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.