The men of the Collingswood FD and surrounding fire companies and supporters are shaving it all off once again! March 30 marks the 4th annual St. Baldrick’s Day fundraising event. Last year this event raised more than $64,000 for pediatric cancer research. This year’s goal is $75,000.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a national organization that raised more than $12.7 million for pediatric cancer research in 2007 from 402 events held across the country. These funds were raised by men, women and children willing to shave their heads “bald” as a symbol of solidarity to the children who have lost their hair as a result of cancer treatments.

“We’ve had a lot of people in the department stricken by pediatric cancer,” said Fire Chief John Amet. “Every little bit helps.”

This year’s event, staged in the Scottish Rite ballroom (315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood) begins at 11 a.m. with registration of the shavees and at 11:30 the locks come off! Collingswood’s St. Baldrick’s Day is a unique, lively event with a St. Paddy’s Day theme. Firefighters, family and friends from many communities attend to show support and help find a cure for pediatric cancer. For supporters there will be live music, food, drink and a full day of entertainment including a Chinese auction. The Collingswood FD will also be collecting used cell phones and inkjet printer cartridges for recycling at the event.

While spectators cheer on the brave participants getting shaved they can bid on prizes from Connie Mac’s Irish Pub, Remington & Vernick Engineers, Kenmac Flowers, Martin’s Cleaners, Ballyhugh Irish Imports, J & J Snack Foods, Shop Rites of Garden State Pavilion and Brooklawn, Laurel Lanes Bowling Center, Phillies and Rivershark tickets, autographed Eagles memorabilia, a gourmet Cuisinart grinder/coffee maker, Nintendo Wii console, DVD player with DVDs and Stanley hand tools (just to name a few!). Participants do not need to be present to win. Those interested in donating goods for Chinese auction can call Carol Staszewski at 856-858-5909.

A $10 donation for guests ages 12 or older will be collected at the door. The donation fee includes a free buffet and unlimited soft drinks for the event. A cash bar will be available all day with $1 beers.

Fire companies represented at Collingswood’s St. Baldrick’s include Mt. Laurel, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Gloucester City, Blackwood, Haddon Twp., Camden, Bellmawr, Somerdale, Audubon and Oaklyn. At 3:30 p.m. the St. Baldrick’s Cup is awarded to the team with the highest amount of money donated by the day of the event.

Similar to Collingswood’s efforts to battle breast cancer last October, the St. Baldrick’s Committee will be selling green bows and festival lights will line several blocks on Haddon Ave to turn the town green for the month of March. St. Baldrick’s green bows are available for $10 each at the Collingswood Firehouse to decorate homes and businesses and show support. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the bows will go to the St. Baldrick’s foundation.

For more information on St. Baldrick’s, visit www.stbaldricks.org.