Aurora police sponsor St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thon for childhood cancer research
Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez expects to have a new nickname after Sunday: Shrek.
When he’s bald, Perez said, people somehow see some similarities between him and the fictional green ogre. And Perez is about to be bald.
The sheriff has signed up to be a “shavee” at a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation sponsored by Aurora police at 1 p.m. March 20 at Mike & Denise’s Pizzeria and Pub, 1760 N. Farnsworth Ave.
St. Baldrick’s is a national nonprofit effort that supports childhood cancer research, and many fundraisers for the organization involve shaving heads to show solidarity with young cancer patients who have lost their hair.
“When I come back to work with my head shaved, I’m referred to as Shrek,” Perez said. “So that’s an annual thing. I’m green for a couple months.”
Aurora police are hosting their fifth annual shave-a-thon with hopes of handling up to 100 heads for charity. Shavees rack up pledges and donations from people who can’t wait to see them bald — or have a generous heart. A 50-50 raffle also adds to the event’s money-generating power.
Organizers hope the event will provide a fun atmosphere for shavees and spectators alike.
“There’s kind of a nervous energy,” said Dave Adams, an Aurora evidence technician who organized the event. “If you’ve never shaved your head, there’s a big fear.”
Along with the fun and fear of the shave-a-thon, the purpose behind the fundraising also will become apparent, as the department invites parents of young cancer patients to speak about their child’s experiences.
“It’s a good time; everyone enjoys themselves,” Perez said. “But when the mothers of kids that are cancer survivors get up and speak, there’s not a dry eye in the building and you know why we’re all doing it.”
Speeches sometimes move more people to make donations or decide to go bald, Adams said. So the event’s staff of volunteer barbers will be prepared to accommodate walk-ins and last minute signups.
Since the Aurora Police Department started hosting St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thons in 2007, the events have raised a total of $95,000 for childhood cancer research.
“It seems to be a really great way for police and fire to step up and show a different side of themselves,” Adams said.
And in Perez’s case, that other side is a joking one and has layers, just like an onion.
If you go
What: Aurora Police St. Baldricks Shave-a-thon
When: 1 p.m. Sunday, March 20
Where: Mike & Denises Pizzeria and Pub, 1760 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora
Cost: Free entry, head-shaving for a donation
Details: Sign up as a shavee or just watch; 50-50 raffle and other raffle items available
Info: (630) 256-5664 or stbaldricks.org