826 Valencia's Mustache-a-Thon

Final weigh-in!

2007-07-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hello all followers, supporters, and farmers of 826 Valencia's Mustache-a-Thon!
The season for growing is finished, but we all had such a great time watching the crops grow! We are thrilled to announce the grand total that each farmer raised:

Charles: $3250

Adam: $3154.80

Steven: $1536

Jean-Claude: $784.11

Grahme: $725

Rick: $700

Joel: $685.13

Ellen: $613

Bud: $507

Jon: $506

Nate: $503

Jason: $364

JB: $317

Tom: $310

Evan: $292

Rhodes: $287

Chris: $260

Jeff: $180

Thank you all so much for your participation. It was great fun! Get excited for next year's brand new season of mustache growing!

Are you kidding me?

2007-06-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

No you didn't.
Oh— No you didn't.

Er, yes we did.

Initially we thought: perhaps we'll reel in a happy $5000. Then when more farmers came along we thought: nah, let's push for $10,000. And we were thrilled at the thought of that, slightly incredulous that it could happen, but thrilled nonetheless.

But then somehow, out of nowhere, our troops pulled their socks up and combed their 'staches out. The final few days saw thousands of dollars pouring into the 826 Valencia fund.

It's insane. Insanely brilliant, that is. Some of us bright young things here at 826 have had to sit the GRE Math exam, but even we couldn't work out that

18 mustaches x 6 weeks > $15,000

Sorry, did you get that? We managed to raise over $15,000!!!

Donors: you rule!
Farmers: you rule!

Students of 826: you win win win!

Seriously, all of us are staggered at the efforts of the 'stache-farmers (both in terms of money raised and hairs cultivated). And we are overwhelmed with gratitude to all of you who sponsored one, or some, of these wonderful folk. If it wasn't for people like you, we wouldn't be able to continue doing what we do.

Thank you!

So with a whimper and a sob we'll say adieu. We'll miss you.

Take a look at the pictures of the big night...

Photos: Week Five

2007-05-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Never, at the start of a mad mustache mission such as this, never did we imagine how obsessed we'd become about a few little hairs. And now that we're in the final week, we here at 826 Valencia confess to a tear or two rolling down our sad cheek.

No more: how do you drink Guiness without looking like a hirsute milk model?
No more: Who has mocked you? Well, what do they know. You are sporting a 'stache now and it does look good. Of course you should keep it. Of course.
No more: Hey, are you a Frieda Kahlo look-a-like?

What better chat-up line? What better dinner-party gambit? What better way to celebrate 826 in all its hairy glory? But the mission is complete, the farming over. We've raised much more than the $10, 000 we were hoping for - and that is in a large part due to those farmers who've managed to go far beyond their individual $500 goal. Charles, Adam, Steve: you are the men amongst the boys. Everyone of course has done their bit, and we're thrilled to be able to reward their painstaking pogonotrophic efforts with fun t-shirts and a party.

Yes, a party. The Onion newspaper is helping 826 Valencia throw a bash for these 18 fabulous folks. Next Tuesday, June 5th, at 12 Galaxies, all are welcome to come meet our farmers in the flesh, to stroke their 'staches, and to judge for themselves who has the Frieda Kahlo and who the Che Guevara.

Until then, y'all, keep smiling. Because, afterall, the world is a fanstachestic place.

Simply click on your farmer's name to sponsor him or her!
826 Valencia is a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. For donations over $25, you'll receive the tax ID number by mail as the competition draws to a close.
THANK YOU!

Photos: Week Four

2007-05-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Growers: Notes from last night:
This is a game of two halves, and the second half has a bit of a way to go to beat the first.
There's no time left for thinking you'll cross that bridge when you come to it.
The grass (past the $500 line) really is greener.
We are looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Pimp your 'stache. Raise the cash.
There is no I in "team".

One week to go. We stand proud.

Sponsors: There is still time! Time to save some of these feckless (J.K.- B.F.F.!!) farmers from the doom and gloom of falling below their $500 goal. You are the watering can on their sunflower, the sun on their seedlings, the (100% organic) fertilzer on their crops. We've said it before and— because we think it sounds really good— we'll say it again: put your money where their mustache is!

