Mayor, 2 Trustees Have Heads Shaved at Hawthorn

Three village officials joined the Vernon Hills Police Department's St. Baldrick's team this year, volunteering to have their heads shaved for a good cause.

Village President Roger Byrne and trustees Thomas Koch and Michael Marquardt joined police officers and community members for the event Saturday afternoon at Hawthorn Mall. 

Each shavee collected donations prior to the event. Contributions were also accepted Saturday afternoon, and proceeds from a raffle also benefit the effort.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation supports childhood cancer research. Vernon Hills' second annual event was organized by Police Officer Jim Koch. Koch, who has been involved with the fundraiser for a decade, said he participates in honor of a cousin who was born with leukemia. His cousin ultimately beat the disease, and Koch said he wants to help other children do the same.

"The community has really rallied behind us to help us out," said Koch, who also had his head shaved.

As of Saturday morning, Vernon Hills' event had generated more than $11,000 for the foundation.

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