NORWICH – Hundreds packed the dining room at the Park Place Restaurant and Lounge Saturday night to support childhood cancer research and awareness at the 7th annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser.

According to event coordinator Tracy Chawgo, approximately 50 people took to the stage to have their heads shaved in support of the cause, including a number of women and children. Many raised thousands of dollars individually, and Chawgo reported over $27,000 in donations this year.

Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s has raised over $150,000 locally.

“Everyone there was there for a good cause and everybody had a really good time,” said Chawgo of the enthusiastic crowd. “This was certainly a successful year and I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Park Place owner Dave Cirello not only hosted the event for the first time, but was also one of the first on stage to go under the buzzer.