This year’s “Rock the Bald” fundraiser Saturday at the Hawthorn mall in Vernon Hills surpassed its fundraising goal of $10,000 as almost two dozen people had their heads shaved or their hair cut short for a good cause.
The annual event raises money for childhood cancer research and was held again this year on a stage inside the mall, complete with giveaways by community partners and activities for children. Dancers from the Sheila Healy Academy of Irish Dance in Glenview also performed.
This marked the fifth Rock the Bald event, that benefits the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
“Hosting St. Baldrick’s Rock the Bald at Hawthorn is an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children fighting cancer,” Hawthorn’s marketing director Tia Lindholm said. “Every shave, every donation and every show of support helps fund critical research that brings us closer to better treatments and cures.
“This event isn’t just about raising money,” she said. “It’s about giving kids a future filled with hope and possibility.”
Vernon Hills police returned with a strong show of shavees and supporters. This year, eight members of the department participated for Team Lilley, raising more than $6,000 and receiving a trophy as the top fundraising team.
Team Lilley was named in honor of Lilley Sloniker, 7, a first grader from Vernon Hills who was diagnosed in April of 2024 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
“This year, we had the most people ever come out and we raised a ton of money,” said Jeff Hemesath, a crime prevention officer for the Vernon Hills police and fundraiser team captain.
Lilley was made an honorary junior police officer in November by the department.
“She was definitely a motivating factor,” Hemesath said. “It’s great to be here. It’s a great event. Hair will grow back.”
Lilley’s parents Michael and Chriselle. Her mother said her daughter’s treatment included chemotherapy over eight months.
“It was really hard, but she’s doing great now,” Chriselle Sloniker said. “She’s thriving.”
Wendi James of Wauconda was a spectator and brought grandson Artie, 4, of McHenry.
She said she was “so proud” of her husband and son, who were getting their heads shaved for the cause.
The youngest event participant was Nev Doko of Edison Park, 10, a fifth grader, and son of Denis, a Vernon Hills police officer. Nev had his hair trimmed in a close, near-shave.
“I’m very proud,” Denis Doko said. “This year, he said he would do it (for Lilley). I didn’t even have to convince him.”
After Nev’s haircut, Nev and Lilley shared a brief hug in front of their families and friends.
“Try your best and I hope you feel better,” he told her.
Returning this year were Hawthorn mall’s Tricoci Salon & Spa stylists Marisa Sneider and Ashley D’Amico.
“We love doing this,” D’Amico said. “It’s always so fun. We love seeing the turnout of everybody.”
“I think it’s nice to have everybody in the town come together and just show kind of a strong community,” Sneider said.
Anisa Rossi of Mundelein received a medal on a green ribbon as the top individual fundraiser, raising more than $1,500.
She plans to donate three long braids of hair to Children with Hair Loss, a non-profit organization in Michigan that provides human hair replacements to children and young adults facing medical challenges.
“I’m happy to get the layers chopped off,” Rossi said. “It was a lot, and it’s going to go to somebody that’s really going to love it.”
