(Submitted Photo)

NORWICH – The 16th annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser for childhood cancer research is just over a week away, but local donors have already raised over $15,000 towards the cause.

According to Volunteer Event Organizer A. Wesley Jones the St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. He said as part of the local annual fundraiser, volunteers raise money and have their heads shaved as a demonstration of support for children with cancer.

The event will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday March 14, at the American Legion in Norwich. Those who are interested in donating online may visit stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich to select a team or to make an unaffiliated donation.

Jones said this year’s fundraising goal is to raise at least $30,000 towards childhood cancer research, and this movement continues to be one of the largest annual fundraisers in Chenango County.

“It’s a really fun event for a serious cause, but people enjoy it and the public is welcome,” Jones added. “Not including what we’ve raised so far this year, the event in Norwich has raised over $370,000 for childhood cancer research.”