UPDATE: St. Baldrick's fundraiser a success due to response of first responders

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- County first responders responded in droves to the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser to benefit research for children’s cancers. Hosted at the Goose’s Acre for the 7th straight year, with stylists from Sprout Salons doing the shearing. Last year’s event raised $43,000 by shaving 93 heads. This year’s fundraiser is expected to raise $45,000, shaving over 100 heads of first responders who signed up to lose their locks.

Noticeably absent was invited guest, Charlie Dina, the 5-year old championed by Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel, who wears his name on a yellow bracelet on his right wrist. A patient of Texas Children’s Hospital, Charlie was readmitted just days before the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for follow-up treatment. To date, Charlie has undergone extensive surgery and both chemotherapy and radiation, to treat his cancer. He is scheduled to undergo a stem-cell transplant which will require 30 to 45 days of follow-up treatment.

The teams of four to six people represented the following county agencies: The Woodlands Fire Department, Conroe Fire Department, South Montgomery County Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Constable’s Office Precinct 3, and the Montgomery County Hospital District.

The fundraiser is promoted as a family-friendly event. Some families participate together, with everyone getting their head shaved. One participant’s family raised an additional $50 getting facial hair shaved too.

“My husband’s been wanting to get his head shaved. This way it benefits a great cause,” said Jillian Fetters, of “Oh Baby!” a baby planning and maternity concierge.

The sale of St. Baldrick’s T-shirts, Irish shamrocks, and other green stuff, added to the bottom line. For those participating in the fundraiser, pledges can be made to your team via the website link provided. For those who wish to pledge to this essential cause, visit the website link provided to make donations.

“This year’s event is intended to underscore the St. Baldrick’s motto,” said Chairman, Shannon Montemurno. ”Have fun. Raise money. Cure childhood cancer.”

Original story:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Hair today, gone tomorrow. On Sunday, March 10, Montgomery County first responders will lose their locks at the annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser to benefit research for children’s cancers.

The Goose’s Acre will host the event for the 7th straight year, with six stylists from Sprout Salons working in shifts to do the shearing. Last year’s event raised $43,000 by shaving 93 heads.

Teams of four to six people will represent their respective organizations, raising pledges for kids cancers. It’s expected that approximately 100 first responders will be participating. The teams will not necessarily consist of males alone; the number of women participating has increased over the years. Organizer, Shannon Montemurno, has been one of them. At age two, her son was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a vary rare cancer that affects only four in one million children.

“The St. Baldrick’s event is very near and dear to my heart,” said Montemurno. “It does wonderful things for children’s cancer research.”

Responding to the call for hair are first responders from the following county agencies: Conroe Fire Department, The Woodlands Fire Department, South Montgomery County Fire Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Constable’s Office Precinct 3, and the Montgomery County Hospital District.

The fundraiser is always held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. Naturally, you wouldn’t be able to hold this popular event on the same day that all the local Irishmen will be celebrating their heritage in The Woodlands only Irish pub, but the event will be every bit as lively. Sunday’s children eat free at the Goose’s Acre, and there will be face painting for the children too.

The haircuts will commence at 3 p.m. on the downstairs patio. It’s expected to be standing-room only as it will overlap the ‘Happy Hour.’ Participants will be assigned a scheduled time, in order to organize the event. Walk-ins will be welcomed, but will be expected to match a minimum pledge of $50.

“We’ll cut hair till we drop,” said Jaci Chatham-DeVita of Sprout Salons, but realistically the stylists will be able to accommodate approximately 40 talking heads.

“Sprout Salons has partner with the Goose’s Acre for the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for four years,” said DeVita. “It has become our primary charity focus. We do it for the kids.”

The fundraiser is promoted as a family-friendly event. Some families all participate, with everyone getting their head shaved. Teams cheer each other on, and some leave sporting a Mohawk or horns.

“As the hair grows out, the Sprout stylists are adept with the transitioning,” said DeVita. “They can help with the styling so that you look fashionable. It’s not traumatic…it’s just cosmetic. Hair grows.”

The Goose’s Acre was the first location in the Greater Houston area to participate in the National St. Baldrick’s fundraiser. The idea of shaving heads his to pay homage to the children battling cancer, who lose their hair during chemotherapy treatments.

“We’re happy and joyful to bring this event to our community,” said Brandi Viehe, the General Manager at the Goose’s Acre. “And bring attention to the need for funding for children’s cancer research.”

For those participating in the fundraiser, pledges can be made to your team via the website link provided. For those who wish to pledge to an essential cause without losing their locks, the same website link can be utilized for donations. It is hopeful that the fundraiser will exceed last years amount, targeting $45,000 in donations. The event is expected to personify the St. Baldrick’s motto…”Have fun. Raise money. Cure childhood cancer.”