826Chicago’s Moustache-A-Thon

Farewell, my furry friends.

March 15th, 2007

After three weeks of coaxing their upper-lip follicles, the growers showed up last night with some serious ‘stache. Josh Cronemeyer took home the moustache trophy for best moustache, and Dan Gasperut proudly wore the ‘Stache Sash for his fundraising skills.

My dear friends of facial hair, we are SO CLOSE to our goal of $10,000. We thought getting up close and personal with the whiskers might motivate people to donate a few bucks in our last push towards $10,000. So please, take a good look, pick your favorite ‘stache, and help us meet our goal. The last day for donations is this Sunday, March 24th.

Thanks to everyone involved in the Moustache-A-Thon. Not only did you help raise money for a wonderful cause, but you also helped combat one of today’s most inaccurate and injurious stereotypes. Moustaches aren’t creepy—they’re cool.

Taking it Up a Notch

March 8th, 2007

Getting strangers to give me money is something I’m used to, and I’m pretty good at it. But then I realized that the growers might not have the practice that I have. So for this week’s event we asked them to get creative in their photographs with signage and costumes, in an effort to lure strangers into donating. People who are unfamiliar with 826CHI might come to the website and think, ‘What is this alternate moustache universe?’ We think the costumes and signs will help them navigate our world. And it’s funny.

Next Wednesday is our final ‘Stache Bash, where we will award the coveted ‘Stache Sash to the grower with the best moustache. The grower who has the most donations will receive a party package to Sound Bar.

Call your mom. It’s time to get some donations.

Moustache Magic

March 1st, 2007

If you like beer and cakes shaped like moustaches, you should have been at Small Bar last night. After one week of growing, the moustache farmers showed up for the first ‘Stache Bash’ and answered the question, ‘How has a week of hair growing altered your opinion of your own manliness?’ Andrew Slocum said he was feeling pretty manly, and has experienced an increased tendency toward bar fights. But Josh Cronemeyer’s self-esteem appeared to be bruised, as he revealed that his coworkers have named his upper-lip the ‘invisi-stache’.

Join us next week, same time, same place, to see if more hair brings improved quality of life for these brave souls.

Them’s is fightin’ words

February 28th, 2007

Phil Bartholomae: “I will monopolize this moustache-a-thon!”

Gentlemen (and woman), start your 'staches

February 23rd, 2007

Last night we conducted the opening ceremonies of the Moustache-A-Thon with great success. Coinciding with a preview of the Boring Store (our beautiful new secret agent supply store) for our volunteers, the moustache growers and judges enjoyed refreshments, mingled with fellow 826CHI supporters, and sized up their competition. (Almost) all of the growers showed up with their short speeches prepared, some of which included a campaign sloganmy personal favorite, Put your money where my mouth is almost (Farmer Greg Boose)some of which included a personal anecdoteone grower told of having a dream in which a vine from a star residing under the moustache of his father came out and strangled him. All in all, an interesting and truly hilarious event.

Thanks to all the growers, the judges, and the volunteers who came last night! Make sure to come next Wednesday to our first “Stache Bash” at Small Bar, 7:30pm, 2049 W. Division. Growers, good luck with the ladies in the next week.