What do you get when one woman offers her hair, a team turns grief into action, and a town shows up in force?

A night that cut straight to the heart.

"Bald for the Brave" was more than a fundraiser – it was a heartfelt tribute to lives lost, strength found, and hope renewed.

Led by local creative agency Redhotblue, the event saw Marketing Manager Melanie Grenier shave her head in solidarity and raise crucial funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

With emotion, edge, and electric energy, the night proved what can be achieved when a community comes together for a cause that hits home.

Bald For The Brave A Tribute, A Triumph

When Mackay's Redhotblue team gathered friends, sponsors, and supporters for the fundraising event, "Bald for the Brave," it wasn’t just about shedding hair—it was about shedding light on the fight against ovarian cancer.

The night was deeply personal for Redhotblue Marketing Manager Melanie Grenier, whose mother had bravely battled breast cancer. In a touching moment, Melanie’s father and partner cut the first two braids of her long hair, followed by sponsors who cut the remaining braids before the final shave took place. The entire process was livestreamed, allowing those unable to attend to join in on the emotional event.

Event organiser and Redhotblue founder, Jody Euler, said that Melanie’s bravery was something special.

“She’s shown us all what it means to put aside personal comfort for the greater good, and her actions tonight will have a lasting impact on countless lives,” Mrs Euler said.

Melanie’s selfless act of shaving her head was a powerful gesture of solidarity with those affected by ovarian cancer.

The event also served as a platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for early detection. Guest speaker Georgie from OCRF shared sobering statistics on ovarian cancer—the deadliest reproductive cancer in Australia.

With no early detection test available, the ongoing work of the OCRF is more vital than ever.

Beyond raising awareness, the event raised $10,000 for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) and Melanie's hair was donated to the Kids with Cancer Foundation, where it would be made into wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy.

It was a night filled with meaningful connections, where each step—from the brave head shave to the heartfelt speeches—spoke to the collective strength of those determined to make a real difference.

"To everyone who made this possible—our sponsors, event partners, and the Redhotblue team—thank you," said Mrs Euler.

“Melanie’s selflessness has set a new benchmark for what it means to lead with heart.”

Thank you to Bald for the Brave’s sponsors.

BALD Sponsors:

• EHS

• Wishbone Styling

• Get Real Workwear and Safety

BOWL CUT Sponsors:

• Funk-it-Up

• Signarama

• Joyce Mechanical Services

BANGS Sponsors:

• K3 Financial

• Primal Coffee Roasters

• Bold Architecture + Interior Design

• Sally’s Curry Hut

• Harvey Norman

Media Partners:

• Core Life Magazine and Mackay & Whitsunday Life newspaper

• Bishopp Billboards

• STAR FM

Event Partners:

• Ocean International

• Maxyn Asher Hair

• Alyce Holzy Photography

• Jordan Cullen (videography)

• Events by Lauren

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Surrounded by her mother, father, partner, friends, sponsors, and the Redhotblue team, Melanie Grenier smiles after shaving her head for ovarian cancer research—capturing a powerful moment of purpose at the Bald for the Brave event. Photo credit: Alyce Holzy

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