The Mustache Diaries

On the eve of our fifth annual mustache season, I must admit that I was all smiles in anticipation of the hairy mission I was about to embark on with my fellow “growers.” The mission I speak of may be familiar to some, though many may not be aware of this national effort to raise money for children’s charities. We are a chapter of a national organization called Mustaches For Kids. Understandably, in this day and age, a name such as this can be of some concern … but not to worry. Aside from adding to the population of men sporting a creepy, unkempt appearance, I promise that ours is a completely harmless group whose work is actually quite beneficial.

Mustaches for Kids is a volunteer-run organization started in Los Angeles in 1999 to support children with cancer, and allows volunteers a chance to “have fun” by growing mustaches in order to generate donations for children’s charities. Since its inception, Mustaches for Kids satellite chapters have spread across the country, and has enlisted the efforts of thousands of participants, who, collectively, have raised nearly $1 million for charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Our local chapter’s month-long event kicked off on Nov. 11 at Sutton Place, where volunteers come in clean-shaven and commit to letting their mustache growth begin.

For one month, we grow mustaches to draw attention to ourselves. There are rules of course, as we are a civilized group and this is not just some kind of facial hair free for all. Mustaches can go only from one corner of the mouth to the other. Although it pains me to admit, my mustache grows rather slowly and is not known for its fullness. I am therefore aided by a button that I wear advising people to “Ask Me About My Mustache,” which fortunately they do. When such questions come my way, I explain that I am raising money for kids at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Those who have not been already scared away usually donate to the cause, and therein lies the power of the ’stache. Last year we raised more than $68,000 for kids looking to beat the crap out of cancer.