While the snow fell outside, 15 scouts and scout leaders from Troop 174 had their heads shaved as a sign of solidarity and to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Those looking to donate to the cause, which has raised more than $2,000, can visit the local group’s website.
In 2012 the St. Baldrick's Foundation funded more than $25 million in childhood cancer research grants worldwide, according to the group’s website. Local Boy Scout Brendan Byrnes, who helped organize Monday’s event, said he had been looking for a worthy cause and knew he had found one after reading about St. Baldrick’s online.
But Brendan said he never envisioned the kind of response he got Monday night.
“I thought there wasn’t a cause that was better than funding childhood cancer research,” Brendan said Tuesday. “I thought some people wouldn’t come because of the snow, but when they walked in I was really happy and I thought it was amazing that everyone came.”
Brendan’s father, Kevin Byrnes, said he was proud of the scouts and scout leaders for getting involved in the event.
“It’s great that they all came out and shaved their heads and helped fund raise for such a great cause,” Kevin Byrnes said. “When my son came up with the idea and told his friends in the troop, they really jumped at the opportunity, and it was really great to see.”
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