HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health and Mid Penn Bank marked the 10th anniversary of their "No Shave November" campaign last month by raising an unprecedented $355,000, setting a new all-time record for the initiative.
Launched in 2016, the campaign has grown steadily each year, supporting research and treatment for prostate and urological cancers at Penn State Health. Participants from both organizations put down their razors and grew out their facial hair in a spirited competition to raise funds and awareness.
This year, Jay Raman, professor and chair of the Department of Urology at Penn State Health, and his team, “Raman Noodles,” raised $182,357, while Rory Ritrievi, CEO of Mid Penn Bank, and his team, “MPB Execs,” contributed $120,732. Together, their leadership and commitment helped drive the campaign to its most successful year yet, contributing significantly to the record-breaking total.
“Rory and Mid Penn Bank have been unbelievable partners over the past decade,” Raman said. “Their team, along with the rest of our community partners, have helped to save lives and made a true difference in the health and well-being of our patients here at Penn State Health.”
The money raised fuels critical research by physician-scientists in the Department of Urology, focusing on cancer care for older adults, addressing disparities in minority populations and expanding genetic testing to personalize treatment plans.
Funds raised also support:
- Free prostate cancer screenings for the community
- The hiring of three fellows to support research and patient programs
- The establishment of a stronger support system for Penn State Health patients
- Advanced care collaboration across central Pennsylvania
Thanks to the campaign’s success, the Department of Urology doubled the number of free screenings offered in the past year.
“For 10 years, Mid Penn Bank and Penn State Health have joined forces during the month of November to raise funds for prostate cancer research to help fight this formidable disease that affects one in eight men,” said Ritrievi. “We are proud of our partnership and its contributions to the groundbreaking research being performed by Dr. Raman and his incredible team of physicians.”
As "No Shave November" enters its second decade, the partnership between Penn State Health and Mid Penn Bank continues to make a lasting impact — one beard at a time.
About Penn State Health
Penn State Health is a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across 15 counties in central Pennsylvania. The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and Penn State Cancer Institute based in Hershey; Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola; Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill; Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center in Lancaster; Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading; Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, a specialty provider of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, in Harrisburg, and 2,418 physicians and direct care providers at 181 outpatient practices. Additionally, the system jointly operates various health care providers, including Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center, Hershey Endoscopy Center, Lancaster Orthopedic Group and the Surgery Center of Lancaster. In 2017, Penn State Health partnered with Highmark Health to facilitate creation of a value-based, community care network in the region. Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine, the University’s medical school.
About Philanthropy at Penn State
Gifts from community partners like Mid Penn Bank advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.