826DC Moustache-a-thon 2010

And the winners are... DC Students!

2010-06-04T12:31:00.011-04:00

Stick a fork in us, we're done! After a month of hard work we were able to raise $8,166.73!

In addition to the students being winners, we had a few winners of our own last night:

Most Stylish: Steve Souryal
Cashiest 'Stache: Oliver Uberti
The Jared Joiner Memorial Award (Formerly Known as the Best Try Award): Jim Kelly
L.P.G.A. (Ladies Prosthetic Grower Award): Jen Girdish
Kid's Choice Award: Michael Phelan
Best Disguise: Sean Carman
Additionally, we'd like to thank Allyson and her team for coordinating the weekly check-ins, Hillary for commandeering all those wonderful trophies and prizes, and Lauren for her help uploading the pictures for the blog each week.

Thanks again to all the participants for their hard work and most excellent facial hair.

Check-In: Week 4

2010-05-26T13:34:00.003-04:00

We're a month in, and seeing the kind of feats of fundraising and facial hair that make the stache-a-thon worthwhile.

For instance, after a limited engagement of a week, 826DC Treasurer Joe Peters (right) got approval from both his wife and mother-in-law to let his lip hair fly, so he's now rocking not only a fine, two week old moustache, but a budding soul patch as well.

And for the third straight week, Oliver ~~Tuesday~~ Uberti took home the weekly prize for funds raised ($400), scoring him a sweet gift certificate to Michael Craig.

As a group, we're at $5475.93 as we move into the final week. However, remember that next week's meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 1, not Monday, which is Memorial Day. Until then.

Allyson	April	Bob	Christina
Gerald	Glory	Greg	Hillary

Jackie	Jared	Jen	Jim
Kara	Kristin	Lauren	Mariam

"Uncle" Micah	Michael Phelan	Oliver Munday	Oliver Tuesday
Sarah	Sean	Steve	Tom

William

Xin

Check-in: Week 3

2010-05-18T21:04:00.012-04:00

Special thanks to The Michael Phelan and team for organizing our first ever Moustache Edition of Family Feud!

The Winning Team of our First Ever Family Feud

Another round of congratulations to Oliver Tuesday who raised an impressive $507.60 last week. And to Xin Li for winning the prosthetic challenge; you can view her handiwork here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moustacheathon

The real winners though are the students of 826DC! As a group so far we've raised $4,313.10! Let's keep it up!

Click to support your 'stache of choice!

Allyson	April	Bob	Christina
Gerald	Glory	Greg	Hillary

Jackie	Jared	Jen	Jim
Kara	Kristin	Lauren	Mariam

"Uncle" Micah	Michael Phelan	Oliver Munday	Oliver Tuesday
Sarah	Sean	Steve	Tom

William

Xin

Check-in: Week 2

2010-05-11T21:28:00.011-04:00

Congrats to Oliver Tuesday for snatching the prize of most money raised in the past week with an impressive $400.00! Congratulations also goes to Allyson for collecting the most completed Moustache Surveys in the first Prosthetic Grower's Challenge!

Click to support your 'stache of choice!

Allyson	April	Bob	Christina
Gerald	Glory	Greg	Hillary

Jackie	Jared	Jen	Jim
Kara	Kristin	Lauren	Mariam

"Uncle" Micah	Michael Phelan	Oliver Munday	Oliver Tuesday
Sarah	Sean	Steve	Tom

William

Xin

Introducing the 2010 Moustaches!

2010-05-06T09:29:00.010-04:00

Click your 'stache of choice to donate!

Allyson	April	Bob	Christina
Gerald	Glory	Greg	Hillary

Jackie	Jared	Jen	Jim
Kara	Kristin	Lauren	Mariam

"Uncle" Micah	Michael Phelan	Oliver Munday	Oliver Tuesday
Sarah	Sean	Steve	Tom

William

Xin

And We're Off!

2010-05-05T15:52:00.004-04:00

In just the first five days our intrepid Organic and Prosthetic Growers have raised almost $1,500! Be sure to check back here to chart the progress and triumphs of our brave volunteers.

You're also cordially invited to witness all the mayhem in person at our "May Moustache Mondays" every Monday in the month of May at the Big Hunt (1345 Connecticut Ave NW) at 7 p.m.

Join 826DC's 2010 Moustache-a-thon!

2010-04-09T12:20:00.003-04:00

Enjoy contests of patience, swagger, and slight tickling sensations?

Then you’ve got a place with 826DC’s 2010 Moustache-a-Thon. We’re calling for fearless heroes, of all hair-growing capabilities, to forgo shaving their upper lips for the month of May.

