Chris!

    If you are still looking for charity ideas, some friends and I started Kids on Computers, http://kidsoncomputers.org. We are setting up computer labs in needy schools. Our first, which will be installed in June of this year, will be in an elementary school in Huajuapan de Leon in Oaxaca, Mexico.

    I'm sure the money will be greatly appreciated at which ever nonprofit you pick!
  • derekshowerman
    Chris, if I didn't have a family reunion this summer I would join you on this rampage. Alas, I will blog about it instead.
  • Kameya Shows
    I am in, fo sho!
  • Jon Glassett
    That's a great look!
  • Erika Owens
    Wow that is great! Can't wait to see the outcome.
  • I think you need to do a round 2 for the beard. Double or nothing!
  • Congrats. Glad to see someone else was fool enough to shave their head for charity. :)
  • BTW - like the look. Good timing for the warm weather.

    Best.
    William
    www.williamarruda.com
  • Wow, Chris. Congratulations. Bravo!!

    Best.
    William
    www.williamarruda.com
  • I'm in Bro-Jak!! (get it? Combination of Kojak & Brogan).

    Thanks for your kindness.
  • You Got my Dime. Social Media for Social Good. That's the core catch phrase of this generation.
  • Glitch or not, raising money for charity is a great way to celebrate!

    Brandon
    @bchesnutt
  • Brilliant! I can't wait to see!
  • danbeeman
    I'm in, but did it a week ago. I'll pretend that it was in honor of Seth Godin, but in reality, it was I was becoming follicularily challenged...
  • So does that mean i have to grow mine? Ha, yeah, like i could do that ;)

    Great cause Chris! Heather and I are in.

    Nothing but continued success.
  • Chris,

    This isn't exactly bringing technology to kids, but it helps the children (and women) in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where materials like coltan (used in microchips) are the cause of injustice and war. The Enough Project is working to get the top electronics manufacturers to use "conflict-free" materials (similar to the conflict-fee certification process now in place for diamonds). I'm not affiliated with The Enough Project, but I support their work. someone like you could make a huge difference. Please read more here: http://bit.ly/4aq3N
  • Holy cow Chris. Like @KevinMGreen I'm wondering about the facial hair. Does that go too? And have you told the kids about it? You'd scare the hell out of them if you didn't
  • Congrats! So, what are you going to do when you get the #1 spot again?
  • In Jamaica they have a saying "Every mickle makes a muckle," in English that means that every bit helps. Count me in! And to make sure that I do not forget and have another thing on my plate, I went to PayPal and made the contribution. I say that, my thing is education, so I need to put my money where my mouth is. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be part of something and thank you for making it so easy and seamless. http://www.twitter.com/avilbeckford
  • You can go ahead to shave your hair :)

    Congrats!!!

    http://princesioni.com
  • kat schmat
    touch the facial hair and i am leaving you ;)
  • Excellent idea! can't wait to see the video..
  • I'd send you a babytoupee, (http://www.babytoupee.com) but i think they might be a little small for you.
  • Nice work Chris Godin. Good cause. congrats on being #1.
    Seth is a good guy to pay homage too.
    Enjoy the baldness
  • Congrats, Chris. Way to "Frame it Bigger" :) Judging from your PostRank engagement values I'd say you have a good shot at keeping that AdAge rank!

    Cheers!
  • Sure, I'm in. If you will shave your head, I think we can cough up some cash.
    Great job, Chris!
  • Done! :)

    And well done!
  • derekshowerman
    Chris, are you going to go for the Powder look and shave the goatee, head and eyebrows?
  • This is seriously awesome mate.... and just think of all the wigs you'll get to wear :)
  • Seth Godin claims another victim. I think if I get in the top 50 of the AdAge 150 I'll shave my head but I think that may be at the point I'm starting to bald from stress anyway so it may defeat the purpose...
  • jeanniecw
    I'm so in. What a great idea, Chris. Way to use social media for the ultimate social experience - contributing to the greater good!
  • Congratulations on the Advertising Age Power150 - Very cool!

    Great idea for a charity - I rose to the challenge and donated my $10.

    Looking forward to seeing your newly shaven dome good sir!

    Are you going to keep the goatee, or is that being shaven off as well?

    Doc
  • Chris, this is a very admirable thing you are doing here. And it is amazing how much money you have raised so far. I will certainly give what I can!
  • This should be good. I'm sorry I'm going to miss it. Gave some money anyway. Have fun!
    :-)
  • kennethlim
    Donated and RT'ed, hope you'll enjoy the Godin look as much these kids will enjoy their new laptops :)
  • I just saw a few tweets about your idea- $600 in a few minutes is pretty impressive! I'm always down to support a good cause. Good luck!
  • Congrats Chris! People can learn from this as you're putting your money where your mouth is, and then some.

    Great cause and of course, we can't wait to see the follicle action!
  • I'm thrilled to chip in on this - can't wait to see your new look Chris!

    This could turn into a whole "choose Chris Brogan's facial hair for charity" phenomenon. One week you could have mutton chops, clean shaven the next week, the fundraising possibilities are almost endless. :)
  • Congrats Chris,

    Living proof that the good guys finish on top.
  • lizzyval
    Chris - happy to give $100 - help kids get computers AND watch you shave your head - now that's value. As always, your passion is contagious. What a great idea.
  • You got GUTS kid! Good for you for sticking to your word...or was it Justin's ability to strong- arm ... LOL. Either way...kudos and good luck!
  • Great idea - I am in and will hopefully help you move up the ranks.
  • Why not do this in conjunction with One Laptop Per Child?

    Cannot picture you bald. Good luck with it.
  • I raised for them the year before last. This is just something different.
  • Chris, I know the dedication that it takes to get to where you are. Move over rover, because i'm coming after you. Hahaha. Anyway, good job and we are working on raising you some extra capital for the kids :)
  • Congratulations! I think your new look will suit you. Count me in.
  • I will wax my entire body for charity if you do so as well. Of course, I'd do it without you if there is any company out there that would like to make a complete mockery of act.

    I just want a little pain. Been a while since the last tattoo, and I need my fix.
  • Done. ;)
  • Done, which? Donating money or also shaving your head?
  • Do you mean buzz cut and then shave with a razor? If so, I'm in. If just a buzz cut...I'm out.
  • Temple Ireland-Rosenberger
    I'm in, too! Fantastic idea and a great cause.
  • CenterNetworks is now #8 on the list - they did change their math to include the PostRank score today. Congrats on following through with your challenge - would be easier for me as i have almost no hair as it is :)
  • Ahh, so THAT's why I noticed my AdAge score leap some 80 points to the upper 130s. Glitch or not, congrats around.
  • Charlie from AdAge says it's a glitch. I know this, but hey whatever. It's charity.

    And congrats on 8!
  • They mustn't want t see you bald - they demoted you back to #3. :(

    Watch out, Mr Brogan - I'm chasing you hard at #166 and my head's already shaven :)

    Nice job on the charity push,though.
  • I'm in. Anything to make you look less like me ;)

    Nice work, Chris.
  • Does this include the Goatee? To me that's more difficult than the head.
  • Beth Gwazdosky
    I'm in! Can't wait to see! Congrats Chris!
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