Bald is beautiful, and charitable, in Grayslake

This year's St. Baldrick's event at Grayslake Middle School had special meaning because seventh-grade student at the school is battling cancer.

Friday was the school's fourth annual Cut & Shave fundraiser for the St. Baldrick's Foundation supporting childhood cancer research.

“It was a real feel for us this year because we know a student who is battling as hard as she can at this point and we're all pulling to everything we can support her,” said Principal Marcus Smith, who estimated the event will raise close to $25,000.

Forty-five students and teachers participated. After school let out, the event was open to the public for three hours.

“One of the biggest things we wanted to do was make this a community event. Let's bring the community together,” Smith said. “It's starting to kind of happen at this point so it's kind of fun to watch.”

Four stylists from Legacy Salon.Spa in Round Lake Beach volunteered their time to shave heads.

All cut hair will be donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, and monetary donations will support St. Baldrick's Foundation.

To find out more about the St. Baldrick's Foundation, go to www.stbaldricks.org.