Why would you, brave as you are, risk public ridicule (or possibly irresistible magnetism)? To support of 826DC’s free youth writing and tutoring programs for students ages 6-18, of course!

How It Works

The Moustache-a-Thon runs from May 1 to May 31. Those with the follicular fortitude will gather financial support from family, friends, co-workers and 'stache fans, all to benefit the free programming of 826DC. Your supports can sponsor you for the month, the week, or in one big lump sum (we are partial to big sums of money).

Harvesters may pick their own goal:

John Waters Level - $72.83
Alex Trebek Level - $155.55
Tom Selleck Level - $297.42

Ladies, don’t fear, this ‘thon is gender inclusive! We’ve posed three weekly challenges for those who are of the whisker-challenged type.

Participants will get a free, clean shave to kick off the race and level the playing field. You can also chart your hair-progress at our weekly happy hours at the Big Hunt (1345 Connecticut Ave NW) every Monday in the Month of May at 7 p.m. You'll get a chance to form follicle support groups and win prizes and bragging rights. And at the end of the month, our top growers and fundraisers will win stache-a-rific prizes and our enduring respect.

Never fear! We won't send you out on the streets with only the budding hair on your upper lip. You'll be armed with donation sheets; postcards about 826DC and the Moustache-a-Thon; answers to FAQs; and shiny, brightly-colored buttons.

How Do I ‘Stache it?

Each participant is asked to donate $10 as an entry fee (collected at the kick-off). Register your upper lip by April 24 by signing-up HERE.

Moustache-a-thon 2010 Coming Soon

2010-04-06T08:01:00.001-04:00

Preparations are underway for 826DC's Moustache-a-thon 2010. Check back for more info soon!

Tom Sellek Would be Proud

2009-04-07T12:48:00.003-04:00

We are at an end of all this hairy business—the first annual Moustache-A-Thon has drawn to a close. Our follicle farmers braved razor burn, ridicule and renegade clippers.

Now that we’ve had a chance to catch our breath, we are thrilled to report that we have raised a grand total of $10,727.19!

We commend everyone’s courage and dedication to the creativity of young DC writers. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Final Awards: CASHIEST ‘STACHE – Steve S.
MOST STYLISH – Evin G.
BEST TRY – Jared J.
DIRTIEST LIMERICK – Jackie K.
KID’S CHOICE AWARD – Kira W.

Cashiest Stache: Steve S. Most Stylish: Evin G.

Kid's Choice: Kira W. Dirtiest Limerick: Jackie K.

Even though the Moustache-a-thon is over, we always need support to help keep all of our programming free and to help us realize our goal of opening our own center. Please visit our Donate page for more information. Thanks again to everyone who participated!

Check-in No. 4

2009-03-24T16:54:00.007-04:00

The fourth and penultimate check-in. Check out the inventiveness of our prosthetic growers (condiments?!).

Adam P.	Alex A.	Allyson R.
Benjamin B.	Brian S. ("Seabass")	Conor K.
Dan M.	Danielle M.	Devin B.
Eric A.	Evin G.	Gabe S.
Jackie K.	Jared J.	Jen G.
Julia S.	Lucia G.	Kira W.
Matt K.	Matthew B.	Mike R.
Michael V.	Mike S.	Pedro de la T.
Peter D.	Rod A.	Sean C. (in Anchorage, Alaska!)
Steve S.	Susannah P.	William B.

A Letter

2009-03-22T18:56:00.004-04:00

Editor's Note: The following letter, concerning the Moustache-a-thon Check-in of the last week, shows how the benefits of a Moustache-a-thon are not confined to the raising of money!

To Whom It May Concern:

I’m writing this letter for the purposes of your publication, to express a wonderful thing that’s happened to me. One night this past week my life changed forever. The evening started as usual. I was minding myself, sorting a collection of nail-clippings and eyelashes in my lair, which is coincidentally in the cellar of a certain establishment meant for nightly celebration. All I know is what I’ve heard, that this place is for some reason called an ‘Asylum’, that it’s on a street called ‘18th North West’, and in a place called ‘Adams Morgan’. I’ve lived here ever since I was young and my parents went out one night for groceries and forgot to come back. When the new proprietors bought the place, I simply hid in a crawl space and have remained there for years of business hours.

Every night I hear the merry-makers stomping around above me. A few will start to trickle down and sit before a large, bearded fellow who pours them brownish waters with a certain film on top. After a while, more people arrive and food is brought to them. Always the mirth becomes inescapable and the people forget about their plates. I’m usually able to sneak a few scrumptious breads and fried meats, though it’s harder now given my size. Still, somehow I go unnoticed. That is, until one night this past week.

