Mustaches for Kids wraps its annual fundraiser for Sloan Kettering

The Long Island chapter of Mustaches For Kids wrapped up its seventh annual fundraising season on Oct. 26 at its ’Stache Bash at the Inn. 

Mustaches for Kids is a volunteer-run, national organization that supports children with cancer, and volunteers grow mustaches in order to generate donations, with all proceeds going to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatric Cancer Care Center.

The Long Beach chapter’s month-long event kicked off in September with a shave day at Sutton Place, where volunteers let the mustache growth begin. Throughout the month, the group held a number of fundraisers and events around the city, and volunteers wore buttons that read “Ask me about my mustache” as a way to engage the public about their fundraising efforts.

More than 100 people participated this year, and, collectively, they raised more than $76,000 for the Pediatric Care Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. 

“This was an exceptional season,” said Vincent Leis, a participant and organizer. “All funds raised go to help families struggling to make ends meet while their children are being treated at the hospital. The season was packed with some exciting and very well-attended weekly meetings, or checkpoints, including a tent at Irish Day, a mustache bar crawl, and the ever popular Mustache Family Day at Swingbellys.” 

Leis said that several participants also visited children and their families at Sloan-Kettering, where they introduced the kids to all types of mustache-themed games and activities. 

The season culminated in the annual ’Stache Bash at the Inn, where “growers” and non-growers alike showed up in mustache-inspired costumes, and competed in a Sweetest ’Stache competition. 

“There were great raffles, and prizes, and a great time was had by all,” Leis said. “The group is looking for an even bigger and better growing season next September.”