St. Margaret Mary to host 10th annual Shamrock Shave fundraiser March 17

Ten years of head shaving and raising a lot of money for local charities will be celebrated on St. Patrick's Day at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Algonquin. Last year's Shamrock Shave event raised more than $35,000 and helped put the total raised since 2008 at over $350,000. This year, event organizers hope for even more success.

Founded in 2008, the Shamrock Shave Charity benefit has quickly grown to become a major area fundraising event. Organizers estimate that over 60 men, women and children (including members of the Algonquin Police Department and Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District) will shave their heads to raise money for community families in need and for cancer research.

Six years ago, the fire district formed a "Charity Challenge Team" for the event. Not to be outdone, the police department joined in the fun two years ago and the results have been dramatic.

According to Jonna Burck, event chairwoman, "The Shamrock Shave is an awesome and inspiring event that brings the entire community together. This year we are celebrating 10 years and our heroes in the police and fire department will be there with us, while also raising money for two great causes. We hope to raise even more money for charity, shave more heads, and have even more 'Irish' family fun."

The Shamrock Shave combines fun, food, entertainment, and head shaving as an effort to raise money for two very worthwhile causes. All event proceeds will be donated to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, to support community families in need, and to the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

The event starts with a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17, in St. Margaret Mary's School gym and cafeteria, 119 S. Hubbard St. in Algonquin.

All dinner proceeds are donated to charity. The "Mane" festivities begin at 6:45 p.m. with head shavings staggered throughout the evening. Stylists from local hair salons have volunteered their time, and other local businesses are sponsoring the event with food and monetary donations.

Between the head shavings, and back by popular demand, Mayer School of Irish Dance will be performing as well as local band favorite, 12:30 Something. Several fun-filled family events, Like a Jig Contest, a "Best Irish Costume" contest, kid's activities, door prizes, and raffles all in a fun St. Patrick's Day party atmosphere.

Admission at the door is $2 or $1 for children, and at no charge with a meal purchase.

The St. Margaret Mary Education Center is at Eastgate and Algonquin roads in Algonquin. For information, visit www.saintmargaretmary.org/shave.