For the sixth year, Collingswood Firefighters, along with countless other colleagues, family, neighbors, and friends, are raising money for children’s cancer research.  The event, known as St. Baldrick’s Day, will take place on March 7 in the Collingswood Grand Ballroom at the Scottish Rite Auditorium, 315 White Horse Pike in Collingswood, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Collingswood’s event, known as Collingswood Firefighter’s for a Kid’s Cure, is aiming to once again raise more than six figures for cancer research!  Hundreds of people, including many fire personnel from around the area, attend this fun filled, Irish themed day, with food and drink and live music. Fire Companies make this day a friendly competition to see which group can raise the most money. Also, to raise additional funds, there is a Chinese Auction with many big item prizes such as Philadelphia sports apparel and memorabilia, as well as gift certificates to many of our local food and drink establishments.

 “It’s near and dear to us,” said Collingswood Fire Chief John Amet, referring to his and wife Diane’s dedication to the casue. “Our son’s a survivor and it’s a way to give back.”

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.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation was started in 2000 after three friends decided to change their annual St. Patrick’s Day party into a benefit for childhood cancer research by shaving their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer.  They planned on raising $17,000, on the 17 of March, with 17 of their friends.  That event raised over $104,000.  To this date, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has raised more that $50 million and it’s the world’s largest volunteer driven fund raising event for childhood cancer research. 

Events are held internationally and more than 72,000 people, including children and women, have shaved their heads at over 1,200 events.  The funds are 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. See www.stbaldricks.org for more information.

How can you help?  Check out the event guide on the St. Baldrick’s website and look for the Collingswood Firefighter’s for a Kid’s Cure.  Sign up and volunteer or join a team to have your head shaved.  To make it better, gather your neighbors and start a team to be shaved!  Any donations are accepted.  Go online and help sponsor someone who is getting shaved to help make this the most memorable day yet.

For more information contact organizers at the Collingswood Fire Department.  Chief John Amet at 856-854-1043 x 100 or Assistant Chief John Samas at 856-371-7693. Stay tuned to Collingswood.com to learn more.