About
Mustaches for Kids, D.C. is part of the national Mustaches for Kids organization, a volunteer-run charity started in Los Angeles in 1999 to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
Each year, participants (”Growers”) raise money by growing sweet, sweet Mustaches between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They shave their faces, except for the Mustache, a minimum of one time per week. The Growers solicit donations from friends, family, co-workers, and people in the community. At the end of the Growing Season, Mustaches for Kids, D.C. hosts a ‘Stache Bash where the facial hair is evaluated by an independent panel of judges, and one Mustache is declared to be the “Sweetest.”
Over the past ten years, Mustaches for Kids has spread across the country, a steady expansion that is not unlike the measured, deliberate growth of a Mustache. Mustaches for Kids has enjoyed the efforts of an impressive number of Growers who, collectively, have raised over $100,000 for various children’s charities across the USA and Canada.
About the Children’s National Medical Center
Since 2006, Mustaches for Kids, D.C. has asked Growers to step up to the ’stache and help raise money for the Children’s National Medical Center here in the District (read CNMC’s at-a-glance info sheet here).
All proceeds go towards CNMC’s Kids Care Fund. The Kids Care Fund responds to the basic needs of childrens’ healthcare; it is vital to daily operations of the hospital and goes to support programs such as: new discoveries in research, special facilities, unique therapies (including art therapy, child-life specialists, and social works), and other special programs. Whether it’s life-saving medicines or Looney Tunes pajamas, the Kids Care Fund allows CNMC to do what it does best: making kids better.
The Kids Care Fund is a vital part of CNMC’s mission of providing world-class care to all patients. Last year alone CNMC provided over $53 million of uncompensated medicine for children who were unable to pay for their healthcare. Thus, donors like M4K are an important and vital part of keeping CNMC’s doors open to all patients… regardless of their ability to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What? You’re confused? “Mustaches? For Kids?”
Yes. Mustaches for Kids. We admit that it’s a somewhat unusual concept, so we’ve collected some answers to the questions we get:
Q. Is this a joke?
A. No. Since its inception in 1999, over 1,000 Growers have joined Mustaches for Kids all over the USA and Canada, and have raised over $100,000 for various children’s charities. This year, as in the past, the DC chapter of Mustaches for Kids will be Growing for the Children’s National Medical Center.
Q. I’m a woman. Can I join?
A. Mustaches for Kids does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex, age, nationality, or anything else you can think of. 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. Technically, that is not a question. In any case, we suggest you step up to the plate. It’s time to overcome your fears and grow a Mustache for a good cause. Remember, there’s no “i” in “mustache”.
Also keep in mind that growing season ends well before the holidays. Your ’stache may be immortalized here and in our hearts, but not necessarily in your holiday photos.
Q. What will I tell my friends/co-workers/loved ones who object to my Mustache and ridicule me for it?
A. Do what we do. Fix them with a steely gaze and tell them the truth: “It’s for the kids.” Then ask them to make a donation.
Q. Why Mustaches? Why the silly name?
A. This is not your typical fundraising organization. We believe in doing good and having a good time doing it.
Q. Are you sure this isn’t a joke?
A. Positive.
Q. Swear?
A. We swear to all that we hold holy that this is not a joke; we need your support.
Q. How do I contact Mustaches for Kids DC?
A. You can visit the web site by going to www.m4kdc.org. You can email us directly at mustaches4kids@gmail.com. Better yet, you can meet us in person at one of our Mustache Checkpoints.