YOUNGSTOWN — The green beer flowed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities, food trucks served visitors, vendors sold their goods, a basket raffle occurred and laughter filled the surroundings of Penguin City Brewing Company.

Still, the reason for Saturday’s gathering remained front and center — raising funds to fight childhood cancer and support families dealing with the disease.

Going beyond its announced monetary goal of $50,000, Youngstown St. Baldrick’s Shave Youngstown event brought in $64,000, which nearly doubled last year’s amount.

Jason Cottrill, founder of the local chapter in 2022 and the Shave Youngstown Event Director, explained that the money raised by the head and beard shaving event, and by Pie in the Eye participants who declined the haircut, goes to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th year. Proceeds from merchandise sales went to help families in the Mahoning Valley.

Started in 1999, when three friends made a bet to raise the most money by shaving their heads, St. Baldrick’s has become the nation’s largest funder of childhood cancer research grants, with donations of more than $326 million.

Cottrill knew of St. Baldrick’s when he managed the O’Donold’s in Austintown, which hosted shaving events. He became inspired to start a local chapter after his niece was diagnosed and lost her fight with leukemia.

“I don’t know if it is an outlet of grief so much as a way for me to help others,” the father of two children said. “When my niece was sick, my brother was stationed in Arizona with the Marine Corps. The feeling I remember most is being helpless. My brother and sister-in-law were on the other side of the country facing every parent’s worst nightmare and there was nothing me or my parents could do. I do not want anyone to ever feel that way.

“With this event, if we can provide a few minutes of distraction for these families, it makes all the work worthwhile. Raising money for childhood cancer is the goal but making sure the families have fun is always the priority,” Cottrill said.

A bounce area as well as interactive games were available for children attending the event.

Cottrill believes Shave Youngstown tackles two purposes.

“The idea behind shaving heads is symbolic. It represents standing alongside kids battling cancer, while also helping to raise money for research to find cures. It’s a way for participants to make a bold statement and take part in something larger than themselves,” he said.

Like the local chapter’s founder, Burton “Skeeter” Baird knows of the devastating results of the disease and is all-in to help kids battle and beat it. The captain of Lowellville’s River Rats Team, he received the Individual Award for most donations that totaled more than $8,000 while he and his nine members received the Team Award for raising more than $20,000.

Baird admitted that, originally, fundraising fed his competitive side.

“Then, Aubriella Augustine (who is dealing with eye cancer) sat across from me last year at Penguin City during the shave event. She won my heart, seeing this small child fighting for her life. I decided right there and then, it was my mission to help the kids. It wasn’t about a small token for first place, but about the kids,” he said.

Aubriella was joined by Andrew Codner and Joey Gaskell as guest barbers during the event. The latter two won their battles against leukemia.

Cottrill mentioned that doing this empowers them during a time when they normally feel hopeless, as well as draws attention to their stories.

“It allows them to take an active role in the event, showing that they are strong and capable, even as they face difficult challenges. It can humanize the cause and give people a face to connect with the reason behind the fundraising, creates a deeper connection between the volunteers, the event and the children they are helping, and reinforces the idea that the St. Baldrick’s event is not just about fundraising but about building a supportive community that includes everyone — those who have been impacted by cancer and those who are standing with them,” Cottrill said.

Recently, Baird lost a nephew who had brain cancer.

“I was here to have a good time. Then, I got involved, and I realized how much these kids need us,” he said.

“I’ve never had an issue like this before. I’ve got over 30 nieces and nephews, and every one of them was healthy. And then, Bennett (Vance Carneal) came along two weeks ago, and I can’t say that I’m here for a good time anymore. It’s personal,” Baird added.

With Penguin City packed for hours, it exhibited the area’s support.

“Community events like our event help raise awareness about serious issues such as childhood cancer, educate the public and spark important conversations around critical health topics,” Cottrill said in regard to the value of Shave Youngstown.

“We help create lasting change by building a culture of advocacy and giving that can drive long-term improvements in medical research and community support.”

For those who did not make it to Shave Youngstown but would like to donate or participate next year, go to www.stbaldricks.org/events/youngstownbaldricks2025.