Not shocked, just shaved: LMCCs support fundraiser for childhood cancer
The Youngstown and Warren LMCCs put big energy behind the fight against childhood cancer by contributing $500 to a local electrician’s fundraising effort for the recent St. Baldrick’s Shave Youngstown event.
Peter Barone, an IBEW Local 64 member and MG Electric employee, took that support to the barber’s chair on March 14 at Penguin City, shaving off his hair and beard for the cause.
He raised more than $2,100 individually, while his team brought in nearly $21,000. That was the highest total out of 13 teams that participated, according to the event’s web page.
“Cancer touches our members and their families just as it does communities everywhere. That’s why it matters for us to step up and help however we can,” said Kenny Lucas, president/membership development, IBEW Local 64.
A cause that hits home
A cancer diagnosis is something no family wants to hear. For Barone, that hit home within the past year after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Because of that, helping out this year meant even more to me,” he said.
Barone was first drawn to the cause through his lifelong friend, Burt “Skeeter” Baird. He was the team captain, and Barone grew up with Baird’s kids in Lowellville, which established a strong connection long before the fundraiser began.
This was the second year Barone participated in the event, and he maintains that helping others is at the center of choosing to get involved.
“It makes me feel good. As an adult, the last thing you want is children to be suffering. Many adults often say, ‘why can’t it be me’, and it’s just more motivation to help out.”
A brotherhood beyond the job site
He appreciates the LMCCs’ involvement and was grateful to see so many people show up from the area and beyond.
“Every year the event seems to grow bigger. Every year, we try to get a few more people involved and help however we can. It’s a very serious thing.”
Ahren Peplow, the Youngstown Area Electrical JATC training director, also helped Barone approach the LMCCs about making the donation.
“Showing up for one another is a big part the brotherhood, and we try to live that out whenever we can. Pete is doing something meaningful by raising money for a cause that hits close to home for a lot of people, and it mattered to be there and stand behind that effort,” Peplow said.
Barone added that the LMCCs’ commitment beyond the workplace is empowering.
“It’s nice the membership goes deeper than just the people around you every day. They’re also individuals that are willing to help out in the community.”
Light moments in a serious mission
Even with the seriousness of the cause, the day brought lighter moments and camaraderie.
“There’s fun in watching everyone’s reactions to getting your head shaved. There are smiles, laughter and good vibes all around,” he said.
After it was over, Barone admitted that he was relieved about his new look.
He laughed and said, “I’m not used to walking around with that much hair, so I definitely feel better having it all gone!”
NECA-IBEW Electricians are continuously rallying around causes that reach far beyond the electrical industry.
“Once someone is connected to cancer in general, it makes you think about anyone going through it, especially children. No one wants that stress. Raising the money is the easy part. What families go through dealing with the disease is the tough part,” Barone said.
NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.
