Turkey Hill Manager shaves his head for a good cause.

At Turkey Hill, we're proud to say that all of our managers are stand-up guys and gals. But we'd like to take our hats off to one Store Manager in particular, who literally put his head on the line for a cause he cares about.

Mike Hess, 25, posed an unusual challenge last month to the employees of Store #136 at 3570 Marietta Ave. in Silver Spring Township. He told them he would shave his head if they could sell 700 balloons for $1.00 each by the end of September to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

For 25 years, Children's Miracle Network (CMN) has supported improved health care for children through fundraising and awareness programs to support children at its nationwide network of more than 170 associated hospitals. "I had my doubts at first as to whether the employees would really be able to do it," said Hess, "but they came through for the cause."

So Hess kept his end of the bargain too, celebrating the successful campaign with a head-shaving event at the store. "I'm only nervous about one thing," Hess said just prior to the event. "I have a big wedding to attend tomorrow, so I'm not sure how my wife is going to react when I come home bald."

But he proceeded with courage and fanfare, his store decorated with hot-air-balloon posters from CMN. At around noon, out came the razor, and Hess invited any of the attending guests to take a swipe. Among those who gladly obliged were Turkey Hill District Advisor Patrick Rudy and even Hilda herself!

When asked why he was so willing to subject himself to the head shaving, he said he never hesitated for a moment. "I have a son of my own, so the motivation to help other kids came easy. I'm just grateful for the chance to be a part of CMN's efforts."