St. Baldrick’s Foundation raises more than $350,000 in Rockville Centre

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation held a fundraiser in Rockville Centre on March 24 to raise money for childhood cancer research by shaving people’s heads.

The 16th annual event took place at St. Agnes Parish Center, where 165 people came to get their heads shaved or their ponytails chopped, according to event organizer Alanna Bender. Guests were able to enjoy live music, food, a cash bar, raffles, kids activities and more while watching their friends and family face the hair clippers.

More than $350,000 was raised, Bender said, but more money was being counted as the Herald went to press on Tuesday. Last year, they raised $403,000. The donated funds go towards life-saving research and treatments at hospitals locally and throughout the world in an effort to find cures and improve treatments for all childhood cancers.

“Until cures for all childhood cancers are found and long-term side effects of treatments are nonexistent, St. Baldrick’s volunteers will keep shaving in solidarity, increasing awareness and raising funds for childhood cancer research,” St. Baldrick’s Co-founder John Bender said in a statement.

It is not too late to show support. Those wishing to donate can visit www.stbaldricks.org/events/rvcparishcenter2018.