Write a commentWith Oswego’s tenth annual St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event less than a month away, organizers are looking for more heroes to “brave the shave” in solidarity with kids with cancer.
“Our April 10, 2016 event is taking shape nicely,” says Volunteer Event Coordinator (VEO) Dan Witmer, who is also the community service coordinator for the Oswego State Athletic Department, “but we’re behind last year’s pace with the number of shavees registered at this point.” As of press time, 93 people have registered to shave this year; last year’s event saw almost 200 people take a seat in the chair and give up their hair in support of childhood cancer research.
So far 21 fundraising teams have registered, a number that is on pace with recent years. The problem? “Only two teams have more than five people,” reports Witmer. The Oswego State men’s lacrosse team, which organized the first Oswego St. Baldrick’s event in 2007, currently has 33 registered shavees; Julian’s Army is the second largest team, with 10.
Julian’s Army, with 10 members, is currently the leading fundraising team, showing $1686 on the St. Baldrick’s website. Second place is held by the Oswego State Men’s Lacrosse team, with 33 registered shavees ($1680), and third place currently belongs to The Sledding Crashers ($1640), despite having just three team members.
The next three fundraising teams include the Pink Fluffy Unicorns, featuring a mother/daughter team from Hannibal ($1265), an Oswego Minor Hockey Association squad ($1225), and Team Whiteside ($1100). Other fundraising teams include the Hannibal Fire Company, The Bearded Brethren, Oswego Firefighters, and TEAM SADIE.
Individually, Brayden Ross (Julian’s Army) is the leading fundraiser, followed by Amy Strong (The Sledding Crashers) and Peter Gryga (Oswego State Men’s Lacrosse).
“The website changes constantly,” explained event treasurer Sandy Pike. “Teams are checking in daily to see how their donations are doing, how their team is stacking up against the others.”
The April 10 head-shaving event will once again take place at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center at the Best Western/Captain’s Quarters on East First Street in Oswego, from 1:00-5:00 PM. That event will also feature a silent auction, gift basket raffles, special guests, and refreshments.
The local planning committee is also planning a St. Baldrick’s Party at Gibby’s Irish Pub from 12 noon until 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 20, featuring a chicken barbeque and live music.
Other fundraising events for St. Baldrick’s include benefit nights at YoBerry (March 16) and the Oswego Sub Shop (April 11), as well as the Julian’s Shamrock Fun Run and 5k Run/Walk on May 14, and a St. Baldrick’s Golf Tournament at Tamarack Golf Course on June 11.
To register, make a donation, or learn more about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, go to www.stbaldricks.org. Donations can be made over the phone, via internet, or by mailing a check.
