MARQUETTE — The St. Baldrick’s Foundation has raised nearly $10,000 locally to support childhood cancer research through head-shaving events that raise funds while spreading awareness of the disease.

One event was hosted by Pete’s Barber Shop and St. Baldrick’s Foundation in Marquette on Saturday afternoon. It raised funds by inviting area residents to get their head shaved in support of children who are battling cancer.

Several local police and fire agencies have jumped in head first to support the cause, including the Michigan State Police, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Chocolay Township Police and Fire, and the Marquette Firefighters Association Local #643 union.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Negaunee Post were working behind the scenes to raise funds before participating in Saturday’s event at Pete’s Barbershop.

“Troopers raised money throughout the past month for the event by taking donations at the post,” officials said in an MSP news release. “Several of the troopers participated in getting their heads shaved as a sign of solidarity with the young kids suffering from cancer.”

The Marquette firefighter’s

Chocolay Township Police and Fire has raised over $1,219 so far. It held a head-shaving event of its own at the township offices last week.

The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office has raised around $1,066 so far, while MSP has raised around $557 as of Monday afternoon.

Several other individual donors have also stepped up. According to the event page, Pete’s Barber Shop owner Jim Bissonnette raised around $898 while event organizer and St. Baldrick’s Foundation Knight Commander Tim Eagan raised over $3,400.

Another head shaving event is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Marquette City Fire Hall.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, based in Monrovia, California, was founded on July 4, 1999, and is the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants in the world. The nonprofit organization aims to lead the charge in “conquering kids’ cancer.”

Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has invested over $306 million toward children’s cancer research grant funding, according to its website.

The first St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event took place at a pub in the New York City borough of Manhattan, and raised $104,000 across 19 shaved heads which was donated to research conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group.

For more information on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.stbaldricks.org.

Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.