Local Volunteers Shave Their Heads to Support Childhood Cancer Research

WEST ORANGE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It takes a community to cure childhood cancer. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research, will host one of its signature head-shaving events at The West Orange Shillelagh Club on September 15^th, 2012 where dozens of Men, Women and Children will shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer and raise money for life-saving children’s cancer research.

Why all the shaved heads? Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and it remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation grant funds are critical to continue the battle against this devastating disease.

This years event will feature several teams made up of youth athletes, work groups, social organizations and local Fire Departments. The event will also feature entertainment by several local bands, DJ’s and Irish Step Dancers. Admission is free but there will be a modest charge for food and beverages. 100% of money collected goes to the Foundation.

There will also be a raffle and silent auction to raise additional funds for the charity. We encourage local businesses to donate products or services for the raffle/auction. We also seek donations of food and beverages from local businesses.

In the last 5 years, our local event has shaved over 250 heads and raised more than $375,000 for childhood cancer research. Why not join the fun? Be a shavee, volunteer or make a donation to this great cause. Visit our event web page at www.stbaldricks.org/events/ShillelaghClub2012.

About the St. Baldrick’s Foundation

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. The Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. St. Baldrick's funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds awarded also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, a child’s best hope for a cure. Since the Foundation’s first grants as an independent charity in 2005, it has funded over $78 million in childhood cancer research. For more information about St. Baldrick’s, call 1.888.899.BALD or visit StBaldricks.org.