NORWICH – More than 200 community members gathered Saturday evening for the sixth annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser, which collected over $30,000 in donations, a new local record in both attendance and moneys raised, according to organizer Tracy Chawgo.

Since its inception in 2000, the national foundation has raised over $74 million towards childhood cancer research, challenging participants to gather donations in return for shaving their heads, according to www.stbaldricks.org.

“It’s such a blast every year,” said Master of Ceremonies Jeff Steward. “Everyone just opens their hearts and their wallets and we certainly appreciate that.”

According to Chawgo, the previous record stood at approximately $26,000, and the local fundraiser has “raised well over $120,000” since it began, he said.

Among the over 40 participants were a number of women and children, and many individuals and groups gathered donations which added up to over $1,000, including local favorite Jim Jared, who shaved not only his head, but his beard and eyebrows also.

“This is only the third time in 38 years that I’ve shaved my beard,” laughed Jared. “This is a fantastic cause, and like so many others gathered here, this is very personal to me. It’s just not that difficult to give a little to help a lot.”