Photos: Week Three

2007-05-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Growers: You guys... Just swell, just swell. We here at 826 Valencia apologize to those of you we doubted, initially, when we looked at you and thought "Nah, nice of you to offer but, um, never gonna happen." We were wrong, decidedly wrong. And what's most exciting of all is that each of your little furry friends seems to have developed a character all of its own. Some are outrageous: they'd get chucked out of a bar long before closing. Others are rather more demure, but with a hint, nevertheless, of something a little darker lurking underneath (and no— we are not talking burnt bagel crumbs.) We hope you are enjoying nurturing your 'stache as much as we are watching their weekly progress. Parenthood, hey— who knew? Who knew we'd feel so warm and fuzzy on the inside, while you lot get much warmer and fuzzier on the out.

This is special, guys. Really, really special.

Sponsors: these lads (and lady) are working Very Very hard on their follicles. As much as they are comforted by our emotional support ("YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! GO 'STACHE GO!"), what they're really after is your financial support. Help! So far 3 of our plucky farmers have reached their $500 goal. Others still have a way to go. Please put your money where their mustache is. Thank you!

Photos: Week Two

2007-05-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well well well... We are staggered/bowled over/stunned by how well our farmers' mustaches are "coming in." A few of these dashing lads (and lady) might even now claim to be "sporting" a stupendous 'stache. Last night, in a cab home, 826 Valencia plied the driver (an owner of a 20-year old mustache) with questions about his pogonotrophic life. Farmers, here is the summary of the interview - as inspiration to you all.

826 Valencia: How old were you when you decided to go for the upper-lip coverage?
Cab driver: Thirty-three
826 Valencia: Any regrets?
Cab driver: None. I am proud to sport a mustache.
826 Valencia: Ever get comments about your 'stache?
Cab driver: Yes. About once a month.
826 Valencia: What sort of things do people say?
Cab driver: "Great mustache."

So remember, what starts off as something "for the kids" might end up being something for life. Really - there are several of you on whom these little fuzzy slug things look scarily good, as we're sure sponsors will agree...

Photos: Week One

2007-05-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

In our (humble) opinion, we reckon that these here 'stache-farmers are turning out rather well. And occasionally creepy. And although we pride ourselves on our nurturing skills, we are grateful to each and everyone of you who have so far gazed, (giggled), and clicked on the website. Thanks to you, we've had donations pouring in, and we're thrilled to be well on our way to our target grand total of $10, 000. But we always knew the first week would be full of kindness and generosity, it's this second week that is crucial.

It's crucial not just for 826 Valencia, but for these, our fabulous farmers. Take pity on them, as they cultivate their bristling upper lip, as they are forced to brush aside cruel calls of "As if!" and "Never gonna happen, buddy!" with the cheerful explanation: It Is For The Kids.

In a recent study published in "Mustaches: The Exponential Effect of Charity", leading 'stache scientists maintain that the more money you can give, the more the follicles will grow, and the more they will sprout into handsome Fu-Manchus/Handlebars/Pencils.

Simply click on your farmer's name to sponsor him or her! Thank you!

Photos: Week Zero

2007-05-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

At long last—photos of our fabulous farmers are here for you to feast upon. Maybe you already have a favorite, or maybe you're going for the more spontaneous week-to-week approach—looking at follicle development, pose (and poise?) before deciding who you'll back. If you're having trouble deciding, you can learn about these folks by clicking on their individual album link below their photo. And remember, there are weekly prizes for our farmers in the following categories:
*Most money donated
*Most increase in donations since the previous week
*Most number of donations
So they'd be very grateful for any form of support.

Simply click on your farmer's name to sponsor him or her! Thank you

We're famous!

2007-05-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

Even before an official press release, word of these mustaches is spreading at follicular speed... The San Francisco Chronicle mentioned us in their gossip column, and the mammoth Blogger (our host here) even included us on their Blogs of Note for Wednesday May 2nd!

And as for the photos - the camera (and the world) clearly love these 'stached people. Ellen has had her album viewed over 400 times in less than two days, and most of our farmers have had over 100 people take a peek at their pogonotrophic progress.

Farmers: keep tending to those follicles. The world is watching...

Tips from the Top

2007-05-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

We asked our week one champ, Adam, to deliver some insightful words to his fellow farmers. Here is what he has to say:

As the Sir Edmund Hillary of this Mount Mustache competition, I have been asked to describe how I made my ascent to the Week 1 Base Camp so quickly. Before I do so, I must say I feel honored to be representing such a brash crew of follicular friends, and I can only hope that my advice in this column does not put me in the position of looking down my nose--and hairy lip--at my beloved comrades.

