December 4, 2006

Mustaches for Kids - Chicago Style

Remember last week when we learned about Kent Waddington's shaving photos and the Villa Pardoes charity? Who would have thought there'd be another shaving-related charity going on? Well there is, and it's high season right now. Allow me to introduce you to Mustaches for Kids:

Mustaches for Kids is a volunteer-run organization started in Los Angeles in 1999 to do good and have fun by growing Mustaches for children's charities. [...] Through the years, Mustaches for Kids has enlisted the efforts of hundreds of brave of Growers who, collectively, have raised over $150,000 for charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, and San Francisco's Legal Services for Children. [...] Here's how it works: Each year, during the four-week Growing Season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Growers sprout sweet, sweet Mustaches. Per Mustaches for Kids bylaws, they shave their faces, except for the Mustache, a minimum of one time per week and solicit donations from friends, family, co-workers, and people in the community.

That means it's growing season right now! Want to see how things are going? The newly launched Chicago chapter of Mustaches for Kids has a website with all the details, including photos and weekly get-togethers. Tonight (Dec. 4th) they're getting together at the Lincoln Tap Room at 8pm for the week 2 check-in. You can check out many of the participants in their various stages of growth at the gallery.

Can I just say Chicago is such a cool city. I had an awesome time when I went there back in June. For those of you who plan on shedding the 'stache when this is over, I suggest you head over to State Street Barbers for a good old-school shave.

If you live in the Chicago area, feel free to join in at any time. The FAQ has all the answers (and some pretty funny questions). If you're not in the Chicago area but are interested in making a donation to this year's charity - the Off the Street Club - you can do so via the PayPal link at the top right of the Mustaches for Kids Chicago website.