Evans Scholars raise money to fight childhood cancer

The Indiana Evans Scholars are raising money to fight childhood cancer through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation  at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Event participants have agreed to shave their heads to raise funds and awareness for the foundation.

The Evans Scholars is a group of of 35 men and 17 women who receive full-ride scholarships from the Western Golf Association, treasurer Daniel Westergaard said. They were all golf caddies throughout middle school and high school. The members at IU live in a house on Jordan Avenue.

The house’s goal for the St. Baldrick’s event was $5,000,. Westergaard said they set the goal because there are about 50 people living in the house and they decided every person could raise $100.

However, they easily surpassed their goal by almost $2,000 thanks to 12-year-old Jeep Mahaffey.

He has raised $3,095 and will continue fundraising through Friday’s event.

“Fundraising for childhood cancer is something we have been involved in since he was 4,” Megan Mahaffey, Jeep’s mother, said.

Megan Mahaffey said a big portion of the money came from family and friends, but Jeep Mahaffey put together video clips to promote himself and to raise money.

On Tuesday, Megan Mahaffey said a radio host in Atlanta contributed $400 so that Jeep Mahaffey would reach his goal.

“Jeep has been a big advocate,” Megan Mahaffey said.

She said they have personally known several people who have suffered from childhood cancer.

One day, three years ago, Jeep Mahaffey said he wanted to grow out his hair and donate it. It is now long enough and he is going to donate it at the event and then shave his head.

“Shaving your head is a great way to spread awareness about the event, about the cause and its potential for others to get involved in the future,” lead organizer Connor Duffy said.

So far 15 people have agreed to shave their heads. Duffy said they are looking to expand the event in the future.

Duffy said St. Baldrick’s was big in his hometown. When his brother went to Marquette, he had a roommate who had cancer and benefited from the research through St. Baldrick’s.

“He was a great inspiration,” Duffy said.

Friday’s fundraiser is the first student affiliated St. Baldrick’s event at IU.

“This event is a great way for people to come see the good we are doing,” Duffy said. “It is nice to meet someone who your efforts are helping.”

Duffy said they are officially sponsoring a 4-year-old boy from Fishers, Ind. He said there was not a specific reason for picking Gavin, he was just one of the names they could choose from. However, Duffy said they are excited to help him personally with his fight against leukemia.

Duffy said they have extended an invitation for Gavin to attend the event on Friday, but he has not heard a response yet.  Whether or not Gavin attends, Westergaard said more people will benefit from the event.

“We want to create awareness for those suffering from childhood cancer,” Westergaard said. “We want to come together as a community to spark hope in them.”

Megan Mahaffey said she is very proud of her son, and is thankful that the Evans Scholars let Jeep Mahaffey be a part of their philanthropy. She said when Jeep Mahaffey came to her and told her he wanted to be involved, all she could do was grin.

“As a parent you hope you’re doing the right thing and sharing the value of helping the community,” Megan Mahaffey said.