NORWICH – Shaving their way to find a cure for childhood cancer, a crowd of over 200 gathered at the Howard Johnson’s ballroom Saturday for the fourth annual St. Baldrick’s Day fundraiser.

With many donations still yet to be counted Monday, organizer Tracy Chawgo says this year’s event so far has raised $18,000. The goal is $25,000.

Chawgo says the local St. Baldrick’s night – where people shave their heads to raise money for childhood cancer research – continues to grow each year. “If we get any bigger, we will have to get a barn or something,” he joked.

The event is celebrated nationwide. Since it started, $34 million has been raised for childhood cancer research. In Norwich, locals have put up approximately $60,000 over the past three years.

Crowds started gathering around 6 p.m. Saturday at Howard Johnson’s. By 7 p.m., the clippers were going as “shavees” took their place in the hot seat.

Getting called to center stage first was local resident Mike Smith. Smith has participated in the event since is began in 2005, raising around $1,200 each year.