Credit union has close shave

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 17, 2004 by ANDREA BROWN THE GAZETTE

Things got hairy when an Air Academy Federal Credit Union fund- raiser exceeded its goal.

Six company executives had their heads shaved at Wednesday's staff meeting.

As female employees hooted and howled, a team of stylists clipped the men's manes, revealing shiny domes.

"The hot dogs are now bald dogs," said title clerk Charlee Murga.

It all started when Glenn Strebe, chief executive officer and president, said he'd shave his head if $5,000 was raised for the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Executive Vice President Jeff Boose threw in his mustache of 20 years, figuring the odds were on his side.

"Over the years I've bet my mustache five times and never lost," Boose said.

The ante was raised as others put their heads and habits into the ring.

"It snowballed," Strebe said. "It started with one head and one mustache." It grew to six heads, two mustaches and four smokers becoming nonsmokers."

Rhonda Fronczak, quality service manager, agreed to stamp out her Capri Ultra Lights for at least six months if donations reached $8,000.

"I'd rather quit smoking than shave my head," she said. "That would not be pretty."

Operations Vice President Keith "Hair Boy" Kauffeld put his head and his nickname on the line, but he drew the line on other offers.

"Some employees wanted to dye their hair blue and gold, but I wouldn't allow that," Kauffeld said. "There is a certain image to keep here."

In the end, contributions topped $9,000.

"They really embraced our mission," Heart Walk director Maureen Ischay said. "What a great example of community spirit."

She also praised those who quit smoking.

"I'll be chewing a lot more pencils," said Patricia Callihan, human resources generalist.

Those who swore off hair had it easier.

"I've had a lot of feedback I look younger," said Boose, who has been mustachioed as long as he's been married. "My wife asked me to grow it on our honeymoon."

Mortgages Vice President Steve VanSickler's dramatic new look got the nod of approval from the Veda Salon & Spa stylists who sheared his thick, grayish locks.

VanSickler liked the cut.

"We have a bike ride coming up to support the children's hospital," he said. "This will make me more streamlined."

Strebe let it go to his head.

"Don't call me Glenn," he said. "From now on, you will address me as 'Mr. Clean.'"