On March 7, 2000, the first ever St. Baldrick’s event was held at Jim Brady’s pub in Manhattan, New York. The organization’s goal was to shave 17 heads and raise $17,000 to fund research for childhood cancer. This quickly turned into 19 shaved heads and over $104,000 raised. By 2002, St. Baldrick’s was no longer a local operation, it became a nation–wide phenomena.

In fact, St. Baldrick’s hosted over 37 head–shaving events that same year, raising over $1 million. St. Baldrick’s has currently raised more than $39 million in 2014 alone, $5 million more than the year before. For the past couple years, BG has been a contributor to these donations.

Counselor Brian Linhart is the coordinator for this year’s St. Baldrick’s and Locks of Love event.

“Outside of the government, I believe St. Baldrick’s is one of the biggest fundraisers for the research of childhood cancer,” Linhart said. “Cancer has affected everyone in some way and raising funds for research is important.”

As a participant in the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, BG is hosting its event on April 10. Last year, over $15,000  was  raised. While the main part of the event is St. Baldrick’s, Locks of Love is also available for students and teachers who don’t want to shave their heads.

According to Scott Kopecky, teacher and participant in this year’s St. Baldrick’s event, it is important to donate money, if not  your hair, to

the event.

“Getting people to help kids and to pay attention an important cause is very rewarding,” Kopecky said. “I’ve seen many parents students go through this disease and if there’s anything I can do to help those who aren’t healthy, I’m going to do it.”

For students worried about the commitment of a haircut or head shave, donating money is still an option. Donation spots in the cafeteria will be available after Spring Break for participating students and faculty.

Aside from the monetary aspects of St. Baldrick’s and Locks of Love, there are other valuable reasons to participate. According to Linhart, St. Baldrick’s and Locks of Love are about more than just handing over some money to a worthy cause. These events make the participant feel good as well.

“This event is awesome and a lot of fun,” Linhart said. “I’d tell kids who are interested in participating that it’s just hair and it will grow back. It’s a great event and it makes you feel good to help someone else out.”

According to Alexis Michalak, sophomore and participant in this year’s St. Baldrick’s event, everyone should be a proponent of St. Baldrick’s.

“I’ve known people who have had cancer, and I’ve known people who have died from cancer,” Michalak said. “Even if you don’t know anyone who has had the disease, you should still be a part of St. Baldrick’s. You never know who you can help.”

For those participating in St. Baldrick’s, the primary goal is to raise 80 dollars in time for the event on April 10. According to Linhart, students still have time to sign up and be a part of the event. All prospective participants need to talk to Linhart in the Student Services office.

As April 10 approaches, prizes and raffle tickets are made available to all donating students. In fact, with a donation, a student may be selected to shave or cut a teacher’s hair. All of the funds raised go directly to researching and fighting childhood cancer.

In the end, according to Michalak, St. Baldrick’s is about more than having a good time and shaving a couple of heads. This event is one of the most successful fundraisers that BG hosts each year.

“St. Baldrick’s really hits home for me,” Michalak said.  “We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way, and it’s all our responsibility to try and change that.”