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.