Given all that they do to make this city a better place for all the kids, the least you can do is grow a Mustache, right? That's what we thought.

So you're curious, you're interested, you're psyched, you're wondering how you're going to explain this to your boss/family/significant other. Let's start slow:

The first thing to do is get a pen--heck, make it a Sharpie--open your calendar, turn to WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, and write 'M4K SHAVING DAY'. As usual, we'll be gathering at one of our favorite watering holes--Cassanova Lounge--on 16th and Valencia at 7 pm THAT NIGHT to meet one another and toast to a healthy growing and fundraising season. More info to come about that festive evening.

There are currently ten+ Mustaches for Kids groups, the founding group in Los Angeles, a spinoff chapter in Indiana, New York City, Seattle, Toronto, Ottawa, Richmond, VA, North Carolina, Madison, WI, and a group of growers participating for the fourth consecutive year in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Chapter of Mustaches for Kids raised over $13,000 last year for Legal Services for Children, and the growers in this year's contest hope to best that figure by at least one hundred dollars. Mustaches for Kids has raised over $100,000 nationally since its inception in 1999.

ALL CHECKPOINTS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SWEETEST 'STACHE COMPETITION ON DECEMBER 15, WILL BE HELD AT CASANOVA'S IN SAN FRANCISCO AT VALENCIA AND 16TH ST ON THE MISSION.

Here is the Checkpoint schedule:

WEDNESDAY, November 15: 1st Check-point. Casanova's, 7:30 pm. Clean-shaven and eager, we will convene to meet each other, set Mustaches goals for ourselves, and visualize Mustache life. Call three friends and convince them to join the cause.

WEDNESDAY, November 22: 2nd Check-point. Casanova's, 7:30 pm. Your Mustache is one week old today. Join fellow Growers to prepare for the inevitable questions that will arise over the holiday weekend. Do not hide behind the cranberry sauce. Show the world your Mustache!

WEDNESDAY, November 29: 3rd Check-point. Casanova's, 7:30 pm. Your Mustache is starting to get pretty sweet. Bar patrons will look our way and wonder how and why so many people with such sweet staches have gathered under one roof.

WEDNESDAY, December 6: 4th Check-point. Casanova's, 7:30 pm. In the home stretch.

FRIDAY, December 15: Sweet 'Stache Showdown, The Rick Shaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, between Van Ness and Franklin (100M NW of the Van Ness Muni station). The Sweet 'Stache Showdown features all of our growers putting their best face forward to appreciative onlookers and discerning judges.

Q: I am a woman. Can I join?
A: Mustaches for Kids does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex, age, nationality, or other stuff. Anyone can raise money for the cause. Just remember, the mustache is more in the heart than on the face.

Q: I want to do it, but I'm scared.
A: That's not a question, but we will respond nonetheless. We suggest you suck it up and take one for the team. It's a good cause, and you'll have fun.

Q: I'm very sensitive. What if people make fun of me?
A: Stare them down like Zeus from Mt. Olympus, and declaim, "It's for the kids." Then ask them for a donation.

Q: Why are we doing this, philosophically speaking?
A: Mustaches for Kids is not your typical fundraising organization. The demographic that is drawn to this competition sadly is not one that is necessarily known for philanthropy. So we think it's a great opportunity for people to do good and have a good time doing it.

Q: Are you sure this isn't a joke?
A: Yes.

Q: Swear?
A: We swear on the oath of the mustache that this is not a joke.

Q: So how does the fundraising part work?
A: While growing a mustache is certainly fun, we're doing it for a reason: to raise money for charity. We've all had athletic friends who run long races (like marathons!) to raise money for a cause. During their training, they ask for pledges. So think of growing a mustache as a physically undemanding (but spiritually rewarding) version of running a race.

The use of growth hormones or coloring agents is not condoned or sanctioned by Mustaches for Kids. We feel that performance enhancers violate the spirit of the contest.

The minimum pledge goal of each participant should be $50US. But no potential Grower should be discouraged because he doesn't think he can make the Pledge Goal. All the money goes to a good cause. We do ask, of course, that growers be aware of and obey all local laws when soliciting donations. We don't know what these laws are, but we're pretty sure they exist. For example, while merchandising is encouraged, sales tax regulations may apply. And all profits must be donated. Also, Growers are encouraged to contact their employers regarding so-called matching contributions.

While the growing period will end after four weeks, there is NO DEADLINE for fundraising.

On the first day of the event (Clean Shaven Day), Wednesday, November 15, 2006, participants will shave their faces clean of any and all facial hair. This includes, but is not limited to, Mustaches, beards, goatees, mutton chops, soul patches, and Van Dykes. All hair beyond the upper lip must be eradicated WEEKLY.

For the duration of four weeks, sweet Mustaches will be grown for the world to behold. Within that time, there will be weekly MUSTACHE CHECKPOINT DAYS. These events are not mandatory--we do, after all, believe in the honor system--but they are a great opportunity to meet and encourage your brothers-in-stache during the growing period. Representatives of Mustaches for Kids will be available at each checkpoint to discuss any and all Mustache issues.

The 2004 champion and his trophy
Web use 72 DPI - Print use 300 DPI