Amidst the clamor and dim lights, the cracking of smoothed stones on a nearby table (a popular sport), I was approached, while leaning towards a plate, by a young woman who exulted in my appearance. “Oh my gosh,” she exclaimed, (I can quote it verbatim) “your moustache is AMAZING.” I came to discover that the hair on my face, particularly that which sprouts from my upper lip, has a name and is considered quite stylish. I explained in as level a tone as I could that I’ve had this moustache for as long as I can remember and that no other hair has ever grown from my cheeks or neck. As a child my father even called it my ‘third eyebrow’.

Soon enough, this angelic sprite had me introduced to a plethora of others like me, who as well grew only moustaches. Some of the young women had even drawn pictures of moustaches and hung them beneath their noses! (It was a real carnival) We talked for hours on everything they knew, which was plentiful. They offered me waters, which I pretended I hadn’t tried before and so drank watching the way others consumed carefully and during breaks in conversation. I began to feel relaxed, as though I could present myself to any person in the world with the utmost poise. The more we talked, the more I wanted to know.

I came to find out that they were all apart of a noble troupe that travels the area promoting ‘literacy skills’ to pupils. I joked that they all resembled a sort of Johnny Appleseed, and in fact, they do have a name: the Capitol Letters Writing Center, or CLWC for short.

I also learned that their week had gone well and so they’d come to the establishment to celebrate. It being too crowded upstairs, they’d come down. For the month of March, they’d been trying (and still are) to gather contributions for their noble cause, and by this past Tuesday they’d raised over $4,000 (!!) from the good people of the area. One gentleman, a certain Mike Scolise, even earned a top prize for his efforts (a splendid mug printed with fine pictorials). As the night progressed, the young women of the group recited their poetry (through an amplifying cone for sake of noise) all in the humorous and rhythmic ‘limerick’ form. Each of the poets gave me tearful fits for sheer beauty. Except one.

A certain young woman decided to make her lines vulgar and topical, pure gossip. To my surprise, however, everyone squealed with delight as she mentioned their names alongside certain unmentionables. It is a strange world, indeed. Still, I’m beginning to enjoy it. I forgave this young woman. She even brought the remaining CLWC members, myself now included, tiny waters at the end of the night, so that we might praise the many kind hearts we’d known. This drink, I must say, injured my throat, though I thanked her all the same. By the time everyone was leaving, one last gentleman arrived. He called himself a ‘cow boy’, somehow relating this to the style of his moustache; I suspect, however, he was actually some form of beast. Usually I’d savor the chance to observe such a strange being, but suddenly I felt like doing something I hadn’t for a great while. I kindly thanked everyone for their kindness and company, said my goodbyes, and walked out into the night.

(Feel free to use this letter at your discretion. My only hope is that it will move a few of your readers in the way that I was moved.)

Sincerely,

Adam J Pellegrini, New & Loyal CLWC Member

Check-in No. 3

2009-03-18T22:03:00.009-04:00

The third check-in. How the moustaches have grown!

Adam P.	Alex A.	Allyson R.
Benjamin B.	Brian S. ("Seabass")	Conor K.
Dan M.	Danielle M.	Devin B.
Eric A.	Evin G.	Gabe S.
Jackie K.	Jared J.	Jen G.
Julia S.	Lucia G.	Kira W.
Matt K.	Matthew B.	Mike R.
Michael V.	Mike S.	Pedro de la T.
Peter D.	Rod A.	Sean C.
Steve S.	Susannah P.	William B.

The State of Your Moustache

2009-03-18T16:59:00.001-04:00

Take a peek at what farmer Mike S. sent his sponsors this week (which consequently upstaged all the rest of us).

Open publication - Free publishing - More moustache

Dispatch from Tuesday's Check-In

2009-03-12T23:02:00.013-04:00

HEARTFELT AND WHIRLWIND MONEY-RAISING IN ADAMS-MORGAN -- ASYLUM CHECK-IN FOSTERS COMPETITION -- WINNERS DECLARED -- VERTIGINOUS CELEBRATION AND DIZZY REVELRY

From an Occasional Correspondent.

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Tuesday, March 10, ~~1868~~ 2009.

