The Final Days of Movember 2011

The final days of Movember were fairly eventful and definitely memorable.  First and foremost, after 27 days of growing a mo, it finally occurred to me I've been spelling moustache as mustache.  Although considered an acceptable spelling, I feel the need to amend my chosen (American accepted) spelling based on the title of the campaign.  Hence the change in title of the blog. 

Glad that's out of the way.

Next came the final push to make my fundraising goal.  I had a hard time setting an amount for fundraising when I first began to grow my mo.  I chose $3k because of the immediate and generous outpouring of support shown from the start.  With just three days left I was $344 short.

Finally, the conclusion of the campaign was to be celebrated with the Movember Gala on Saturday nite.  As with most events I like to attend, the Gala would require a costume.  My sister in law thinks I wear a costume every where I go.  I was dressed up as something in every pic she saw of me prior to our meeting for the first time.  It's a rep I don't think I'm ever going to shake.  That being said, considering some of my costumes from the past, what I had in mind for this should be a step up. 

Here we go...

The last few days of the month were just flat out fun.  Here you see a co worker of mine named Bill Gronberg.  When I first sent out a fundraising letter, Bill responded with resounding support.  He's had a few buddies go through Prostate Cancer and knows all about it.  Despite the fact his wife can't stand it, he decided to grow a mo' as well.  It's a little hard to tell in the pic because it's the same color of his light hair!



Me and Bill G.



Next you have my friend Jesse.  Jesse also chose to show his support with his upper lip.  While I can't explain the pic of Dwight Schrute in his cube, I can tell you that Jesse has a tattoo the says "Rock and Roll."  That's because Jesse does THE best Axl Rose impression, particularly to the tune of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."  I've seen it done with a live band twice.  Keep in mind he was not the lead singer of either, or actually in the band for that matter.  He just owns it.

Thanks Jesse!

In the meantime, the $344 I was short my goal was evaporating quickly as the moustache market was looking quite "bullish."  My brother Alex and I were doing our best to out raise each other and after a slow start he was gaining quickly.  Although I would pass our goal first, he would join me quickly and move right ahead.  If it weren't for the last minute miracle donation from an anonymous source, he surely would have won.  As luck would have it, in the end we would tie.  $3940 each.  We would finish in the top 100 out of 144,433 people in the US.    

I want to thank everyone who donated to our cause.  It was an amazing amount of support from so many friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.  In thirty days, the Movember campaign raised over $106 million.  Can you believe that?!?!  ONE MONTH!!!!  It just goes to show you the power we possess when we band together to accomplish something.   

Now that all the work was finished, it was time to get back to the serious stuff.  Like figuring out a proper costume.  Now before you find out who I went as, keep in mind some of my costume history.

The first here is Cal Naughton Jr. from Talladega Nights.   I enjoyed this costume thoroughly and even grew a mo' for it.  Shocker, I know.

 

Cal Naighton Jr.

Next we have Chuck Noland from Castaway.  This is my 2011 Halloween costume.  Wore shorts, shoes with no toes, a real beard, and a wig.  No shirt.  It was not a warm night.

Chuck Noland

 Finally we have the Halloween 2009.  This was part of a long hatched plan to go as the Purple Cobras from the movie Dodgeball.  Someone had to do it and I knew I could pull it off.  We did win the group costume contest that year.  Kate and I had only been dating for a couple months when I wore this to Halloween. 

Fran

Needless to say, I thought it was time to bring some sophistication to a costume for once.  If you've never seen Inglorious Bastards and you don't mind some gratuitous (albeit justified) violence, I highly recommend the movie.  Below you see Aldo Raine from the film.      



Aldo Raines



It was time to make it up to Kate for the dodgeball costume.  That being said, I probably look more like the dodgeball girl than BP.

The Gala would be held at The Nomad in Minneapolis.  Awards were given for a variety of accomplishments from Best Mo, Lamest Mo, Best Mo Sista, Best Mo in Character, etc.  Yes they even give an award for Lamest Mo.  So for all you dudes out there that think this campaign doesn't speak to your facial hair strength, think again.  Even the weakest of mo's has its place.  I'm talking to you, Lee. 

Walter White








For all you "Breaking Bad" fans, you may find it inexplicable how Alex only took second place in Best Mo in Character.  I know I do.  Unfortunately the raucous crowd thought more highly of a mo bro dressed as an adult film actor.  Alex even had samples of "Sky Blue" for the crowd.  You would have thought that alone would have induced victory. 

There were plenty of mo's to admire as well as some hilarious costumes and outfits.  Here you see Jeff Bridges from Tron.  Very solid. 



Mario and Luigi

There were alot of a good costumes.  It felt more like a Halloween party than anything else. 

The dude in front of me in the vest and hat was voted Ultimate Mo.  The cell phone pic doesn't sell it but he had a pretty sick mo and knew how to work the crowd.  50% mo/50% showmanship. 

The night was a blast and it ended late enough to feel it in the morning.  We will look forward to next year.





So as we close on this wonderful month, I again want to thank all those who donated to the cause.  I am so proud of everyone who stepped up and showed thir support.  I am very thankful to have such wonderful people in my life.  Especially my father Jim.  I echo his gratitude as well.  His fight will continue as well as ours. 

With that in mind, you men out there get ready for next year.  We're starting a team and I'm going to be soliciting for mo bro's like it's going out of style.  Ladies are included for fundraising as well.  The top fund raiser in the U.S. this year was Sandy Goodman who raised $48,130 and SHE'S A GIRL!!!! 

In conclusion, it's now Decemeber 6th and well past that month of facial hair love.  It must be done.