ALGONQUIN—The enthusiasm and atmosphere at the sixth annual Shamrock Shave at St. Margaret Mary Church, here, March 15 was as exciting as a leprechaun finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The gymnasium was filled with more than 500 people dressed in a sea of green with colorful t-shirts, blinking lights and tall hats.  

They were all abuzz in anticipation of witnessing their pastor Father Peter Sarnicki, OFM Conv., and parochial vicar, Father Andre Brzezinski, OFM Conv., among the 58 brave volunteers getting their heads shaved for charity.

There was no turning back as each group, consisting of men, women and children, sat in their chairs on stage as volunteer stylists from Bella Vita Salon and Day Spa in Downtown Algonquin trimmed their heads bare.

Father Sarnicki observed the room of gleeful parishioners and guests.

“This is amazing and unbelievable tonight,” he said. “The entire room is full of joy.”

While this was the second time Father Sarnicki took the challenge, it was the first for Father Brzezinski.

Although he was a little anxious, he said he was “so happy to do this to help people.”

They were in the last group of the night to get trimmed and, of course, the crowd cheered them on.
In the last five years, the St. Margaret Mary Shamrock Shave, through the generous support of its “shavees” and their sponsors, has raised more than $150,000 to help needy families in their community and those suffering from pediatric cancer.

In fact, St. Margaret Mary Parish was recently recognized with a Community Service Award from the Village of Algonquin because of the success of the Shamrock Shave and its positive impact on the community the past six years.

Last year the Shamrock Shave raised more than $38,000 and event planners anticipate even more this year. Proceeds from the event benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s St. Margaret Mary Conference and the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Chris Cimaglio, a member of the parish Knights of Columbus and shave committee member, said they started the event six years ago as a unique project to give alms during Lent.

“A lot of volunteers are involved and/or pledging to make this a success,”  Cimaglio said.  

He, along with his two sons, were among the shavees this year.

Teams were involved from the Knights of Columbus, the Algonquin Fire Department and the parish Cub Scouts, too.

Many children were involved and as St. Margaret Mary Cub Scout member Jacob Bonnet left the stage he said that “my head feels bumpy.” Talia Owen shaved her head, but also donated her long hair to Locks of Love.

Jonna Burck, event chairperson and a volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, hoped for even more success this year. “What I love about this event is that we are able to raise funds and then we can concentrate all of our efforts to help people.” The organization serves anyone in need within the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills area.

The night began with a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. Then the “mane” festivities began. Between the head shavings, guests enjoyed Irish dancing by the local Mayer School of Irish Dance, an Irish jig and best Irish costume contest, a special performance by local favorite Katie Scullin, a Milwaukee Summerfest veteran, who was back by popular demand, and more activities.

Julie Fitzgerald worked the crowd selling $2.00 shots of Bailey’s Irish Cream to the adults. She checked her apron and noted that “I should have at least $400.00 in here so far.”

Kathleen Casey, founder of Bear Necessities and a former parishioner spoke to the crowd. “Thank you so much to St. Margaret Mary church, the parishioners and Algonquin for supporting Bear Necessities,” she said.  The Foundation has grown substantially and was founded in 1992 in Algonquin by Casey in  memory of her eight year old son Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who died after a courageous battle with Willis Tumor, a pediatric cancer. The Foundation is now located in Chicago, but she has dedicated her life since then to help as many children as possible with pediatric cancer.

Casey added that “my children attended school here and it is so heartwarming for me to see what’s happening tonight.”
 
Attendees were awestruck by the night’s events.  Parish members Paul and Barbara Sturznickel came for the second year to see the shavees. “It is very nice what they are doing, especially Fathers Peter and Andre,” Barbara said.  Connie McDonough noted that her favorite part was “seeing the genuine expression on the faces of the people immediately after they have their heads shaved.”

Raffles and door prizes were part of the excitement. Shannon Kaminski, decorations chair, sold raffles throughout the evening. “I’ve seen this event grow since the beginning and it is wonderful to see all of these smiling faces,” she said. “My husband Mitch and my four children have been parishioners at St. Margaret Mary’s for seven years. We have lived in five states and this is my favorite parish. We never want to leave.”

A big highlight of the evening was the live auction. The crowd roared when emcee Steve Ludwig pronounced Father Sarnicki the winning $500 bid for a flying lesson in a World War II plane. From the look on his face, he finally realized what was in store for him. “Well, at least it’s to help others,” Father Sarnicki exclaimed to all.

The Shamrock Shave was supported by many local businesses with food, door prizes, and monetary donations to add to its “green” success.