St. Baldrick’s Saturday fundraisers for children’s cancer research

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Saturday, March 12th, St. Baldrick’s takes Fairbanks by storm, bringing not one but two events to Interior Alaska.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and volunteers from all over Fairbanks will make their way to the Civic Center at Pioneer Park to participate in the 18th annual head shaving event.

Those who choose to be a part of the event can either shave their head, cut off 8 inches or more, or just be there to support the community in funding children’s cancer research. There will be volunteer, state licensed barbers and hair stylists to do the shaving and cutting. People can let St. Baldrick’s donate the hair, or can do it themselves; however, anyone with highlighted or bleached hair will not be able to donate.

A fraternal organization of local firefighters, the Farthest North Fools, brought this event to Interior Alaska 18 years ago.

Justin Boddy, who is one of the original volunteers for the annual head shaving event with St. Baldrick’s explained, “We wanted to bring it to our community, and it was a way that the fire department could do something for the community or the greater good outside of just being firefighters.”

The foundation as a whole has raised $315 million towards children’s cancer research; and in Fairbanks, as of this year, they have surpassed the $500,000 mark over the past 18 years.

Running side by side with the head shaving event, the Carlson Center is hosting a “Shamrock Shimmy” dance, in which the proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation as well.

Some donors for the silent auction include Black Spruce Brewing Company, Hoodoo Brewing Company, Trax Outdoor Center, Fairbanks Distilling and more.

Heather Jensen, recreation specialist at the Carlson Center, mentioned when they found out about the head shaving event for St. Baldrick’s on the same day as their dance, they wanted to join in on the fundraising fun.

The dance will begin at 8 p.m. and door prize goodie bags will be available for everyone who attends. Admission is $12 for adults 21 years and older, but anyone 21 and older who participated in the St. Baldrick’s head shaving event will get in for free.

The two events will benefit a foundation near and dear to many Alaskans’ hearts - fighting and funding children’s cancer research. Both events will include prizes, silent auctions, and food.