Local 'Shamrock Shave' fundraiser to offer fun for the family March 9
Bring it on! Ten years of head shaving and raising a lot of money for local charities will once again be on display Saturday, March 9, for its 11th annual "Shamrock Shave" fundraiser at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Algonquin.
Founded in 2008, the "Shamrock Shave" 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 Department) will shave their heads to raise money for community families in need and for cancer research.
Seven years ago, the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department formed a "Charity Challenge Team" for the "Shave."
Not to be outdone, the Algonquin Police Department joined in the fun three years ago and the results have been dramatic.
Last year's "Shamrock Shave" event raised more than $25,000 and helped put the total raised since 2008 at over $375,000.
This year, event organizers hope for even more success. They would like to extend an invitation to anyone that would like to put together a "Charity Team" of six people or more that can raise a minimum of $150 per shavee, and in return you will receive back one third of the monies you raise for your own charity.
According to Jonna Burck, event chair, "The Shamrock Shave is an awesome and inspiring event that brings the entire community together. This year, we are welcoming our heroes in the police and fire department, 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 food, fun, entertainment, and head shaving.
The event starts with a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef and cabbage at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Margaret Mary School gymnasium and cafeteria, with all dinner proceeds also being donated to charity. There will be chicken nuggets for the kids.
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. All event proceeds will be donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, to support local community families in need, and to the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
Between the head shavings, and back by popular demand, Mayer School of Irish Dance will be performing as well as local entertainment. A fun-filled family event, there will also be 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 and $1 for children, and at no charge with a meal purchase. The St. Margaret Mary Education Center is at the corner of Eastgate and Algonquin Road in Algonquin. For more information, visit www.saintmargaretmary.org/shave.