Athletes, Firefighters Shave Heads to Support Cancer

The volunteers ranged from "Jerseylicious" salon owner Anthony Lombardi of Verona to the Orange Fire Department.

Irish step dancers, rock and roll bands, and athletes from around Essex County came to the Shillelagh Club in West Orange to support the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money to combat children's cancer and support children battling cancer.

"I've been here for four years, it's awesome," said 16-year-old Jack Kinney, an athlete at James Caldwell High School, whose father organized the event. "You know what you're doing it for. You know what cancer does, you know what it does to families ... It's all for a good cause."

The St. Baldrick's event had many supporters, restaurants in the area, Orange firefighters who shaved their heads, soccer players from the Caldwell/West Caldwell Soccer Club, and barbers and salon owners who came out to cut hair for free.

"It's a great cause, it's a lot of fun, it's a great mood," said Lombardi, owner of Anthony Robert Salon in Verona, of "Jerseylicious" fame. Other barbers included J.T. of JT's Barber Shop in Verona, Lenny Serritella of Leonard's Barber Shop in Caldwell, and David Lattimer, of David Chad Salon in Caldwell.

Shavees raised money through sponsors who donated money. Visitors to the event bid on auction items, paid for food and beverages, and bought raffle tickets to support St. Baldrick's.

Organizer Kevin Kinney of West Caldwell said between the face painting for kids, live bands for adults, and good food, "It's just a lot of fun ... a fun event for a great cause." He said on Sunday that the event raised upwards of $70,000.