Bo Baker was the inspiration behind the first St. Baldrick’s event in Clayton three years ago. That’s when his dad, Rob Baker, shaved his head to take a stand against the kidney cancer Bo was battling.

Bo is now age 9 and has been cancer-free for two and a half years, but the local event goes on via this volunteer-driven charity. Showing his support for other kids battling cancer will be Bo himself.

“Bo is great — and he’ll be shaving his head on Saturday, March 17,” said Baker, at Clayton’s St. Baldrick’s event set for noon at The Flipside restaurant on East Second Street.

The nonprofit St. Baldrick’s Foundation funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government, per its website, stbaldricks.org. Since its founding in 2000, the organization has raised more than $126 million.

In Clayton, attendees can join in the lively head-shaving ceremonies, or witness the transformations of the men, women and children who dare take the barber’s chair.

The first two St. Baldrick’s events held here raised more than $105,000 with more than 200 heads shaved.

“This year, we’re hoping to shave 100 heads, and to raise $30,000,” Baker said. Besides the shaving, the fun will also include a silent auction featuring signed basketballs from UNC, Duke and N.C. State, and a raffle for a corn hole set.

Local businesses and Clayton’s fire and police departments are among big supporters of the event, says Baker, who owns and operates Awards & Engravables on Main Street here.

Also, Jones Lunch on Main Street in Clayton will be open for dinner tonight from 5 to 7, with all proceeds going to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

For more information on the March 17 event, or to donate to the cause, visit stbaldricks.org/events/clayton2012, or call Baker at (919) 235-8474.