After several years, Joliet Catholic Academy brought the St. Baldrick’s event back. Having been very successful in the past, organizers Mrs. Arnett and Mrs. Witmer set their sights on hosting yet another successful event to help conquer kid’s cancer. Students, families, staff and administration quickly jumped on board to ensure its success. Principal/CEO Jeff Budz, younger siblings of JCA students and many of JCA’s own students volunteered as shavees.

JCA’s fundraising goal of $15,000 was exceeded by over $1,000. The grand total of funds raised came to $16,488 including $575 raised in the last five minutes of the all-school assembly on the stipulation that Varsity Club treasurer Moira McSteen and student-athlete Max Brzostowksi would chop their locks. The school’s top five fundraisers were Nicholas Sandora, Dulce Dow (a seventh grade younger sister of a current student), Aron Goeken, Anthony Gomez, and Dalton Jones. Between the five of them, they raised over two thirds of the total.

The event was made possible by the coordination of teachers Suzi Arnett and Deb Witmer as well as the help of volunteer barbers including Joliet mayor and Joliet Catholic grad, Tom Giarrante. A team of barbers/stylists from places such as Bliss, Hair by Kelly, Premier Salon Suites, Apropos, and State of Mind donated their time to work with more than 20 shavees throughout the day.