Gun Lake Casino Community Shave Heads to Support Childhood Cancer Research

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

WAYLAND, MICHIGAN - Gun Lake Casino has partnered with St. Baldrick-s Foundation to raise money for children's cancer research.

March 15th

Gun Lake Casino has asked the West Michigan community, including guests and team members of the casino, local businesses, and neighbors of the casino to help raise money for childhood cancer research by shaving their heads. Participants have come together as teams, with one or more team member pledging to shave his or her head, in exchange for donations for St. Baldrick's Foundation. Teams have until the March 15 event to raise money.

Why all the shaved heads?

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.

All shavees will have their locks buzzed down, compliments of local barbers

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.

“With one year under our belt, now is the time to step up and do some really big things to give back,”

commented Carter Paver, director of marketing for Gun Lake Casino.

"We came across this opportunity to help out a great cause, get the community involved, and have a little bit of fun in the process. We're very excited to host this event."

How you can get involved?

Visit www.StBaldricks.org and sign up your team or if shaving your head isn't your thing, you can also donate. At the March 15 event, all shavees will have their locks buzzed down, compliments of local Grand Rapids barbers.

If you are not willing to shave your head, but want to show your support, plan to attend the March 15th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, which will feature live music, entertainment of watching several members of the West Michigan community shaving down their heads, along with food and drink specials. A portion of food sales will also be donated to St. Baldrick's Foundation.

posted February 23, 2012 7:20 am est