A local bar and grill will turn into something of a barber shop Saturday -- all in the name of charity.
Local Joe's Tap and Grill on Steele Street in downtown Sanford will host its second annual St. Baldrick's event, which has participants take pledges to shave their heads. The money raised funds research aimed at defeating childhood cancer.
Event organizer Tony Chilton, who organized his first such event and raised $32,000 last year, said the group is aiming to raise $25,000 this year.
"It's a tough economy," said Chilton, himself a survivor of childhood cancer. "Although we understand we're in an economic downturn, the cancer diagnoses for children keep coming. Sickness isn't impacted by the economy."
Chilton hopes to have 110 so-called "shavees." As of Tuesday, 82 had registered and more than $15,000 had already been raised toward the goal of $25,000.
Chilton said the event Saturday will run from 4 to 11 p.m., with the first two hours devoted more for "children and church groups," while 6 to 11 p.m. will be "a free for all."
Chilton also countered the notion that he said he's heard from some that "anyone who comes out will have to shave their heads."
"Of course that's not the case," he said. "If you want to come out and not shave your head, that's fine. You can still support the people who are."
To pledge money or sign up to be a shavee, visit www.stbaldricks.org and search for Saturday's event. Shavees or those wishing to donate can also register or donate at the event on Saturday. To see more of The Sanford Herald or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.sanfordherald.com Copyright (c) 2009, Sanford Herald, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2009, Sanford Herald, N.C.