As is now widely known throughout the vicinage,--thanks, in part, to a sympathetic Article in the Washington Post tabloid,--the esteemed volunteers of the Capitol Letters Writing Center are thickening their Moustaches throughout the Month of March with the intension to appreciate donations and philanthropic allowance for the furthering of their institution of learning and benevolent instruction. In fulfillment of those designs, the Volunteers of this organization have been engaging in weekly frivolity and tomfoolery at the Pub called Asylum, the purpose of such merrymaking being the determination of the Champion fund-Raiser for the week and the dissemination of prizes and cheer.

Amid all the conviviality an unequaled Raiser of Monies was announced:--William Bert, was the winner of the night. His undertakings to bolster the organization were richly rewarded, when, about mid-way through the evening’s diversion, he was awarded a Gift donated from Home Rule, a local provisioner of Housing-wares. The Writing Center taken as a whole has earned a decidedly impressive amount in a mere ten days;--more than $3,000, and nigh on $3,500!

In celebration of the soon-to-be ample Moustaches of the Volunteers, the jolly bar-Tender, Shane Murphy, concocted a transfixing beverage called the “Moustache Ride.” The approximate recipe is available upon Request.

This signature libation was widely enjoyed, although Volunteers were also tempted by a befuddlement of ales, spirits, and victuals.

Adding to the dizzying jocularity of the evening, Volunteers were encouraged to participate in a diversion referred to as “pin the Moustache on the Tutor.” This lark required Volunteers to be blindfolded and spun in place to induce dizziness;--a number of Volunteers gamely agreed to this foible and one Volunteer did well enough to win a refreshment of his choosing from the bar.

A.R.

Farmers Cash In, Get Famous

2009-03-12T22:35:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to all that have supported our follicle folly, we broke the $3,500 mark today. You can also catch us with us here at the Post.

Check-in #2

2009-03-12T17:09:00.010-04:00

Our follicle farmers with 10 days of growth. UPDATE: Welcome to our newest farmers, Lucia G., Brian S., and Mike R.

Adam "Razor Burn" P.	Alex A.	Allyson R.
Benjamin B.	Brian S.	Conor K.
Dan M.	Danielle M.	Devin B.
Eric A.	Evin G.	Gabe S.
Jackie K.	Jared J.	Jen G.
Julia S.	Lucia G.	Kira W.
Matt K.	Matthew B.	Mike R.
Michael V.	Mike S.	Pedro de la T.
Peter D.	Sean C.	Steve S.
Susannah P.	William B.

Prosthetic Challenge #2: March 10 – March 17

2009-03-11T20:53:00.001-04:00

Create and perform (at next week’s check-in) an original moustache-inspired limerick. Rules:

Must follow standard limerick structure (in case your sixth grade poetry class is too much of a distant memory, limerick p’s and q’s may be found here: http://www.poetryamerica.com/Limerick.asp)
Must at least make mention/use/play on the moustache theme
Limericks about other participants are encouraged
Limericks will be judged on wit, general bawdiness and audience appreciation

Example!

Check-in No. 1

2009-03-05T21:40:00.008-05:00

Our follicle farmers after three days of growth.

Adam "Razor Burn" P.	Alex A.	Allyson R.
Benjamin B.	Conor K.	Dan M.
Danielle M.	Devin B.	Eric A.
Evin G.	Gabe S.	Jackie K.
Jared J.	Jen G.	Julia S.
Kira W.	Matt K.	Matthew B.
Michael V.	Mike S.	Pedro de la T.
Peter D.	Sean C.	Steve S.
Susannah P.	William B.

Thank You, Après Peau!

2009-03-05T21:35:00.002-05:00

Official Moustache-a-thon 209 sponsor Après Peau has generously donated some cool crafty stationary as a prize for one of our Moustache-a-thon growers.

Après Peau, Washington’s contemporary lifestyle gift boutique, celebrates the best of the city and creates gifts that capture the dynamism of our capitol. Located along Washington’s bustling K Street, Après Peau features an ever-evolving sampling of smart, must-have gifts that are a new spin on the traditional. Each product line is hand-selected for its smart, unique, practical or entertaining commentary on living and giving in Washington, D.C. Visit us online at www.aprespeau.com.

Thank you, Après Peau!

Smooth Like a Baby's Bottom

2009-03-01T17:23:00.010-05:00

Many venerable beards bit the dust Saturday as the Capitol Letters Moustache-a-thon 2009 kicked off. The professionals at DMC Beauty Salon in Columbia Heights clipped and razored us back to pre-pubescent smoothness, leaving many of us sheepishly rubbing our cheeks and wondering if such drastic measures were necessary. The answer: YES.

Ben B. is ready to go.

The word that comes to mind here is dignity.

