NORWICH – For the past seven years, dozens have volunteered to raise both money and awareness for childhood cancer research in a most unlikely, and unique, fashion – by having their heads shaved. This year will see more of the same as the St. Baldrick’s Foundation returns, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Park Place Lounge and Restaurant, 7 East Park Place.
Between 40 and 50 people are expected to take part in the annual shearing this year, said Fire Chief and event organizer Tracy Chawgo, who reported online donations of over $8,000 so far. Last year, St. Baldrick’s raised approximately $31,000, bringing the total amount of local donations since 2005 to over $130,000, he added.
“This is one of those events that’s kind of taken on a life of its own. We see county-wide support and people seem to really enjoy coming out and having a good time,” said Chawgo. “We’re still generating interest from new parties, which has been typical through the years.”
Chawgo stated that this year’s event is dedicated to five-year-old cancer survivor Kailey Anderson, who attended last year’s St. Baldrick’s to see her uncle participate. Once informed what the cause was all about, a then four-year-old Anderson immediately chose to take part as well.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, let me tell you,” said Chawgo of the inspirational act. “As a child cancer survivor, we want to honor her this year.”
In addition, nearly a dozen women have currently signed-up for a not-so-little trim, reported Chawgo, the most he can remember participating in a single year. A number of organizations have even formed teams this time around – including the Oxford Fire Department and Superior Ambulance Services – in an effort to boost their fundraising abilities, he added, not to mention McDonough resident Tim O’Brien, who has raised over $2,000 to date.
The event will once again feature a number of door prizes and raffles, with entertainment provided by local classic and modern rock band My New Obsession, beginning at approximately 9 p.m. The group’s guitarist Marc Funaro said he and his bandmates are well aware of the difference events such as St. Baldrick’s can make in people’s lives.
“There are some truly great and dedicated people who organize this event and we’re happy to be a part of something this important,” he added.
Park Place owner Dave Cirello said that – depending on the number of people attending the event – the restaurant may be unable to take dinner reservations Saturday evening. Appetizers, and possibly dinners, however, will be served throughout the night, again depending on the size of the crowd, he added.
“We were more than happy to get involved when Tracy asked us to host St. Baldrick’s this year,” said Cirello. “This is such a great cause and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
With a goal of $10,000 again this year, Chawgo said he’s “extremely confident that goal will be met.”
There will be no walk-ins at this year’s St. Baldrick’s; those wishing to participate must be pre-registered. Registration for those who have signed up will be held prior to the event at 6 p.m. For more information or to register contact Chawgo at 316-5750.