For twelve years the Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments have teamed up valiantly to fight kids’ cancer. By partnering with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Los Angeles firefighters and police officers shave their heads to raise vital funds to support childhood cancer research. This year’s event, held on March 21th at Fire Station 89, was another huge success. More than $110K has been raised so far!
More than 200 brave souls were shaved from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, including the members of the public and even a few women. In a display of leadership and solidarity, Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas and Police Chief Charlie Beck joined together on stage to shave fire and police noggins with barbers from Marinello Beauty school and celeb barbers Angeline Rose Troy, JD Scott, Kailani Bayot, and Jason Winston George.
The crowd also enjoyed the Pancake Factory/Starbucks pancake/sausage breakfast prepared on UFLAC Local 112’s Mother Of All Barbecues, and kids were all smiles as they were entertained by face painters, magicians, and balloon artists who graciously donated their time and services. The fire and police apparatus were highlighted by LAPD S.W.A.T.’s “Bearcat” tank and weapons display. Julia Dillon snapped amazing pictures and Precious Pix’s Laura Lichter worked with LAPD Motor Officer Laura Gerritson to set up a donation-fueled photo booth using her electric LAPD dirtbike as a kid-pleasing prop. Over 42 pints of blood were donated to the Providence Blood Mobile—filling them to maximum capacity, with Kelly Khoury of KENK USA ensuring there were plenty of drinks and snacks to replenish all throughout the day. A silent auction/raffle was organized by Maggie Compton, wife of LAPD Officer Jason Compton and mom to cancer survivor Ryan. Her hard work resulted in many items donated by generous sources, and happy winners won some great prizes including an LAPD Air Operations helicopter tour. Co-organizer LAFD Lt. Greg Doyle’s wife Kris and daughter Nina organized and MC’d the honored kid’s ceremony with City of Hope’s Dr. Clarke Anderson to recognize childhood cancer survivors and their families. Particular mention was made to cancer survivor Emily Magilnick’s brother Max, who has amazingly raised more than $12K this year alone. Max truly embodies the LAFD/LAPD St. Baldrick’s selfless spirit!
The monies generated come from the hard work of the participants reaching out to sponsors, who either give them cash or checks, or donate online at www.stbaldricks.org/events/lafdlapd (HINT—You can still donate online). St. Baldrick’s, the LAFD, and LAPD would like to thank all the participants, supporters, and sponsors for the event over the years—such as Mr. Jay Leno who has graciously contributed $5000 each year. Without them this event truly could not be a success!
Please join us again next year as the LAFD / LAPD St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser is scheduled to raise a grand total of over ONE MILLION DOLLARS towards fighting childhood cancer!
By LAFD Captain Danny Wu and LAPD Lieutenant Greg Doyle
Photos by Mike Meadows, and Laura Lichter, preciouspixphoto.com