To help raise money and bring awareness for pediatric cancer, St. Baldricks will be shaving heads at ETHS on Tuesday, March 17.

“The St. Baldricks event every year helps remind students that there are children who are affected by cancer,” said Mary Collins, Community Service sponsor.

This will be Evanstons fifth year hosting St. Baldrick’s, a national foundation that visits schools around the country. Last year Evanston raised more than $2,500 and had around 40 to 50 students and staff pledge to have their heads shaved for donations. As a whole, St. Baldrick’s raised $39,176,795 last year.

“When we look at fundraising on a high school level, we’re not going to raise $100,000, but every bit counts.” said Collins. She explained that the most important goal of this cause isn’t the money, it’s more about making “people feel good when because are more aware of something.”

Not surprisingly, the fundraiser attracts more males than females. However, Collins reasons that this is actually a good thing for ETHS.

“I love that its an event that mostly guys participate in because we don’t always have events that guys get into,” stated Collins. “We have guys that show up to earth day and we have lots of things throughout the year that young men will participate in but this, it’s kind of special for them.”

Of course, St. Baldricks is not a “boys only” event. Sophomore Tally Duffy and English teacher Elizabeth Hartley, a breast cancer survivor herself, both went bald to gain attention for the cause. “There’s nothing like a bald lady walking around the school to get people to ask questions,” said Hartley.

Students under the age of 18 must pick up a permission slip from A241 to participate. So don’t miss this special opportunity to raise money, awareness and attention for something that continuously affects millions every day.