Block Party At Nina's Pizza Fundraiser Event

is putting the block on lock Saturday for its ninth annual pizza eating contest fundraiser to benefit St. Baldrick's Foundation for child cancer research. To up the ante this year, owner Artie Burke is holding a block party from Norwood to Laurel in an all-out celebration of life and the fight against cancer.

The block party will take place from 12-5 p.m. and will feature generous raffle prizes donated by local businesses, music from 97.5 WALK-FM, vendors, contests, children's activities, and, of course- pizza! 

If you have a clinically diagnosed obsession or are just looking for an excuse to gorge in the name of sportsmanship, sign up for the eating contest and beat last year's record of 17 minutes to destroy a 30-inch cheese pizza. 

The cut off time for signups is 1 p.m. Saturday, but remember that each team of two needs to raise $100 in order to participate. 

Burke set a fundraising goal of $5,000 in the hope of making this the biggest year yet for St. Baldrick's. He and his "right hand employees," Jamie Silvestri and Mike Adams, have canvassed the neighborhood to drum up support for the event, turning up some generous raffle prize donations from local businesses like , , and . 

“It’s a local event that I’ve always supported," said Burke. "God forbid anything was to happen to one of my kids, I don’t know what I would do. It’s one of those things that in your heart, you know is a really good cause.”

Beginning as a dare between friends in 1999, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation has flourished into one of the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraisers for childhood cancer research, raising over $80 million and shaving over 125,000 heads.

"This worldwide phenomenon began right here in Northport, and I am proud to support such a wonderful organization," said Burke.

Visit the event's Facebook page for information and remember that all donations are tax deductible.