Hair-razing fundraiser needs willing victims

For those who always wondered how they might look with a shaved head, here's an incentive: going bald could raise money for childhood cancer research.

West Allis Mayor Dan Devine says the upcoming St. Baldrick's Day event - set for 6 p.m. June 21 at Benno's Genuine Bar and Grill in downtown West Allis - still could use more participants.

Devine said he would like the hair-razing event to be a community occasion, but so far the volunteers to get their heads shaved are mainly city officials - the mayor, Alderman Michael May and city planner Steve Schaer - who will be joined by Mark Satterfield from West Park Place.

Money is raised through pledges for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which gives more money in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the United States government.

Since 2000, more than 240,000 volunteers, including more than 24,000 women, have been shaved at cancer at events in dozens of countries and in every state. Thanks to donations from friends and family, the "shavees" have raised more than $146 million for lifesaving research.

To volunteer, call the mayor at (414) 8290 or search for West Allis on the foundation's website, stbaldricks.org.