St. Baldrick's Foundation Breaks World Record for the Largest Gathering of Leprechauns

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The St. Baldrick's Foundation is excited to announce that St. Baldrick's Lepre-Con 2016, presented by Sport Clips Haircuts, has broken the world record for the "largest gathering of people dressed as leprechauns!" The final count showed 1,466 participants gathered in Town Square Las Vegas dressed in their finest leprechaun costumes, breaking the previous record set in Ireland in 2012.

Unlike any other convention, St. Baldrick's Lepre-Con was not just about thousands of people dressed as leprechauns having fun with family and friends – it was about helping give kids with cancer a future. To kick-off the event, Hallie Driscoll, 9, shaved her head to stand in solidarity with her sister who is currently fighting brain cancer. Spectators also witnessed leprechauns doing acrobatics; hooping, hand balancing and walking on stilts. Activities also included a 5k run/walk, a kids' activity corner, beer garden, musical performances by several bands, including the Black Donnellys, and of course an Irish jig!

"We are thrilled to have collaborated with our dedicated Las Vegas volunteers to host this incredible event to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research," said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of St. Baldrick's. "We thank our volunteers, participants and the city of Las Vegas for finding new and creative ways to ensure every child has the happy and healthy childhood, and future, they deserve."

Proceeds from Lepre-Con 2016 will support world-class childhood cancer research through the grants funded by the St. Baldrick's Foundation. To locate an upcoming head-shaving event or fundraiser in your area, sign-up to shave, donate or volunteer, visit www.StBaldricks.org.

About St. Baldrick's FoundationAs the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick's Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick's funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to innovative explorers who bring with them the promise of a future free from childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org to help support the best cancer treatments for kids.

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SOURCE St. Baldrick's Foundation