There was not an empty seat in the Emmaus high school gymnasium recently when students, families, teachers and staff gathered to support the Shave for the Brave charity event.

Teacher and coach Shannon Petrunak started the event in 2010 with eight honorees. Now, five years later, there are 18 honorees and a goal to raise $50,000.

Petrunak's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and while searching the Internet, Petrunak found St. Baldricks, a foundation with the mission of helping raise awareness and funds to find cures for the numerous types of cancers affecting children. It was at that moment Petrunak generated the idea for the "Shave for the Brave" event in Emmaus.

The high school gym was packed with supporters, a disc jockey and a table of photos with stories and updates on some of the children helped. The event featured several raffles including one for a handmade quilt.

Several barbers donated their services for the event.

Many of the honorees and their families spoke including one father, Steve Lutz who talked about his son, Parker.

Dr. Phil Monteleone of Lehigh Valley Health Network also was present and spoke about some of the children he treats and how strong and feisty they are.

Moments before the voluntary shaving was about to begin, four more people in the crowd volunteered to shave their heads and a check for $3,000 was presented, reaching the $50,000 goal set by organizers for this year's event.

First to shave their heads were the ladies, including Petrunak.

There were people of all ages shaving their heads; some were spontaneous, while others were planned.

The "shavees" wore smiles and tears as they shed their locks.