The hot towel face-wrap makes it all worthwhile.

Fresh-faced young go-getters. Wouldn't you like to donate on their behalf?

More photos!

Come see the results of the first moustache progress check-in, 7 p.m. Tuesday at Asylum (2471 18th St NW)!

Introducing Your Clean-Shaven Moustache Growers!

2009-02-28T17:55:00.002-05:00

All our follicle farmers, post-shave.

Adam "Razor Burn" P.	Alex A.	Allyson R.
Benjamin B.	Conor K.	Dan M.
Danielle M.	Devin B.	Eric A.
Evin G.	Gabe S.	Jackie K.
Jared J.	Jen G.	Julia S.
Kira W.	Matt K.	Matthew B.
Michael V.	Mike S.	Pedro de la T.
Peter D.	Sean C.	Steve S.
Susannah P.	William B.

About the Moustache-a-thon

2009-02-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

I "Moustache" You a Question: Can You Help Kids in DC Just by Growing Facial Hair?

Answer: Yes! During the month of March, Capitol Letters Writing Center (CLWC) is challenging its volunteers to grow moustaches (or participate in moustache-related challenges) to raise money for its mission of bringing free writing workshops, after-school tutoring, and other programming to the students of Washington, D.C.

The twenty-five moustache growers will start with a clean shave on the last day of February. Throughout March, they will meet each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Adams Morgan nightclub Asylum (2471 18th St NW) for moustache check-ins to chart and celebrate their progress. CLWC will offer weekly prizes to the growers who raise the most money each week.

Growers will raise money for CLWC by soliciting sponsorships from friends, relatives, and the public. Donors can pledge their support by making a donation in the name of the grower of choice at www.capitolletters.org/moustacheathon.

CLWC encourages its growers to cultivate hair on the skin between the upper lip and the bottom of the nose, and extending laterally at the discretion of the grower. CLWC suggests growers choose a moustache style to fit their temperament, sense of style, and facial follicle faculties. There are many styles to choose from including the Fu Manchu, handlebar, and walrus. Mutton chops will be encouraged. Goatees and beards will be discouraged.

CLWC will track the moustache lengthening on its special Moustache-a-Thon blog at www.capitolletters.org/moustacheathon.

CLWC invites anyone interested to come to Asylum for the first check-in at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd. Cheer the growers on, celebrate all things moustache-related, and learn more about the programming and volunteering opportunities CLWC offers.

About Capitol Letters Writing Center Capitol Letters Writing Center believes that within every student lives a writer. We support and challenge those writers through workshops, tutoring, and student publications that complement the classroom goals of educators in a safe and creative environment. Learn more at www.capitolletters.org.

These Guys Can Do It, So Can You

2009-02-24T10:43:00.001-05:00

Friend of Capitol Letters, Liz Langton, shares in our moustache obsession. She interviewed contestants at the North American Beard and Moustache competition for this hairy video. A source of inspiration for you?

Stache It In March

2009-02-17T09:46:00.000-05:00

Do you:

a) Believe in free writing programs for children in DC?

b) Wish you had a reason to grow a Fu Manchu?

c) Have a man crush on Chester A. Arthur, Tom Selleck or Rollie Fingers?

If so, you have a place with the Capitol Letters Moustache-a-Thon. You can help us raise money in the month of March by trying to put your facial follicles to good use. Participants will get a free, clean shave and chart their hair-progress at our weekly happy hours.

How it Works The Moustache-a-Thon runs from February 28 to March 31. You and your fellow group of fearless men will gather financial support from family, friends, co-workers and 'stache fans all to benefit the free programming of Capitol Letters Writing Center. They can sponsor you for the month, the week, or in one big lump sum (We are partial to big sums of money). We challenge each of you to raise $137.23.

Ladies, we haven't forgotten about you. We will have weekly challenges for our prosthetic moustache harvesters. We also challenge you to raise $137.23.

Follicle famers will weigh-in each week at Asylum (2471 18th St. NW) and win stache prizes. You will also be able to track and post your progress on this very blog.

Never fear! We won't send you out on the streets with only the budding hair on your upper lip. You'll be armed with: donation sheets; postcards about Capitol Letters and the Moustache-a-Thon; answers to FAQs; and a brightly colored button that boldly states, "Ask me about my moustache."

How to Become a Follicle Farmer If you would like to stache it, let us know by February 18: moustache@capitolletters.org.

Do it for the kids. Seriously.

DC 'Staches!

2009-02-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

Montgomery C. Meigs, engineer of the Washington Aqueduct.