Local Cubs Fan Promises to Get a White Sox Tattoo if He Meets His Fundraising Goal

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from Michael Lazzari of the Channahon Police Department.  His request was for my assistance with a he is planning for St. Baldrick’s Foundation at Skateland next weekend.

Every once in a while, I have the great pleasure of meeting someone whose passion for a worthy cause is truly inspiring. In talking to Lazzari about preparations for the event, I couldn’t help but feel a special solidarity for the cause and the children who will benefit so greatly from its proceeds.

It turns out that in addition to organizing the event, Officer Lazzari is also shaving his head and serving as the Captain for “Team Channahon”.  Even Better, Lazzari, a die-hard Cubs fan, has agreed to get a Sox tattoo if he meets his goal - raise $10,000. You can donate here.

Lazzari, a veteran police officer of 12 years has been involved with the cause for the last four years. Because I was not entirely familiar with the cause, I had several questions for him which I will share with you all here in hope that you will be inspired to support the cause as well.

Q: How and why did you get involved with this cause?

Four years ago, a friend of mine from another police department asked me to help out and I did.  When I saw the impact it had on this one little girl that was there, I was hooked.  I have been organizing the event in Channahon for the past 3 years. I am fortunate to work for such a community-oriented police department, where we have strong support for this cause from regular cops right on up through administration.

Q: Who benefits from this fundraiser and how does it work?

Seventy five percent of every dollar raised goes to childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s foundation, who distributes the funds to area children’s hospitals that work to find cures for childhood cancers. We raise money through donations, both online and at the event, as well as through concessions, raffles, (including an autographed Patrick Kane throwback jersey), and merchandise sold at the event.

Q: Why the shaving of the heads?

People shave their heads to show support and solidarity with the patients.  People get pledges from family, friends and co-workers to do it (shave) and that boosts the income for the cause. These kids have a tough battle ahead of them and they need all the help and support they can get.  Each year we honor a survivor at the event and typically there’s not a dry eye in the house.

Q: Please tell us about this tattoo challenge.

I am the black sheep of this big ole’ Italian family, there are about 30 cousins and most (of us) being from the South Side, are die-hard Sox fans. As a Cubs fan, I am in the minority. So I accepted the challenge to get a White Sox tattoo if I raise $10,000 for the cause.

Q: What inspires you about the kids who benefit from St. Baldrick’s?

Everything. They go through so much and they fight such hard fights and they do it with a smile. To help these children is a privilege and we have an awesome time doing it.

In addition to simply attending this community event and supporting a great cause, the folks from Channahon-Minooka Patch will be sponsoring the face painting table. So you can get a painting from me, or my editor or a number of other great volunteers. So please come out and join us in supporting this cause and the children in our community who are battling cancer!  If you can’t make it on the 12^th you can donate online.

Admission is free and there will be plenty of snacks, libations and activities for the whole family, and of course – for the very bravest – the shaving of heads… Hope to see you there!