Patriots' Maye Goes Bald as Charity Shave-a-Thon Raises $4.1M

QUINCY, MA – March 31, 2026 – The buzz of clippers filled the air in Quincy today, not for style, but for solidarity. More than 800 people, led by New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and his wife, Ann Michael, gathered for Granite Telecommunications’ 13th annual “Saving by Shaving” event, collectively raising a staggering $4.155 million for Boston Children’s Hospital.

The event, a cornerstone of local philanthropy, saw Granite employees, community members, and sports figures shave their heads in a powerful gesture of support for children undergoing medical treatment. This year's impressive fundraising total brings the cumulative amount raised by the initiative to a remarkable $62.7 million since its inception. Maye, who went under the clippers himself, was joined by Patriots legend Joe Andruzzi and a host of local dignitaries, all united for a single cause.

A Tradition of Giving, One Haircut at a Time

What began 13 years ago as a playful workplace dare has blossomed into a massive philanthropic movement. The event’s origin story is a testament to its grassroots spirit: Granite CEO Rob Hale challenged a colleague with a ZZ Top-style beard to shave it for a $1,000 donation to a cancer hospital. The idea caught fire, and "Saving by Shaving" was born.

The mechanics of the fundraiser amplify each participant's impact. For every person who commits to shaving their head or donating at least eight inches of hair, Granite donates $2,500. That amount is then matched dollar-for-dollar by the Hale family, instantly doubling the contribution to $5,000 per head. Over the past 13 years, this model has inspired more than 12,000 people to participate.

The giving doesn't stop with the fundraising. All donated hair is sent to Hair We Share, a nonprofit that creates custom wigs, free of charge, for individuals affected by medical hair loss. Furthermore, the Granite Fiber Arts team, an internal group of crafters, contributed 200 handmade "chemo caps" this year for children and adults undergoing chemotherapy. For each cap created, Granite adds another $100 donation, bringing the team's cumulative contribution to over 4,000 hats.

"Each year, Saving by Shaving reminds us what's possible when people come together for something bigger than themselves," said Hale in a statement. "I'm incredibly proud of our teammates, families, friends and special guests for showing up once again to support Boston Children's and its extraordinary work."

Star Power Amplifies the Cause

This year's event was significantly boosted by the enthusiastic participation of Drake Maye, the Patriots' quarterback, who is quickly embedding himself in the fabric of New England's community service. Maye’s involvement comes just days after the launch of his MayeDay Family Foundation, a new nonprofit he started with his wife, Ann Michael, to support children and families in need.

The foundation has already made a significant pledge: funding a full-time Child Life therapist on the oncology floor at Boston Children's Hospital for the next three years. These specialists play a crucial role in helping children cope with the emotional and psychological stress of cancer treatment through play, art, and other therapeutic activities.

To further support the hospital, the MayeDay Family Foundation will host its inaugural "Celebrity Softball Classic" on May 31 at Polar Park in Worcester. The event promises a day of family fun with Patriots players and other celebrities, with all proceeds directly benefiting Boston Children's. Maye joins a long and distinguished list of Boston sports icons and public figures who have lent their support to "Saving by Shaving" over the years, including Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, David Ortiz, and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

Beyond the Buzzcut: A Corporate Culture of Philanthropy

For Granite Telecommunications, the "Saving by Shaving" event is the most visible manifestation of a corporate identity deeply rooted in philanthropy. The company's "Granite Gives Back" program is a year-round commitment that has seen the Quincy-based firm and its CEO, Rob Hale, contribute over $400 million to various charities since the company's founding in 2002.

This philosophy is woven into the employee experience, with organized volunteer opportunities, paid time off for charitable work, and matching donation programs. The company's sustained efforts have earned it consistent recognition as one of Massachusetts' leading charitable companies. The Hales' personal philanthropy is equally notable, including a widely publicized 2022 pledge to donate $1 million per week for a year to various nonprofit organizations.

This deep-seated culture of giving provides the foundation for the annual shave-a-thon, transforming it from a simple corporate event into a genuine community-wide movement. It demonstrates a model where business success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive but are instead deeply intertwined.

The Ripple Effect: Tangible Impact on Pediatric Care

The millions of dollars raised each year have a direct and profound impact on the patients and families at Boston Children's Hospital, a world-renowned pediatric medical center. The proceeds from "Saving by Shaving" are directed to The Every Child Fund, a critical resource that fuels the hospital's mission.

This fund allows the hospital to accelerate research, develop innovative cures, and provide life-saving treatments for children facing complex diseases. Crucially, it also provides a vital safety net for families, helping to alleviate the immense financial and emotional burdens of caring for a sick child. The fund supports everything from temporary housing and food vouchers to covering parking fees, ensuring that families can focus on their child's health.

The support also enables the hospital to address health disparities and expand access to care for low-income families, ensuring that every child, regardless of their family's financial situation, can receive world-class medical attention.

"When an entire company comes together at an event like this, it becomes something bigger than business — it becomes purpose in action," said Kevin B. Churchwell, MD, CEO of Boston Children's Hospital. "Seeing Granite unite at Saving by Shaving to support the kids and families at Boston Children's Hospital reminds us why we do what we do. It's about showing up, giving back and making a real difference where it matters most."

The funds generated by the clippers and the collective goodwill in Quincy will translate into advanced research, compassionate care, and renewed hope for countless children and their families in the months and years to come.