Area Educator Hosts St. Baldrick's Fundraiser for Cancer

by Erin Gallagher

Raising money for childhood cancer has been a passion of Coley O'Connell's for many years. An educator and coach in the Lincoln-Way School District, he hosted seven St. Baldrick's fundraisers to do just that.

"The five years I've been running the program at Lincoln-Way North, we raised $80,000," O'Connell said, crediting the students and staff.

Now, O'Connell is teaming up with Will County Celtic Fest to host another fundraiser. The fest is September 6 and 7. O'Connell is seeking volunteers now to participate and raise funds in advance of the fest.

The premise of St. Baldrick's is that volunteers are willing to shave their heads bald in exchange for donations for the nonprofit. However, shaving isn't a requirement, O'Connell said.

Some people can do a "virtual shaving," he said. That is where people raise money online but don't actually save.

Another option was his daughter, Olivia O'Connell's idea. At age 9, she raised $1200 last February. Instead of shaving bald, she donated ten inches of hair to Locks of Love.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering should go to the website and create an account to start accepting donations. Then volunteers can simply email and Facebook friends and family the link to the fundraising page.

In the case of his daughter's fundraiser, she raised all $1200 through one email blast, he said.

Ordinarily, St. Baldrick's is associated with St. Patrick's Day in March. However, having this event during the fall is another opportunity for people to participate.

"So if you've missed it, now here is your opportunity," O'Connell said.

Everyone either has or will be affected by cancer, either themselves or someone they know, O'Connell said. That is why this is event is important.

To donate or volunteer, click here.

The Will County Celtic Fest is presented by the Irish American Society of County Will.