(Juneau) - Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer) knows a few things about losing his hair. This time, Representative Gatto is going bald for a cause: raising money for a charity that benefits children with cancer.

Representative Gatto is shaving his head bald March 17th at the Hangar restaurant in Juneau as part of a St. Baldrick's charity event. He will be joined by his Chief of Staff, Cody Rice who will also be shaving his head for charity.

St. Baldrick's is a charity event that raises money for the CureSearch Children's Oncology Group. Each year on St. Patrick's Day "shavees" nation-wide and internationally compete to raise funds for children's cancer research by committing to shave their heads completely bald.

"I've been through my own battle with cancer, chemo, and hair loss and the last thing I want to see is kids going through something like that. I am happy to do what I can to raise money for a cure," said Representative Gatto.

"Actually, very reputable St. Baldrick's Foundation started in my hometown of New York City in 2000 with a goal of raising $17,000 for cancer research. My understanding is that in the last five years we have raised over $7,000,000. I'm hopeful we can keep this ball rolling."

Representative Gatto, a former paramedic/firefighter and teacher has always had a strong commitment to kids. He has chaperoned and guided more than a dozen youth rafting trips on the Yukon River through his church, been a coach for a number of youth sports organizations, as well as the former Chairman of the Education Committee.

Please join Representative Gatto and his Chief of Staff as they shave their heads to raise money for a cure for childhood cancer this March 17th.

Donations can be made directly to St. Baldrick's Foundation through Rep. Gatto's page at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/ShaveePhoto.asp?
SolNumber=15332002

Checks or donations can also be dropped off or mailed to: Representative Carl Gatto, Room 411 State Capitol, Juneau AK. 99801 and must be made out to "St. Baldricks Foundation."

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