Though the mustache is a physical attribute, approaching strangers with your blooming facial hair might not attract them to the cause, per se. I know I wouldn't sponsor me if I was on the street asking me for money to sponsor mustache growth "for kids." So my advice is to go straight to email format. Just send a mass explanation/declaration to everyone you know and then ask them to pass it along to more people. You can even make it interactive by offering links and pictures. Find your own voice within this genre; I have found that a self-deprecating, yet optimistic tone solicits contributions. Despite the thin, pubescent appearance of my 'stache, I feel confident that this will continue to work for me (see that tone working?). With these ideas, go out 'stached associates, and create your own mustache media machine!

Forever unshaven,
Adam

Introducing the Farmers

2007-05-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

You wanted style and class, grace and good-looks. Well— we hunted this city high and low to find the most talented 'stache-farmers around. And (even though we say so ourselves) we think we've managed to find some of the hottest would-be hirsutes on the west coast.

So while we prep them, give them a beer and a little shoulder rub, tell them they can do it (o! yes they can!) and show them how to use the mustache comb, why don't you have a little look at these fine lads (and ladesses) in all their clean-shaven glory and decide which one you're going to back. Think of it as "America's Next Top 'Stache-Farmer" and get your fingers on those PayPal links...

CHRIS

Sponsor Chris here

Chris is 23 and hails from Kearney, Missouri. He just moved to San Francisco and is currently interning at McSweeney's. Chris is hoping his mustache will improve his poker face, but he'll take what he can get. He says about the contest: "Not shaving my upper lip is the least I can do for charity. Really."

* * *

TOM

Sponsor Tom here

In 1987, Richard Urwin embarked on a solemn task. Searching for a home for himself and his young family, he refused to shave his upper lip until the family was settled in a new home, firmly established in the middle of Middle England. Twenty years later I, his son, will carry on this tradition for equally worthy, equally arbitrary reasons. A displaced, misplaced English student of American literature with slightly pretentious tastes in music and a keen sense of the absurd, particularly regarding my own appearance, I aim to cultivate a lip-forest, or at least a lip-prairie, just to see if it can be done. And, like, to help the kids. Yes… The kids.

* * *

JEAN-CLAUDE

Sponsor Jean-Claude here

6 foot tall shooting guard. SF native. Father of a three-year old girl. Married to 826 Valencia head honcho and thus expecting massive favoritism when it comes time for prizes. Mustache experience is limited to the infrequent goatee. Never has he dared the solo mustache. Jean-Claude is nervous.

* * *

BUD
Sponsor Bud here

Hailing from "The State Of The Free", aka Georgia, Bud has been living and working in the Bay Area for the last four years. Initially a chef, and now head honcho at a salumeria (making pigs into prosciutto), he found out about this contest from his ladyfriend who is an intern at the veritable 826.

Bud has had a love affair with facial hair for the past decade. Sideburns, soul patch, fully-fledged beard - all have been sported in recent times. In fact the 'burns and the patch are currently "on face". Mustaches have had momentary outings, but only on private view in front of the mirror when a beard was being razored out of existence. This is the first time his 'stache will a) be made public and b) have a lifespan longer than a gadfly.

* * *

JOEL

Sponsor Joel here

Joel Gryniewski grows mustaches for money. It’s his calling.

The native Minnesotan sprouted his first ‘stache in 2004 as part of a hazing ritual for a Minneapolis ad agency. The hazing culminated when Joel was forced to put his prickly upper lip to work by operating a one-man kissing booth in a busy pedestrian mall. Charging “a nickel for a tickle,” Joel raked in a respectable $2.45 in just one hour—a testament to the universal appeal of a well-groomed soup-strainer.

Until he can support himself on mustache-related income alone, Joel is also a freelance writer.

* * *

ELLEN

Sponsor Ellen here

Ellen Goodenow is a writer/editor living in San Francisco. She has authored numerous educational books for children including titles such as the Golden Lamp-winning Place Value Mysteries and My Weather Journal. A proud graduate of Barnard College, her goal in joining the Mustache-a-Thon is to prove to young girls that a woman really can do anything a man can— if not better, then at least with terrific enthusiasm. She asks you to please give her some money!

* * *

ADAM

Sponsor Adam here

Adam is 22 and from suburban Chicago, Illinois. His facial hair can best be described as glorified peach fuzz. At the end of six weeks he hopes to have a French-artist-grade mustache. Adam is the McSweeney's/Believer/Wholphin Customer Service Rep. He is a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and has trouble digesting flour tortillas. He says about the contest: "Hi Mom, hi Dad."

