Des Plaines Firefighter Union Members and Their Families Participate in Annual St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraiser

On March 15, 2013 several Des Plaines Firefighter Union members and their families participated in the Annual St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser in Schaumburg, and raised money to benefit childhood cancer research. This is the fourth year that the firefighters from Des Plaines entered a team in the event to get shaved to raise awareness and dollars. According to the Des Plaines Firefighters' Team Captain, Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Murphy, "Once again, this year's event was a success. We had a lot of fun, enjoyed some friendly 'competition,' and raised a lot of money that will go to a most worthwhile cause. We look forward to next year's event being even bigger and better." The Des Plaines Firefighters had eight "shavees," and raised over $3,700 (fifth place of the twenty teams participating). The event, this year held at the Tilted Kilt Restaurant, included live music, give-a-ways, raffles, great food, and, of course, lots of head shavings of attendees of all ages. There were a total of 229 shavees, and the event raised nearly $57,000. The Des Plaines Police Officers also fielded a team for the event. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. The St. Baldrick's Foundation currently funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. The Foundation coordinates its signature head-shaving events worldwide, where volunteers get bald to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer and raise money to support life-saving childhood cancer research. St. Baldrick's events are the largest volunteer-driven fundraising opportunity benefitting pediatric cancer research. More information is available at www.stbaldricks.org. (pictured left to right) Des Plaines Fire Lieutenant Steve Ehas and Battalion Chief Chris Wozny get their heads shaved to raise funds to benefit childhood cancer research during a March 15, 2013 St. Baldrick's Foundation Fundraising Event in Schaumburg.