Joliet Catholic starts new tradition with St. Baldrick
Published Jan 31, 2008Sponsored by Key Club, Student Council, Campus Ministry and endorsed by all of the Joliet Catholic Academy community, JCA will ask student volunteers to raise money and shave their heads with the hope to find a cure for cancer and send awareness throughout the community. “This is such a great idea,” said Key Club President Matthew Adler. “I am really excited not only to raise money for childhood cancer, but even to shave my head.”
St. Baldrick’s Day started eight years ago to raise money for childhood cancer. After 46,000 heads shaven in 46 states and 18 countries, JCA will add another tradition. Students begin with raising money by asking neighbors and family to donate money and in return the student will shave his or her head.
St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraiser for childhood cancer. The three founders, Tim Kenny, John Bender, and Enda McDonnell planned on raising $17,000 on March 17, 2000. On that day, they ended up raising over $104,000. This year’s goal is $17 million.
St. Baldrick is a fictional character. It was created from combining “St. Patrick” and “bald.” Tens of thousands of volunteers make this the world’s largest fundraising event for childhood cancer. It has reached a level of status that not only helps children with cancer but brings an awareness of the disease to others, while making it a fun and memorable experience.
Last year over 18,000 people shaved their heads for a total of $13 million. JCA will help this cause by hopefully having their brave students, alumni and administration raise money and shave their heads in a special assembly. There are many people who have or know people who have cancer. With this organization coming to JCA, people can help in many ways and hopefully can live to see a cure for cancer. It was actually Principal Jeffrey Budz who brought the idea from Brother Rich High School and presented it to Joe Burke. “This foundation was touched so many lives,” said Burke. “It we stopped childhood cancer we can stop all types of cancer.”
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