* * *

NATE

Sponsor Nate here

Nate Embretson started growing facial hair at a very early age. Nate is very proud of the fact that he is a naturally hairy man, and that his early days of ‘follicle farming’ were met with wonder and awe by his peers. Nate grew his first facial formation at the tender age of 16, when he grew a Goat. This chin fur gave Nate the added confidence that helped him become the person he is today. After the Goat, Nate started experimenting with sideburns. He grew long sideburns, bushy sideburns, skinny, and fat sideburns. These “glory strips” as Nate liked to call them helped him meet new friends, and he soon graduated to more sophisticated forms. Nate's face has entertained beards, mutton chops, side-locks, and of course the elusive and prized mustache over the years. He is honored to be among the proud mustache wearers for the benefits of education at 826, and hopes that his participation will inspire others to do the same.

* * *

STEVE

Sponsor Steve here

Steve is 33 years old and has avoided all facial hair in his happy life (if you don't count crazy eyebrows). Born in Ohio, raised in VA, educated in NC. Steve has lived in Seattle, Boston, and now San Francisco. He spends his days trying to make PROTRADE.com the best it can be for sports fans. A sports-theme mustache may be in order.

* * *

EVAN

Sponsor Evan here

Hello lovers of the stache! The man you see before you's name is Evan Kinkel and he is a tutor at 826. Evan fancies a beard, but is ready to lose the chin action for a good cause. He has been training for this since puberty, and also has ordered a secret mustache serum from Germany to unleash in the final weeks, so beware! The "Rollie Fingers" is the style he is growing for. Evan recently saw the film "La Moustache" and is worried that even after the contest has ended he may not be able to give up his newly adorned upper lip.

* * *

JASON

Sponsor Jason here

Jason is a Bay Area native who spent his youth touring the globe in spandex jumpsuits as a downhill ski racer. As a result, he knows no shame. An architect by trade, Jason enjoys riding motorcycles and visiting aquariums in his spare time. He enhances each and every meal with a generous sprinkling of Tabasco. Yeow!

* * *

GRAHME

Sponsor Grahme here

Grahme Smith is a fat, hairy, science teacher living in the Mission. One of the happiest times of Grahme's life was when he grew out his stash and sat in a Speedo on the beaches of Brazil. Grahme in his banana yellow suit, enormous gut and Magnum P.I. stash was a thing of beauty. He is entering the Mustache-a-Thon to spread the word to today’s youth that mustaches, like literacy, are amazing things that when cultivated can bring great joy.

* * *

JON

Sponsor Jon here

Jonathan Perkins enjoys roaming and quantifying the desert landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, and looks forward to the companionship only a well-groomed mustache can provide on those lonesome nights under the big skies of the American Southwest.

A graduating senior at San Francisco State University, Jonathan will conclude his undergraduate academic career in high, mustachioed style. He prefers to think of it more as a new beginning, though, and enjoys speculating the many opportunities the adult world will provide for his newly-ornamented face.

* * *

RICK

Sponsor Rick here

Rick Corteville has been involved in professional mustache growing for the past 20 years. Raised by wolves in caves near the mountainous regions outside of Dresden, Germany, Rick learned the art of hair growing at a young age. After winning many amateur competitions, he broke into the professional scene when, in 1986, he carved the entire Bill of Rights into his mustache. This event is often recorded as one of the top 10 best hair growing projects in the continental United States. Forced out of the sport in 2001 due to a follicle steroid controversy, Rick is coming out of retirement to raise money for kids. Wish him luck!

* * *

Sponsor JB here

It took JB 5 years to achieve the perfect Mickey Spillane 5 o'clock shadow. JB is a calico by nature with red, amber & sandy blonde tones sprinkled about his person. JB is a proud Mill Valley Ex-Patriot & has lived the last 9 years in San Francisco's Richmond district where whiskey & movie theaters beckon. JB buys cheese as a Co-Owner of the Sunset district's famous Other Avenues Food Store (otheravenues.coop) .

* * *

CHARLES

Sponsor Charles here

Charles moved here from NYC 5 years ago and has patiently waited to explore his bohemian side. After spending a month in South America admiring how proudly the Argetine men carry their mustaches he has been looking for an excuse to grow one.

This fundraiser from 826 provides that opportunity, and—oh yeah—helps raise money for kids. It's really all about the kids.....so dig deep!

* * *

RHODES

Sponsor Rhodes here

Rhodes moved to Frisco to be a farmer: there were way too many in Pennsylvania to compete with. The Mustache-a-Thon is much more his cup of Jasmine tea than a marathon, since Rhodes prefers bikes to feet. Plus, his sister Metthea has always wanted him to grow a mustache, at times hosting mustache-parties as encouragement, with the smell of Sharpie markers lingering in the air. As the competition heats up, Rhodes hopes to maintain a stiff upper lip. In the true spirit of charity, he will also take bids from friends and family who want him to shave-- bring on the bets!

