Arena at Harbor Yard (TeamBrent.com)

It’s hard to believe that making a difference can be so much fun.

Participants in a St. Baldrick's event shave their heads in exchange for donations towards research. Efforts fund research & bald heads are a display of solidarity with kids who have cancer. Since its founding in 2000, the St. Baldrick's Foundation has raised over $69 million by shaving over 107,000 heads in 24 countries. St. Baldrick's funds more childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. Government. But the ultimate goal of the St. Baldrick's Foundation has not been achieved – the goal to cure childhood cancer. Until that day, we will continue to work to fund the best and most promising research to achieve that goal.

On March 10 2010 TeamBrent held its annual flagship St Baldrick’s celebration at Arena at Harbor Yard. Over 500 men, women and children raised over $500,000 in exchange for shaving their heads. It was the third straight year that the Sound Tigers, St. Baldrick’s Foundation and TeamBrent teamed up to raise awareness and funds to help fight pediatric cancer.

“This has become an annual event that our team looks forward to each season,” Sound Tigers’ President, Howard Saffan said. “The efforts of TeamBrent, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Newtown Saving Bank are immeasurable and the Sound Tigers are proud to partner with their efforts towards raising money for pediatric cancer to find a cure.”

ESPN Sportscenter host Chris McKendry kicked off the Opening Ceremonies. Newtown Savings Bank President John Trentacosta shared how happy his group was to help sponsor the event; St Baldrick’s Foundation cofounder and board member John Bender spoke about the need for more research, and TeamBrent’s cofounder Mike McCreesh closed the ceremonies by reminiscing about the event’s growth and all the people that made it happen – along with what a difference the community is making. All the while, survivor Brent McCreesh played behind them on the stage, serving as living proof that what we do makes a difference.

When the ceremonies were over, the celebration really kicked in! The Total Look Salons and Academy shaved 531 heads while the band Vertigo rocked the house. All the while, hundreds of families enjoyed nonstop fun. Kids were entertained by Mickey Kydes Soccer, United Athletic Centers, the Little Gym of Fairfield, Educational Warehouse and We Sell Hoops while hundreds more skated on the Sound Tigers ice. Once Upon a Face Paint, Face Painting by Wells, and Tattoos R Us transformed both faces and bald heads into works of art. The members of The Galactic Empire from Star Wars kept the entire crowd entertained, thanks to a strong presence by the 501st Legion CTG.

Although the event ended at five the fun didn’t stop. All shavees received a free ticket that night’s Sound Tigers game, where they were brought onto the ice and honored. The community really showed its strength.

Check it out!
Great pictures of the shaving and the fun are posted on http://inthefield.smugmug.com/Photography/Team-Brent-2010-St-Baldricks/11384052_9kvgs#804362577_YcyHx
“After” Portraits: http://gallery.me.com/kitnoble#100583

Star Wars:

TeamBrent has other events this year in Waterbury, Meriden, Colorado, Stratfield Elementary, Wilton and more!!! This was our sixth year participating in St Baldrick’s, together we have raised over 2.6 million dollars over those six years, and we continue to add locations….
This year’s line up is posted at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/teambrent

TeamBrent is grateful to: Arena at Harbor Yards, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Newtown Savings Bank, Total Look Salons & Academy, Keough's Hardware, Nauti Dolphin, Once Upon a Face Paint, Face Painting by Wells. Mickey Kydes Soccer, United Athletic Centers, Educational Warehouse, We Sell Hoops, the 501 st Legion CTG, the Little Gym of Fairfield, Tattoos R Us, Infinite Web Designs, Penguin Swim School, Doyle Partnership, Woods/Coleman cable, penny press, A & S Wood Floors, Bear & Grill, 95.9 THE FOX and 96.7 THE COAST, Nelson Roofing and Siding Inc, vineyard vines, Tree Hugger Photography, Kit Noble Photography, Ashley Skatoff Photography.