Participants "braving the shave" at the 2022 Norwich St. Baldrick's fundraiser. This year's event will return both in person and online beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 18. The in-person event will be held at the American Legion Post 189, located at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich. (Photo from the St. Baldrick's - Norwich, NY Facebook page)

NORWICH — The 2023 Norwich St. Baldrick's fundraiser event will return in person at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at the American Legion Post 189 in Norwich, and there is still time to sign up as a shavee, volunteer, or donate.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation solicits donations each year to fund their research into childhood cancer. Donations raised at fundraisers like the Norwich St. Baldrick's event have funded more than $305 million, making the St. Baldrick's Foundation the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants.

Organizer Jamie Burchill said individuals can sign up to shave their heads until the morning of the fundraiser. As a shavee, participants will get their own profile on the St. Baldrick's website where they can set fundraising goals, share before and after pictures, and collect donations.

"It’s just hair," said Burchill, who shaved her head last year during her first year as organizer. "We even had pins that said, ‘Ask me why I’m bald.’ Just telling people I shaved my head to help cure childhood cancers, it just means a lot. I think to me personally, being able to say that I’m trying my best to make a difference and I’m not just asking for donations. I’m saying, 'look what I’m doing.'"

Those that want to support the cause without losing their head of hair can sign up as volunteers instead, and use their St. Baldrick's profile to collect donations.

"You could think of yourself as a volunteer. So you’re not a shavee, but you’re still raising money. I know we have people that are like team organizers that may not be shaving their head, but they’re making sure they’re raising money and getting the word out there and doing what they need to do," Burchill explained.

Those that would like to donate can do so at StBaldricks.org/events/Norwich2023. Donations can be made to individuals, teams, or the fundraiser as a whole, and all donations will count toward the overall fundraising goal. There are currently seven teams formed, and a total of 43 individuals raising money through the site.

All the money gathered by the Norwich St. Baldrick's fundraiser goes right back to the organization to help fund children's cancer research.

"Every penny raised at our event goes directly to the St. Baldrick's Foundation," said Burchill.

In total, last year's event raised $54,860 — far surpassing their goal of $31,000. This year, Burchill aimed big and set the fundraising goal at $50,000. So far $15,809 has been raised.

Burchill said she's looking forward to this year's event, and is excited they're able to provide both in-person and online formats for the event, thanks to Sherburne resident Matt Jenne, who has been donating his time and expertise to the Norwich St. Baldrick's fundraiser since 2021 by coordinating and running the livestream.

“We are so excited to be able to have everyone in one place again this year. One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic is that we have someone that is willing to donate his time to stream our event live. So, if there is a person that just is not comfortable enough or has health issues but still wants to be part of the event, we can offer a solution,” said Burchill.

The Norwich St. Baldrick's fundraiser is also being supported by four corporate sponsors this year, including NBT Bank and NBT Insurance and New York Central Mutual as Hero-Level Sponsors, and first-time sponsors Spence Curnalia PLLC and Mirabito Energy Products as Friend-Level Sponsors.

More information on the Norwich St. Baldrick's event can be found at StBaldricks.org/events/Norwich2023 and the St. Baldrick's - Norwich, NY Facebook page.

More information on the St. Baldrick's Foundation and their mission to fight childhood cancer can be found at StBaldricks.org.