Jack Shaves for Kids Cancer – 2010
Support pediatric cancer research with a shaved head June 26
By: Emily Crisman
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Signal Mountain resident Jack Skowronnek encourages others in the community to share in his show of solidarity with children afflicted with cancer and raise money for pediatric cancer research by shaving their heads at Sweet Gipsy Bakeshop and Cafe on Saturday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m.
“It’s a good cause because we’re helping kids who have a 50-50 percent chance of dying each day,” said Jack, age 10. “Maybe I’ll be the doctor to find the cure.”
The event is part of a nationwide effort to fund childhood cancer research through the nonprofit St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization Jack’s mother Dawn Skowronnek introduced her son to after he expressed an interest in helping children with cancer.
Jack said his interest in pediatric cancer developed last year after reading the book “Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie” by Jordan Sonnenblick, in which a teenage boy shaves his head when his little brother, who was diagnosed with leukemia, loses his hair during chemotherapy.
“I want to let kids with cancer know it’s OK to be bald,” he said.
Jack participated for the first time last year by holding a virtual event online, raising $1,200 for the cause on his own, said Dawn Skowronnek.
This year Jack decided to increase his impact by hosting a public event, and she said his goal is to have at least 25 people shave their heads and raise at least $1,000.
GET A CUT FOR THE CAUSE
Sweet Gipsy is at 1404 James Blvd. Volunteers are needed for the day of the event, and you can sign up by contacting Dawn Skowronnek at 994-7680. To learn about St. Baldrick’s call 1-888-899-BALD or visit the organization’s website.
All hair removed at the event will be donated to the organization Matter of Trust, which Skowronnek said will use the hair to make mats to help soak up oil from the ongoing BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
She said Sweet Gipsy will stay open a little later that evening to serve food and local musician Dana Rogers will provide entertainment.
Anyone who wants to participate can go online to register, where Dawn Skowronnek said their friends and family can donate funds in their name. She said people are welcome to simply walk in the day of the event and have their head shaved as well.
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Around and About Chattanooga with Julie Steele
A production of WUTC 88.1 FM in Chattanooga, TN
June 24th, 2010 – An interview with Jack and me and the lovely Julie Steele.
“St. Baldrick’s Organization Fights Childhood Cancer”
Self taught artist now featured in Chattanooga art gallery with unique handcrafted artisan jewelry made from wire, found objects, artisan glasswork and hardware.
(PRWEB) March 21, 2010 — Jewelry designer Dawn Skowronnek, owner of Charmed by Dawn, is pleased to announce that her original, limited-edition designs are now available at the well-known Lookout Mountain Gallery in Chattanooga, Tenn. “This is my first opportunity to be featured in a gallery and I am honored,” says Dawn, a self-taught artist.
When you see her pieces, you will notice her original and unique style using handmade wire components, which are integral to her designs. “Wire is an amazing medium. I love that you can take a spool of straight wire and give it unexpected life. Wire can be crafted into a bold statement or it can complement your design in a delicate manner. It offers ultimate flexibility.”
In addition to working with wire, she incorporates artisan lampwork, pearls, Swarovski crystals, Murano glass, found objects and even hardware store nuts and bolts. Most of the elements in any design are entirely handmade, including wire beads, coils, toggles and ear wires.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dawn is passionate in helping local charities by donating her original works for fundraising events. Recently, she donated a one-of-a-kind, artisan glass bead and wire creation for the Creative Discovery Museum’s annual “Amuse”Um event.
You can view Dawn’s jewelry designs at the Lookout Mountain Gallery at 3535 Broad Street in Chattanooga. Dawn continuously works on new creations that can be seen on her website www.charmedbydawn.com.
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The Lake County Journal Blog – In Lehman’s Terms
Kid of the Week – May 7, 2009
| Jack Skowronnek, a 10-year-old from Wauconda, has raised more than $1,200 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. He shaved his head in honor of the cause May 4th |
Some kids never cease to amaze me. Jack Skowronnek of Wauconda is one of those kids.
You see, some kids read books because their parents or teachers make them read.
Skowronnek reads books and gets inspired to help others.
The 10-year-old read “Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie” about a middle school boy whose younger brother is diagnosed with leukemia. The older brother shaves his head in support of his brother.
That sounded like something Skowronnek wanted to do.
“[Jack] informed me he wanted to shave his head so that kids who lose their hair to chemotherapy will know it’s OK to be bald,” said Skowronnek’s mom, Dawn. “I explained to [Jack] that he could not just shave his head, but also take this opportunity to raise money for an organization such as St. Baldrick’s.”
And that’s exactly what he did. The boy already has raised more than $1,200 for the organization and had his head shaved May 4 to honor the cause. The donations keep coming in, too.
He’s made two YouTube videos, one explaining why he decided to shave his head and the other to thank those who supported him.
Check them out here.
What’s even more admirable is the fact that this isn’t Skowronnek’s first time supporting a good cause.
He and his sister designed greeting cards to sell so they could donate money to St. Jude’s Chidren’s Hospital.
How does someone so young have such a big heart?
People are starting to take notice of the hard work Skowronnek has put into his cause. He was chosen as this week’s “Kid of the Week” on the Steve Cochran show on WGN 720.
Jack, you’re my kid of the week. Heck, you’re my kid of the month.
And you’re only 10.
I hope people much older than you will follow your lead.
Great write up on you Dawn! Congrats on being featured in the Lookout Mountain Gallery…that is awesome!
Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to read it! It is exciting, for sure. Looking forward to what’s next.