Huntley to host St. Baldrick's fundraiser March 13-14

The village of Huntley and the greater Huntley Unit District 158 community will show their combined support for the fight against childhood cancer this March by hosting their first St. Baldrick's event, "Huntley Goes Bald."

The two-day event, scheduled for March 13-14 will raise funds for childhood cancer research. "The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a group that does not have a lot of overhead, so virtually all of the funds raised are channeled directly toward research efforts, said Huntley St. Baldrick's event coordinator Bryant Haniszewski. "When it comes to childhood cancer, research is the key, and research is why my daughter Teagan is still alive."

Haniszewski's daughter Teagan, 9, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a brain tumor in the back of the head by the brain stem, at 21 months of age. It is a highly aggressive cancer and so far Teagan has had nine surgeries. "Every March and April Teagan appears as a St. Baldrick's honoree at events across Chicagoland," he said. "There are a lot of cancer kids in the greater District 158 area, so it makes sense that our community would have its own event. The support we are receiving so far is overwhelming and incredibly encouraging."

Huntley's St. Baldrick's event will kick off on Friday, March 13, at Huntley High School with a school-wide assembly. The event will continue after school from 4 to 9 p.m. at the high school, where groups of kids, teachers and adults who have raised money for the cause will have their heads shaved by local beauticians and barbers who are donating their time and services.

The family-friendly event also will feature crafts, games and face painting for kids. The high school kids will have an opportunity leading up to the event to purchase green hair extensions and T-shirts with proceeds being donated to the Huntley St. Baldrick's effort.

"Head shaving is the most outward and bold showing of support, but simply making a donation or purchasing a T-Shirt or the green hair extensions help the cause," said Bryant Haniszewski.

On Saturday, March 14, the St. Baldrick's fundraiser will continue from noon to 11 p.m. at Huntley's Parkside Pub, 11721 E. Main St., where the family fun will be accompanied by live music throughout the day and evening. Barbers and beauticians will be on hand Saturday for head shaving too.

"Saturday at Parkside Pub the community can expect a full-on St. Patrick's Day experience, complete with green beer and corned beef and cabbage," said Teagan Haniszewski's mom, Carly, who is helping coordinate the event. "It promises to be a really fun day, filled with great food, music and activities, so I hope to see the Huntley community out in force to support this great cause.

Those wishing to donate can go to the St. Baldrick's website, www.stbaldricks.org/events/huntley and click on the "Donate" page.

For information about this community fundraising event, contact Bryant Haniszewski at huntleygoesbald@yahoo.com.