If I had to choose one word to describe the accomplishments of Emma Bailey, it would be generous. At just eleven years old she has a volunteer schedule that should humble any adult. She donates her time, rallies other groups to her causes, and even hosts events. “Generous” does not do her justice.
Fortunately, I do not have to choose one word.
Emma Bailey’s career in compassion catalyzed with a television news segment about the St. Baldrick’s foundation. The charity is named for its famous fundraising tactics: participants shave their heads to raise awareness for childhood cancer. The money donated is given as grants to hundreds of research facilities across the country. Emma saw an opportunity to get involved and knew she had to take it.
That was three years ago. Since then, Emma has raised over ten thousand dollars for cancer research. Her biggest event is her annual St Baldrick’s bash.
Every bash features signature Brave the Shave booths, where attendees can donate $50 for a t-shirt and a supportive haircut. Emma shaves her head because she “feels bad others didn’t have the choice, and so they know they’re not alone and people care.”
Entry into the St. Baldrick's bash is $2. Every year is a different theme: first Emma did a dance party, then she added neon for a brighter experience. This year Emma celebrated turning 11 with a birthday themed bash complete with face painting and a bake sale.
Emma got her school and Boys and Girls Club involved in raising funds too. They, with her help, sell wristbands and Lucky Charms. The vibrant green wristbands represent a unity in support of the cause. They bring everyone together. Lucky Charms work the same way except they are displayed around the school and participating businesses. Each charm depicts the St. Baldrick's leprechaun and bears the name of a person who donated, making a mosaic of altruism. The Boys and Girls Club did a staff vs kids jar wars with an ice cream party prize. Each group puts silver change in their own jars and pennies in the opposing team’s. Pennies give the total amount a penalty. The money raised from these mini events all goes back to St. Baldrick’s.
Before St. Baldrick's, Emma had already begun volunteering around her community.
“There are lots of people that care for each other here,” she says about Portage.
This is her hometown and she is proud of it. Joining the Girl Scouts in kindergarten allowed her to work on projects like Team Up to Clean Up, which keeps the streets of Portage tidy, and 500 Turkeys, a program that provides Thanksgiving dinner to those who cannot afford it.
Whether she is helping out at concession stands for her brother Bryce's baseball games or selling cookies for the scouts, volunteering is a very personal experience for Emma Bailey.
She has wanted to be an activist since she was in third grade. Emma plans to follow in the footsteps of her hero, Martin Luther King, Jr. Other than helping people and the environment, she has a firm stance on bullying.
“People get to decide who they are; you don’t get to decide for them.”
Changing the world is no easy feat, especially in the battle against childhood cancer. St. Baldrick’s has a facebook page and a website that people can visit if they want to get involved.
As an active event leader, Emma has her own page on the website, www.stbaldricks/events/EmmaBailey, that she encourages people to visit.
Emma says, “Seeing how many people are willing to help out and share and donate makes me so happy.”