In spite of the growing popularity of movements like “No Shave November,” for some, growing facial hair in November isn’t just a fun challenge or an upper-lip accessory. For millions of people, several at Idaho State University included, November, or “Movember,” is a way to raise awareness for men’s health by growing a mustache, or “mo.”
For the fourth year in a row, ISU’s Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers are growing their own mustaches as part of the worldwide Movember fundraiser.
Here are the rules: Start out clean-shaven on Nov. 1, and continue growing a mustache for the rest of the month. But remember, this isn’t “No Shave November;” no beards or goatees are allowed.
Movember, which is based off of the Australian slang “mo” and spelling “moustache,” began in Melbourne in 2003 and has since snowballed into a global event. Supporters pledge money to the teams growing the mo’s, raising millions of dollars each year which goes towards men’s health organizations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the LIVESTRONG Foundation.
“Our minimum goal is $1,800,” said Abraham Chupp, treasurer for Kappa Sigma.
Chupp said roughly 36 members are growing mustaches this year, and each brother is expected to raise a minimum of $50 through donations and sales of T-shirts, which cost $12.
Students interested in purchasing a shirt can find the “Mo Bros” in the Rendezvous on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or in the Pond Student Union Building on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 15 and 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We do have a limited amount, of course,” said Chupp, encouraging students to get their shirts before supplies run out.
The Kappa Sigmas sport their own shirts reading “Support A Bro, Grow A Mo.”
Donations can be made at us.movember.com/team/419417. Students can get in touch with Chupp via email at moc.liamgnull@ebaamgisappak.
Chupp, who has been a member of Kappa Sigma since 2011, said he feels it’s important for students to get involved and support the cause.
“At a college level, it gives students the knowledge and opportunity to support something larger than themselves,” he said.
He added that fundraisers such as Movember help people realize that illnesses are “affecting more than just the people you know.”
“It’s hard to get the awareness out so more people join [the cause],” Chupp explained. More information on men’s issues and the Movember fundraiser in general is available at www.movember.com.
Despite the heavy issues being addressed by the fundraiser, Chupp said the Kappa Sigmas still find a way to have fun.
“We get a sense of camaraderie because we’re all doing the same thing for a cause,” he explained. “It makes a great event for teamwork.”
According to Chupp, participants are encouraged to style their mustaches.
“We’ve got two guys going for handlebars,” he said with a laugh, “and one going for the curlicue.”
In addition, Chupp said some good-natured ribbing is aimed at those whose mo’s are a little sparse.
“It’s fun if [a brother] can’t grow one,” he said. “A lot of us can’t, we just try.”
At the end of the month, the Kappa Sigmas hold a get-together and dress up “like their mustaches.”
“We’ve had a Borat in the past,” said Chupp, recounting previous costumes which also included hippies, Gallagher brothers (the watermelon-smashing comedians) and Mario and Luigi.
Through their facial hair, the Kappa Sigmas are able to spread awareness and raise money for men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, while simultaneously building team spirit and looking pretty dapper to boot.
The only downside?
“The mustache itches like hell,” said Chupp.
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