In memory of Lyla and to honor Chloe, the North Branford community – and beyond-- is invited to come out and support a very special St. Baldrick's fundraiser for supporters to enjoy on Friday, March 24, 6 – 9 p.m. at Jerome Harrison Elementary School (JHS), 335 Foxon Road.

The highly popular annual event channels 100 percent of all funds raised to non-profit St. Baldrick's Foundation to fund childhood cancer research. From teams of local firefighers willing to "brave a shave" to groups representing school teams and more, in just two years' time, North Branford's St. Baldrick's event at JHS has raised just over $72,000. Co-organizer Judy Bannon is hoping proceeds from this year's event will move the needle to the $100,000 mark.

Bannon help establish the event at JHS in 2015, when Lyla Bogardus was Bannon's second-grade student at the school.  Last year, the event honored Lyla as well as other area kids fighting cancer. This year's fundraiser will give residents another opportunity to show "Love for Lyla," who passed away at age nine on Christmas Day, 2016.

During the month of January, residents, businesses, schools and other organizations displayed ribbons in Lyla's favorite color, purple. On March 24, "...townspeople have been asked to bring their purple ribbons to the event," said Bannon

Volunteers will gather the ribbons into a large heart and take a photo for the Bogardus family as a keepsake, said Bannon.

The March 24 St. Baldricks fundraiser will also help celebrate Lyla's memory with a special "Lyla's Arcade" area set up for children to enjoy free games; together another free activity space for kids, "Chloe's Corner." Chloe's corner is named for Guilford resident Chloe Mann, an eight-year old who is battling cancer. Chloe will return to enjoy this event for the second year in a row as an honored guest.

Also arriving for the night will be three food trucks: The Cheese Truck (tasty grilled cheese sandwiches), Spud Stud (baked potatoes with specialty toppings) and Sugar (gourmet cupcakes).

Inside the building, guests can browse raffle prizes on display and buy tickets for the drawing, which takes place at 8 p.m. There will also be a fairy garden display and some "visitors" from A Place Called Hope, including a bird of prey, Bannon notes. A Place Called Hope will also share a photo of Lyla Hawk, a red-tailed hawk which the group rescued and named in honor of Lyla Bogardus, who loved the program.

The night's main event, held in the gym, involves a long line of barbers inviting brave "shavees" to take a seat and have their head shaved for the cause. Registration is still open for those interested in becoming a "shavee" and the event always welcomes donations; visit

https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/jerome17 . Volunteers are also welcome; for more event information find NB St. Baldrick's Head Shaving Event on Facebook.