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Dancing, head shaving contributed to success of benefit

Five people had their physical appearance drastically altered after they bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved during a fun night
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Danielle Kerr shaved the head of Donny Sears at the Legion Saturday night. Sears

Five people had their physical appearance drastically altered after they bravely volunteered to have their heads shaved during a fun night of dancing and fundraising at Sylvan Lake Legion Saturday.

The event, held as a benefit dance in support of cancer-stricken Sylvan Lake resident Danielle Kerr, quickly turned into a head shaving competition, with funds collected throughout the evening totalling $2,156.

Organizer Lisa Oickle was happy with the way the evening unexpectedly transpired.

“My son and one of his friends had been going around collecting donations to shave their heads, and all of a sudden we had two other friends say they would shave their heads if we raise $300,” said Oickle. “We had $300 in about five minutes.”

Oickle’s husband then offered to shave his head if $700 was raised, and his moustache if funding exceed $1,000.

He was without both by the end of the night.

“By about 12:30 a.m., five people had their heads shaved,” said Oickle. “It was good.”

Also taking place were several raffles and draws, including a 50/50 that saw the winner donate his $132.50 winnings back to the cause.

“That was awesome,” said Oickle.

Live and silent auctions allowed attendees to bid on items contributed by businesses and individuals, including clothing, gift baskets and a coffee machine.

Money was also raised through admission to the event, which was charged at a price of $5 per ticket, or $10 for 3.

Oickle felt more people would have attended had it not been for inclement weather.

She was pleased by the amount of support shown by those who did attend, however.

“The people that showed up were just amazing,” she said. “Everybody was great.”

Several downtown businesses contributed to auctions, and also helped to ensure the evening’s success, she added.

Oickle noted that help from individuals such as Gena Williamson — who ran the auction — was greatly appreciated.

Further donations in support of Kerr may still be made by phoning Oickle at 587-876-6133.

Funds raised will help cover Kerr’s treatment as well as various other expenses associated with it.