The 2012 St. Baldrick's event will be on March 18 at the Scottish Rite Ballroom at 315 WHP!

St. Baldrick’s brings crowds, gives back
Check out the Colls FD talking up St. Baldrick's on NBC 10!

Keep your St. Paddy’s spirit going for a few more days this year and come out to the 8th annual St. Baldrick’s event on Sunday, March 18. It’s not only one of the best parties of the year but it doubles as a pediatric cancer research fundraiser.

The Irish-themed event, filled with live music, auctions, food, dancing and drinks takes place at the Scottish Rite Auditorium (315 White Horse Pike) from 11 a.m. until around 4 p.m. St. Baldrick’s is best known for its signature head-shaving events where volunteers shave their heads to stand in solidarity with the kids who typically lose their hair during cancer treatments.

For those attached to their locks, however, head shaving isn’t a requirement for admission. Collingswood’s team, Collingswood Firefighters For A Kids' Cure, made of Borough firefighters and supporters has raised more than six figures for the foundation in prior years. They’ll go under the razors again, hoping to meet their fundraising goal of $100,000.

Since 2000, St. Baldrick’s has shaved more than 150,000 heads at more than 3,900 events around the world. Funds raised at each event will allow the Foundation to award research and infrastructure grants to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer researchers in the world to find cures and improve the quality of life for patients and survivors. Physicians and hospitals across the United States can continue vital research programs and projects because of the efforts of St. Baldrick’s and each volunteer.

“With more than 700 total events registered for 2011 to date, we are on a track to again break records in funds raised and events held in a single year,” says Kathleen Ruddy, Executive Director of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “There is no limit to the ways to get involved and it is because of our dedicated volunteers and supporters that we are able to fund more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.”

Since the Foundation’s first grants as an independent charity in 2005; St. Baldrick’s has committed more than $56.9 million in research grants. In 2010, St. Baldrick’s volunteers helped raise more than $22.1 million by hosting more than 805 events and shaving more than 38,200 heads.

“It’s just a great event,” said Mike Hall, current Borough Commissioner and retired Collingswood Fire Chief. “It’s great for families, great for revelers, great for anyone looking to have a really fun afternoon and the best part is that it all goes to charity.”

A $10 donation for guests ages 12 or older will be collected at the door. Kids are welcome at no charge. The ticket includes a free buffet and unlimited soft drinks for the event. A cash bar will be available all day with $1 beers. The Broken Shelaighlies will keep the party hopping with Irish themed music.

For more information contact organizers at the Collingswood Fire Department, Chief John Amet at 856-854-1043 x100. Stay tuned to Collingswood.com or go to www.stbaldricks.org  to learn more.