March 12--Volunteers are still being sought for next weekend's St. Baldrick's childhood cancer fundraising event, sponsored by the Naperville police and fire departments.
The 12th annual event, in which volunteers obtain financial pledges in exchange for shaving their heads, is set for 5 p.m. March 19 at the Chicago-Naperville Marriott, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., on the city's far northeast side.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer organization dedicated to raising money for children's cancer research. Nearly 60 Naperville-area men, women and children have already signed up to "brave the shave," in solidarity with children who have cancer and frequently lose their hair, according to a news release from the Naperville Police Department.
"Worldwide, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and one in five children diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive," the release read in part. "With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick's Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors are needed to continue the battle against this devastating disease."
Participants in the annual Naperville event have raised more than $1 million to date, which included more than $116,000 in pledges and donations last year. The St. Baldrick's Foundation since 2005 "has awarded more than $154 million to support lifesaving research, making the foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants," according to the release.
An opening ceremony for the event is set for 6 p.m., and will be led by the Naperville fire and police department honor guard members. Master of ceremonies Scott Mackay, of radio station 95.9/The River, will lead "a program of remembrance and a celebration of survivorship" before the shavings begin, the release stated.
The evening will also feature "a dedicated kid's room and kid's raffle, and multiple other raffles and silent auctions," the release said.
Those who want to raise money and shave their heads during the event are asked to call 888-899-2253, or go to www.StBaldricks.org.
Volunteers willing to help during the shaving event are asked to call Naperville police Cmdr. Kathy Anderson at 630-420-6666.
