On April 14, St. Bladrick’s will be coming to Augustana. This event, which is being hosted by the Roundels, is used to raise funds for kids with cancer.
St. Baldrick’s is known for shaving heads to raise money. In April, the Rho Nu Delta fraternity (Roundels) is hoping to see a large turnout, as they have in previous years.
Unlike the last five years, however, the Roundels have decided to try and include the Quad Cities as much as possible. They have made the event open to the public as well.
This year, the Roundels have worked hard to reach out to the Quad Cities to get them involved. “We’ve reached out to the barbers…Cool Beans, car washes for money and raffles, as well as to come up with ideas for the event,” explained the Roundels President Austin Small.
As the current president of the Roundels, Small has been the lead organizer for the St. Baldrick’s event.
“The reason it was brought to campus is because a previous member had childhood cancer, and so it really hit close to home,” said Small, “We had realized it was something the Quad Cities needed.”
Cole Neder, who helps coordinate and advertise the event (and who will also be shaving his head), highlighted the change.
“We wanted to open it up more to the community,” said Neder, “so we’ve spread it around our city more. And that was our big goal.”
Their goal this year is to raise $20,000. Already, they’ve raised over $5,000.
“We have a good amount of girls shaving their heads,” said Small. They have arranged for a few alumni to shave their heads (who had done it previously). The Roundels understood that not everyone wants to shave their head, so they’ve planned various events to entertain everyone.
“We have ‘pie a roundel in the face for a dollar’,” because I think it would be hilarious,” mentioned Small, “Just for fun.”
They’ve arranged the event to incorporate more excitement, including music, food, bean bags, etc.
Small explained that while this event is being brought to Augustana by Greek Life, they’re hoping to see a large turnout from around campus.
“Greek life is usually pretty good about supporting each others’ events, but we’re hoping the student body, and everyone as a whole, will show up, because honestly it’s a great cause and it’s a lot of fun,” said Small.
Anyone interested can donate at the event, or sign up to shave your head, or simply have a good time. The event will be taking place on April 14, 6-9 pm at PepsiCo.