With his thick, dark hair nearly touching his shoulders, Zach Siebelink decided it was time for a haircut.

So the Cary teenager sat down in front of a small crowd Saturday afternoon and had his head shaved as part of a cancer fundraising event at Xios restaurant in Apex.

It’s not that Siebelink was tired of having all that long hair. The 14-year-old was simply eager to do his part in helping others.

“I came (to Xios) with my girlfriend and read the flyer about the fundraiser,” said Siebelink. “I thought it was a good idea. It was time to get it cut anyway.”

As Siebelink sat in the chair waiting for his head to be shaved, impressed onlookers donated $100 for his efforts.

“I love him and I’m so proud of him,” said Zach’s father, Tim Siebelink. “I don’t think I would have done something like that when I was his age.”

It was that type of generosity and selflessness that helped Xios raise $3,000 for St. Baldrick’s, a non-profit foundation that generates funds and raises awareness about childhood cancer through head-shaving events.

It was the second year that Xios owners Kirk and Denise Hatzidakis held the event and in that time they’ve raised $11,000.

Cancer is a subject the couple has become all too familiar with over the years.

“My wife is an ovarian cancer survivor,” said Hatzidakis. “So we decided that if we did (any charity events) we would do it for cancer. Last year we raised $8,000 and our goal was only $1,500. So we were impressed. This year with the economy … it’s tough. But we plan on holding this again next year. As long as we are around we will hold it every year.”

Several Carolina Railhawks players and team personnel participated in the event and a handful even had their heads shaved. Hatzidakis didn’t get a complete shave but agreed to a very short haircut.

“I gave the staff a goal last year but they didn’t reach it so I didn’t do it,” said Hatzidakis. “This year they raised $380 so I thought, ‘I won’t shave it but I’ll go pretty short.’ It’s just hair and it will grow back.”

For more information on St. Baldrick’s visit www stbaldricks org.