What is St. Baldrick’s?

St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.

At a St. Baldrick’s event, something amazing happens. People who normally shy away from the very thought of childhood cancer find themselves compelled to support this cause after looking into the face of these brave children who are smiling broadly as their friends and family members proudly display their newly shorn heads.

Volunteers and donors see it can be fun to support a serious cause. Young cancer patients and survivors see how many people care. And researchers see St. Baldrick’s funds helping to find cures!

Who’s involved?

Tens of thousands of volunteers make St. Baldrick’s happen, with the leadership of a board of directors and the support of a small staff. Volunteers organize each event, coached and equipped by the Foundation.

Thousands of brave, bold and bald shavees step up to be shorn year after year, becoming walking billboards for the cause of childhood cancer research!

Kids and families affected by cancer provide inspiration and meaning to the events. And local medical professionals who treat children and conduct research help donors to see how their donations are helping.

Generous corporate sponsors help cover costs, so a larger percentage of each individual’s donation is directed to finding cures for kids. The reinsurance industry has provided incredible support with firms often competing to show their support. Other groups heavily involved include fire and police departments, the insurance industry and schools.

Who will be the next group to get involved in a big way? How about yours!

In case you’re wondering, “St. Baldrick” is merely a fictional character - a morphing of “St Patrick’s” (the day the event was born), and “bald.” There is no real saint, but we do have a mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun!

How it all started

In 1999, Tim Kenny challenged friends, John Bender and Enda McDonnell to find a way to give back to society. These three reinsurance executives turned their industry’s St. Patrick’s Day party into a benefit for kids with cancer. What could they do to really turn the heads - and the wallets - of their colleagues?

John suggested shaving Enda’s head since kids typically lose their hair during cancer treatment. “People will gladly pay to see you bald, Enda!” Never one to miss an opportunity, Enda replied, “I will if you will,” and St. Baldrick’s was born.

The three planned to raise “$17,000 on the 17th,” recruiting 17 colleagues to raise $1,000 each to be shorn. Instead, the first St. Baldrick’s event, held on March 17, 2000, raised over $104,000!

What’s happening now?

The 2009 season is expected to be another fantastic year for raising funds to fight childhood cancer by shaving heads. This is the 10th year of St. Baldrick’s events, and the 5th year of existence for the independent St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

In 2008, St. Baldrick’s events were hosted in 48 U.S. states, in addition to Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom and more events are signing up daily as the movement continues to spread.

Shavees and volunteers can participate in honor or in memory of kids who have fought, or are fighting, cancer. These children and teens give a face and a story to the cause, inspiring all to go the extra mile (or inch, in terms of hair!) in raising funds and awareness.

Since the first event in 2000, St. Baldrick’s volunteers have raised over $50 million for life-saving research and 2009 promises even more exciting progress. Every child, teen, and family deserves our very best effort to cure childhood cancer, and that’s just what they’ll get from the St. Baldrick’s community!