Each year, St. Baldrick’s encourages volunteers and donors to participate in Sweepstakes. Those who meet the requirements have a chance to win an exciting weeklong vacation to an exotic location. This year, St. Baldrick’s is excited to announce that the winner of the 2019 Sweepstakes will choose from vacations for two to Japan or Iceland, and a Disney family cruise for four. Register now for a chance to win. Full details available here.
When Mark Silvius entered St. Baldrick’s Sweepstakes 2018, he didn’t think it would result in him being whisked away to Tahiti. He just wanted to support St. Baldrick’s and childhood cancer research – a cause he’s backed for eight years now.
That’s why he was shocked to get a call from Elizabeth Ridenour, the Foundation’s Director of Individual Giving and Donor Stewardship, telling him he’d won a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
Winner Picks Romantic Getaway to Tahiti
When told the options available to the winner – a trip to Ireland, another to Tahiti, or a Disney family cruise – Mark knew what he wanted to do, and it wasn’t what his predecessor had done.
“It was funny because I looked at the guy who won the year before [and] who took the Disney trip with his kids,” Mark said. “I called my wife [Sheli] and told her the options – we said, we’re not taking the kids and we’re going to Tahiti.”
Of course, this wasn’t Mark’s usual attitude towards spending time with his kids – it was just time for a romantic vacation for two. “We decided to do something for ourselves because we never do something for just us,” Mark said.
Sign Up Early to Qualify
Mark shared that he registered for a head-shaving event and started his fundraising early specifically because he wanted a chance to win Sweepstakes. It’s a good thing he did!
“I’m a proactive person by nature,” Mark said. “So, if there’s an opportunity to do something early, why not. My team hadn’t been registered yet, so I even created my own team so I wouldn’t miss out on the opportunity.”
Once-in-a-Lifetime Trip for Couple
Mark knew he wanted to spend some time away with Sheli, who’s long supported his fundraising and head-shaving for childhood cancer research. “She supports me every year,” Mark said. “She has been a big support all around, dyes my hair all funky colors leading up to the event … So basically, my wife and I celebrated and danced, then said let’s go to Tahiti!”
The trip didn’t disappoint: Mark and Sheli stayed in gorgeous hotels, snorkeled, swam with sharks, enjoyed delicious food, and relaxed on the beach by the clear blue water.
“We would have never gone to Tahiti without St. Baldrick’s,” Mark said. “We would never do a trip like this and wouldn’t have stayed at these neat places. It gave us the ability to experience these islands in such a great way.” When asked what he enjoyed most about the trip, Mark replied, “Time alone to connect with my wife.”
Rules: Easy to Enter, Easy to Win
As a Knight of the Bald Table – an achievement that comes when you’ve volunteered with St. Baldrick’s for seven or more years – Mark has been helping the Foundation fight childhood cancers for a long time now. Over the years, he’s raised more than $20,000 to help fund research and clinical trials that can save kids’ lives.
But that’s not required to enter or win Sweepstakes.
This year, all anyone must do is meet a few simple requirements:
• Register for a 2019 St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event by Jan. 31, 2019.
• Raise $100 or more for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation by Jan. 31, 2019.
• Be a legal resident of the United States.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
Head Shaving: “A Great Thing to Do,” Winner Says
Mark says anyone on the fence about shaving their head (or volunteering in another way to help St. Baldrick’s) should get involved. “People should sign up because it’s a great thing to do. It’s fun,” Mark said.
“The whole reason why you do it is to get rid of this nasty cancer stuff. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer in some way.”
Register now for a chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and to help support childhood cancer research that can save kids’ lives.
Childhood cancer cures start with you. Fund lifesaving research today.
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