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View Winners → The Bald Truth About Fundraising for Pediatric Cancer Research
Arcadia Weekly Mar 09, 2016
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Beth Fournier, paramedic and Arcadia firefighter, shaved her head last year in solidarity with the kids and a personal friend who is battling cancer. – Photo by Terry Miller
Over $63,000 Raised Locally for St. Baldrick’s Last Year
St. Baldrick’s Day will be celebrated in its usual manner at Matt Denny’s in Arcadia – by shaving heads March 12. But this year Monrovia is getting into the game with an event on March 17 at T Phillips on Myrtle.
On Tuesday, March 12, hundreds will line up to have their heads shaved. Last year a female Arcadia firefighter lopped off not only her long pony tail, but went the whole shaved head route. The money went to a dozen elementary school youngsters from Monrovia’s Mayflower school. All the shorn were united in one cause: raising money for pediatric cancer research.
According to the St. Baldrick’s Day foundation, the Matt Denny’s location alone raised more than $63,000 last year. Perhaps one of the biggest events locally.
600 location nationwide hold events to raise awareness and money. A spokesman at the Foundation said that the event at Matt Denny’s was one of the largest fundraisers nationwide.
“That is not the complete total,” said Matt McSweeny, owner of Matt Denny’s. “We still have money coming in. It’s only right that we have one of the biggest events. The foundation has its headquarters in Monrovia and they send over volunteers to handle our event.”
It all started in 1999 among a group of friends in New York with an idea of raising money to help children with cancer. By 2004, their efforts had resulted in millions being raised and a foundation being established. Starting in 2005, the foundation has given more than $154 million to support research for cures and better treatments for kids with cancer.
Superior Court Judge Bruce Marrs is not afraid to get his head shaved again. Having personal experience in his family, the judge raises money every year for St. Baldrick’s. –Photo by Terry Miller
