INDIANAPOLIS--This Saturday between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., a crowd will form a semi-circle in the Hilltop Gym at the Athletics-Recreation Center on the campus of Valparaiso University.
The gathering won’t have anything to do with a basketball game or a volleyball match. Rather, it will be a crowd surrounding the participants of the fourth annual head-shaving fundraiser benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation hosted by the Valparaiso men’s soccer team.
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity that funds cancer research, with a primary focus on fighting childhood cancer. Participants collect donations leading up to the event and shave their heads on the day of the fundraiser.
Among the “shavees” signed up include Valparaiso President Dr. Mark Heckler, Dr. Heckler’s wife Veronica, Valparaiso Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera, Valparaiso Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance Kim Smith, and various Valparaiso student-athletes. As of April 8, 82 shavees have signed up.
“I expect that number to definitely increase over the next few days,” Valparaiso goalie and Volunteer Event Organizer Tom Serratore said.
In addition to the head shavings, the Valparaiso pep band and the dance ensemble will be on hand performing.
“We’re getting different organizations and student groups to be a part of our event and incorporating their talent into our event,” said Serratore.
The event brought in nearly $22,000 last year. This year’s goal is $50,000, with nearly $30,000 already raised.
“We’ve looked to reach out to many different areas that we hadn’t in the past, with the help of different student organizations and the athletics department in general, we’ve been able to make more people aware of St. Baldricks,” Serratore stated.
“No matter what we’ve already raised the most we’ve ever done.”
For more information, including how to donate directly, visit the Valparaiso St. Baldrick’s event page.
