Connerton Publix Manager Shaves Head for United Way

Connerton Publix employees wanted their manager’s head, in a sense.

And this week, they got it.

Ken Wilson told employees he would shave his head if they raised $25,000 for the store’s 2012 United Way campaign. The store’s goal was $16,500, but he didn’t want to stop there.

The campaign ran from Sept. 1 through Sept. 16, United Way representative Stefanie Pontlitz said.

“Over the course of the two weeks, guest speakers from United Way of Pasco County partner agencies, spoke to the associates about the good works being done around the county. Employees shared their stories of help and volunteerism that they experienced through the United Way of Pasco County,” Pontlitz said. “As the last day approached, Publix of Connerton reached their goal of $25,000.”

The money was raised entirely by employee contributions and payroll deductions, not through any fundraising efforts in the store, Pontlitz said.

On Wednesday, their efforts were rewarded. A United Way campaign coordinator shaved Wilson’s head at the store as store associates looked on.

The funds will benefit The United Way's partner agencies, such as Sunrise of Pasco, the East Pasco YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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