'I don't want to let these kids down': Aurora man helps raise $25,000 to fight childhood cancer

Jim Gilbert of Aurora is getting used to having his head shaved every March.

He was among about 35 Aurora-area residents who had their heads shaved Sunday in exchange for donations to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a nonprofit fighting childhood cancer.

The event was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant in Aurora.

For a sixth year, Gilbert participated in the 17th annual Aurora fundraiser that raised $25,000.

Gilbert had his head shaved in exchange for $1,599 in donations from family and friends.

Joanne Buckley, St. Baldrick's coordinator at Ballydoyle, reported results from Sunday's event. She added, "Shavees have until the end of the year to collect donations. We typically see additional cash raised in the month following the event."

Entertainment included country-rock music by The Mickey Hatfield Band. Organizers raffled off T-shirts, buttons and other items.

In an advance appeal, Gilbert said, "Why am I shaving my head with St. Baldrick's? Because with your donation on my head, together, we can save lives. "Research is hope for kids with cancer, but donations to find cures have been down since 2020."

"Your gift will give kids hope, supporting the best research across the country, through the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research grants," Gilbert said. "Cancer kills more of our kids than any other disease. I don't want to let these kids down."

In the last 17 years, the Aurora event has raised over $1.6 million and shaved 2,151 heads. For more information, visit Stbaldricks.org.