Volunteer profile: They're going bald for a good cause

Who: Keaton Raphael Memorial, a Roseville-based nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer research and programs at the UC Davis Cancer Center.

What: "St. Baldrick's Day" shearing and shaving parties.

When/where: Two parties are planned, with the first from 5 to 8 p.m. March 16 at the UC Davis Cancer Center, 4501 X St.; and the second from 4 to 8 p.m. March 17 at Roseville Sports Complex, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd.

To shave or shear: Pre-register online at www.stbaldricks.org. Or make an online donation and you don't have to shave your head. The local celebrations have raised more than $242,000 to support pediatric cancer research at the UC Davis Cancer Center and nationally through the Children's Oncology Group. Visit http://www.childcancer.org/ or call (916) 784-6786.

About Keaton Raphael: A victim of neuroblastoma, Keaton was 5 years old when he lost his battle with cancer in 1998. The nonprofit was founded in his memory by Keaton's family. His mother, Robyn Raphael, is founder and executive director of the foundation.

Featured volunteer: Robert Dugan, corporate legislative and public affairs manager for Granite Construction, calls himself a community activist who found a reason to shave his head: the Keaton Raphael Memorial. "I had heard about the organization and I was looking for an excuse," said Dugan. "The stars came in line." Dugan had his head shaved last year, and so did his son, Thomas. They both are expected to do the same this year.

One reason is that Dugan's nephew survived childhood leukemia. "Thomas -- he's 10 and has a good relationship with my nephew," said Dugan. "So, he decided he wanted to shave his head to raise money for the cause. Thomas goes to school with Robyn Raphael's older son."