But why take such drastic actions to such lovely tresses?
“I think for the first time holding the food shelf contest, we did very well,” McElfresh said. “Us both getting our hair colored, (a requirement when at least $1000 is donated in one’s name) plenty of money raised, people there at dinner – we have nothing to complain about.”
Sure, First Lutheran’s Richard Sliper, Vibrant Life’s Patrick Stitt and Mark Domeier (NRHEG English teacher) didn’t get the bright treatment, but they definitely raised a lot of money for the Ellendale Area Food Shelf.
“We have food to weight in yet, but off hand I know we tallied 121 pound of food,” said Bethany Mikesell, Food Shelf president. “That number will probably go up by another 50 pounds.”
Mikesell also noted that donations given in each pastor’s name totaled about $5000, with about $2700 donated in McElfresh’s name alone.
“I was a little flabbergasted,” McElfresh said. “I was hoping I would get over $1000, but to end up at $2700 was a little shocking for me.”
The silent auction itself produced just over $1200, bumping up the grand total to somewhere in the range of $6200 raised for this first-annual event.
“Tomorrow afternoon I have a conference I have to attend,” McElfresh said. “Everybody will see me with my bright purple hair.”
Dodd’s magenta mane is just as vibrant. So much so that if a funeral needs to be officiated, a recolor will be considered.
“Magenta is a dignified color,” said Lisa Dodd, Pastor of Ellendale's United Methodist Church. “However, if there’s a passing within the next few weeks, I know everyone will understand when seeing my hair go back to normal.”
Both McElfresh and Dodd are extremely pleased with how the contest unfolded. They are equally pleased with the turnout for the silent auction dinner held on Friday night.
“One of the privileges of having this color hair is that you can demand money on the spot,” Dodd said. “No really, if you see either of us on the street or any of the pastors for that matter, we gladly accept your donation and be sure to get the money to the food shelf.”
