What It Felt Like to Shave My Head for Cancer [VIDEO]

It felt great. 

The best part of the evening was being in that room of people that were there to support a great organization.

Nobody loses at the Hope Lives Gala.

I co-hosted with Bill West, and as we were wrapping up a prep meeting he mentioned that he had his head shaved in 2009 for $10,000. The economy is way better now than it was then, so I said $15,000. I should have said $35,000.

This video joins the action after we had Beth, the stylist who 'hawked me then finished the shave, all set up and ready to cut. Another guy said something about a bunch of money and he'd do it, too, so we brought him up on stage.

The title sponsor of the night, the Mary H. Storer Foundation gave $10,000 early in the paddle raise, so I knew we'd get there.

I had no idea how much money we were raising as it went on. I honestly lost track after we cruised right by $15,000. The auctioneer, Butch Hagelstrom, rocked it and they kept going long after I was out of the chair.

People gave a lot of money, but I don't think it was so much because I shaved my head. As I heard accolades, I was really grateful that they gave so much. It was an incredible night for so many people, people who don't even know today that they'll need Hope Lives.

But I honestly don't think that what I did is a very big deal. What it takes to have my head shaved is paltry in comparison to the courage shown by all survivors--and those no longer with us. Their courage and the courage of their families was and always will be what nights like that are about.

When all was said and done, we had raised over $26,000 with the paddle raise, the live auction brought in a little over $29,000 and the silent auction brought in over $39,000. There are more totals trickling in and costs have to be onsidered, but this should be one of the most successful galas for Hope Lives in 14 years!