Give Back: Mustaches for Kids

By Amy Mikel in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 11, 2008 8:40PM

Now in its third year, the annual Mustaches for Kids fundraising event in Chicago combines an in (on?) your face concept with a commitment to raise money for Chicago public schools. M4K growers compete to sprout the sweetest ‘stash in four week’s time while soliciting the most pledges and donations to the campaign.

In 2006, then-Chicagoista Matt Wood competed in the challenge, cataloging each week’s mustache-growing efforts and contributed to the organization raising more than $13,000 for local non-profit Off the Street Club. Last year, growers churned out some even more amazing mustaches and raised nearly $25,000. The Mustaches for Kids 2008 campaign officially begins Thursday with a Shaving Day Kick-Off event at Schuba’s. Official Grower registrations will still be accepted at the event; just come clean-shaven, get your Shaving Day pics, fundraising gear and an inspirational sendoff. (Can women participate? Yes). And although the official growing season will end on December 13th with a final judging at Stash Bash 2008, there is no set deadline for fundraising.

You can support the campaign by donating to M4K’s Chicago growers, or make a general donation, directly supporting teacher’s independent requests for classroom aid; be it new desks, books or a photocopy machine.

Shaving Day Kick-Off, Schuba's Tavern, 3159 N Southport Ave, 11/13, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.