NORWICH – As the battle against cancer wages on, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation continues to raise money to support childhood cancer research through an event that leaves behind tears, smiles and of course, fashionably shaven heads.

Last year, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation raised over $28.3 million for childhood cancer research, cancer facilities, and physicians entering the field – shaving the heads of 40,076 volunteering sponsors, both male and female, nationwide.

Once again, the foundation will bring its efforts to Norwich this Saturday when it hosts its annual fundraiser beginning at 6 p.m. at Park Place Restaurant, 7 East Park Place in Norwich.

“This is a nice family event that everyone looks forward to.” said Tracy Chawgo, city fire chief and the area’s St. Baldrick’s event coordinator. “Everybody knows someone, or knows someone who knows someone else, that has had to deal with cancer ... it’s all part of living in a small community.”

This will be Chawgo’s ninth and final year organizing the event. Almost every year, local sponsors have exceeded the $10,000 goal, Chawgo noted. Steadfast support for the event in Chenango County has brought in nearly $40,000 during its best year. In 2011, $27,432 was raised after shaving 44 heads. Donations were down slightly from the $31,000 raised in the county in 2010.