February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The first St. Baldrick’s Day saw the three having their heads shaved at Jim Brady’s Tavern in the financial district.
Since the inaugural event a decade ago, and the soon after formation of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the organization has raised more than $57 million dollars for pediatric cancer research. Much of this money was collected by the more than 113,000 “shavees” at the more than 3,450 events that have taken place since 2000.
In commemoration of that first St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event, some of the original shavees will once again get bald for the cause at Jim Brady’s Tavern head-shaving event on Wednsday, St. Patrick’s Day, starting at 3 p.m.
“The battle against childhood cancer has been stepped in recent years as new treatments come on stream but fundraising is a constant necessity,” Tim Kenny, one of the St. Baldrick’s Day founders has stated.
“St. Baldrick’s raises funds for childhood cancer research by hosting worldwide head-shaving events where volunteers shave their heads to stand in solidarity with the kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatment.
On the first St. Baldrick’s Day, the goal was to raise $17,000 by shaving 17 heads on March 17th.
Meanwhile, this Saturday, March 20, at J.P. Cunningham’s in Mahopac, “shavees” will be gathering for what is considered the big St. Baldrick’s event in Westchester County. Cunningham’s is at 156 East Lake Blvd, and the head shaving starts at 4 p.m.
The J.P. Cunningham’s event has raised over $45,000 in the past three years.