The "Bid Me Bald Game On, Cancer Team Challenge"

By Bixyl Shuftan

The Relay Rockers are known for their "Bid Me Bald" events, which have inspired numerous spinoffs over time. But this year, instead of individual Rockers putting their curly locks on the line, they've made it into a competition.  From April 8 until today April 19, they and several other teams were in a friendly competition to raise Linden dollars, pledging that the one in last place would give up their hair until the Relay Weekend.

I had a chat with Trader Whiplash-Ballinger (Trader1 Whiplash) of the Rockers just as the event was starting. "They (the kiosks) will be here for the next 10 days," Trader explained. When I asked him where the idea for this event came from, "We have always done challenges, couples going head to head, different RFL people. We retired the regular 'bid me bald' events partially last season and completely this season. But we wanted something to continue its legacy. After the success of 'Bid The Lindens Bald,' we thought perhaps the same format would work with teams. We also thought it would give some of the teams a boost in fundraising."

Several teams responded to the Rockers' challenge, "We have eight teams plus the Rockers of course, and the RFL Season Leads:  Adam, Ari, Gem, and reportedly Sting." When asked, Trader stated the Leads count as a team, "We've been trying to get Sting's hair for years!" So what were the other teams saying? "I can't speak for Sting, but the other teams all think its an awesome event.  Those I have spoken with are all looking forward to tomorrow. Let's face it, the first part of fundraising is FUN, and this is a fun event for everyone."

Seeing a t-shirt and hat nearby, I brought that up with Trader, who commented, "Hey you weren't there if you don't have the T-shirt! And if you're gonna be bald you need to protect (your head), so we have hats too. And every team gets a can of Turtle Wax SPF 50! Tazzie Tuque made the shirts again this year.  And they are only L$150 in an RFL vendor."

Trader has been busy lately, "These days and those too!  (laughter)  It never stops.   CRFB Top DJ is underway too.  But I will say overall the Rockers are taking it a little slow this year.  Most of us have been Relaying for a very long time.  Losing Ertina took some wind out of our sails, I am not 100% and a few others have had personal issues in the other world, so its not going to be a 'Rockers' year. None the less we will do what ever we can to assure the season is a success with Relay."

As of Friday, April 17, the totals of the teams were as follows:

People Are Rainbows   L$4233
Team Wishing Star   L$4250
Mieville Steampunks   L$6462
Relay Rockers    L$6719
RFL Season Leads   L$8560
Heroes Helping Heroes    L$9000
Cure Chasers   L$10050
Roos With a Dream   L$10051
Relay For Christ   L$ 40552

The kiosks are open until 4PM today, Sunday April 19, when the final totals are calculated, and the team in last place owning up to their promise for haircuts.

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Bixyl Shuftan