All a Buzz to Conquer Kids Cancer

Mike Mohan, publisher in Entertainment. Discussion »

WAYLAND, MICHIGAN – When the first brave four sat down to say good bye to all the hair a top their heads, over 60 others were in line behind them.

“We have $18,000.00 committed before we start tonight.”

Said Lisa Barrett, Gun Lake Casino Marketing Manager.

Proceeds from the Casino's cafe, site of the Head-Shaving fundraiser, and casino guests contributing pledges, and heads for shaving, Barrett was confident the goal to $25,000.00 to conquer kids cancer would be reached.

The first annual Gun Lake Casino/St. Baldrick's Foundation Signature Head-Shaving Event was held last night.

Ed Pigeon, vice chairman of the Tribe - During, During and After His Head-Shaving

Worldwide, more than 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, and it remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the United States. With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick's Foundation grant funds are critical to continue the battle against this devastating disease.

Among the first to take the Stage 131 was Ed Pigeon, vice chairman of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe.

“For a cause like this, whatever dollars raised are not enough.”

Pigeon said while rubbing his newly fashioned dome.

Pigeon maybe right, but fun was had by all as they did much to raise money for pediatric cancer research. The standing room only crowd couldn't stop clicking off pictures of Heidi Turner, the evening's first female volunteer.

Heidi Turner - Before, During and After Her Head-Shaving; Including Her Shaving of Ryan Thompson(r)

“I have three healthy children. This I could do for those who don't.”

The casino's Sandhill Cafe worker said thankfully.

After her head-shaving, Heidi became the shaver to fellow cafe team member Ryan Thompson.

photo updated March 17, 2012 11:57 pm edt; posted March 16, 2012 6:40 pm edt