Nov 29, 2016 2 min read

Washington County Commissioner Harlan Shober didn’t win a local American Cancer Society fundraiser by a hair. He may have won it because of his hair.

Pink hair, apparently, made him stand out from those who only donned pink apparel for the “Real Men Wear Pink” competition to raise awareness of breast cancer and pay for research and patient programs.

Announced Nov. 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn was Shober’s top spot among 10 contestants with $30,928. More than 2,000 contests were staged in the United States, and Shober’s hefty total also earned him an individual ranking of ninth nationwide, said Diane White, senior marketing manager for community engagement of the East Central Division of the American Cancer Society.

The collective efforts of Washington County’s “Real Men” raised $102,630. Neighboring Allegheny County, the second largest county in Pennsylvania, trailed with $97,182.

“For a little contest, it went very well,” White said.

The cause was personal for Shober, whose wife of 49 years, Jackie, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February.

“So many families have been affected by breast cancer and cancer in so many forms,” Shober told the Observer-Reporter last month. “This has been a real journey, and it’s been a long year. It is a life-or-death situation. Our whole lives changed. It makes you appreciate every day you have. We’re moving on, and maybe we can help others.”

Jackie Shober recently completed radiation treatments.

“Harlan helped me stay positive,” she said.