* * *

JEFF

Sponsor Jeff here

Jeff is a San Francisco native, salesman and sometime artist. He's not a big fan of books and doesn't care for kids at all, but he loves all things pirate so is doing his part to put the AARRRRRHH back in reading.

Why sponsor his 'stache? A straight, chubby, bald man living in San Francisco; growing a walrus mustache should be the last thing on his mind, but this competitor's composition, pure grit.

Donors

2007-05-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Named and glorified! A huge thanks to all of you who have so kindly sponsored our fabulous farmers. If it wasn't for you...

CHRIS

Sponsor Chris here

Casey McNellis
Annie Lindgren
Amity Horowitz
Jessica Stewart
Lesley Lambert
Kate Tripp
Mom
Julie Lindgren
Sarah Rutherford
Chandra Renteria
Chris Lindgren

* * *

TOM

Sponsor Tom here

Tracey Garwood
Paula Urwin
Betsy Peterson
Lovely anonymous friend!
Anna Burns
Tim Maytom
Allison Filice
Rebecca Rutt
Sally Byrne
Keith Morris
Sarah Colter
Mia Kama

* * *

JEAN-CLAUDE

Sponsor Jean-Claude here

Jeffrey Stewart
Sherie L'Heureux
Laurence Pelosi
Matthew Yeoman
June Jackson
Madhuri Pottahill
Eliot Merrill
Peter Emblad
Richard Wilson
Elisa Dumesnil
Gilliam Emblad
Scott Brubaker
Joshua Levenberg

* * *

BUD
Sponsor Bud here

Polly Wilson
Eugenie Howard-Johnston
Angela Huth
Sabrina Crewe
Graham Gallivan
Tim Rigby
Dan Foley
Thomas Cioletti
Claire Alcock
Dan Foley
Tim Rigby
Bridget Labus
James Howard Johnston
Christina Harrington
H. Benson
Charlotte Goldsmith
Marisa Perel

* * *

JOEL

Sponsor Joel here

Gina Gryniewski
Angela Hatcher
Randy Auslander
Nicholas Loonan
John Vipond
Chuck Weinblatt
Markus Resch
World of B
JC Crockett Jeffers
Lesley Forbes
Judy Gryniewski
Leif Knutson
Scott Peterson
Michelle Dickson
Kristen Roberts
Mike Ritter
Mike Rifte
Cindy Finla
Mark Lowe
Scott McFadden
Timothy Dickinson
Ryan Stotts
Andrew Guiteras
Christopher Berry
Jay Rendon
John Mikulenka

* * *

ELLEN

Sponsor Ellen here

Lauren Hall
Katy Orr
Jan Mark Leeman
Ron Goodenow
Max Ekstrom
Allison R Brandt
George Rivera
Lindsay Nelso
Anne Germanacos
Kristie Dahlia Home
Renata Sancken
Heather Simpson
Nicole Pollack
Raffaella Wilson
Johanna Lewis
Gillian Feiner
Jill Vanoncini
Carol Goodenow
Obadiah Greenberg
Erme Maula
Robert Rogers
Margot Miller
Julia LoFaso
Friendly Stranger at the Bar
Isabelle Le

* * *

ADAM

Sponsor Adam here

Chris McCarthy
Ronald Krefman
Daniel Krefman
Ron Feldman
Richard Seidel
Julia Cato
Terry Karsen
Jan Bohmer
Amber-Nicole Bird
Annie Lo
Onefootinfront
Alyssa Draper
Tamra Krefman
JG Hancock
Hilary Nitka
Tom Colinger
Scott Donais
Laurie Glenner
Marvin Rotter
Richard Seidel Sr
Karen Krefman
Michael Merritt
Scott Donais
Kathleen Bommer
Benjamin Taft
Joel Bateman
Katherine O' Doherty
Scott Schilling
Virgina Tata-Phillips
Jeff Glenner
Ronald Krefman
Teresa Beavers
Bradley Foss
Francis Bomher
Peter Winarsky

* * *

NATE

Sponsor Nate here

Deborah Embretson
Mark Loseth
His classmates!
Tulasi Johnson
James McCammon
Melissa Chamberlain
Kristin Lammi
Jayne Deis
Leah Ahles
Rachel Sivills
Brian Squillace
Brennan Murphy
Sarah Ahles
Craig Fladeboe
Michael Brezinski
Ben Smith
Laine Harrington
Joe Goggins
Courtney Good

* * *

STEVE

Sponsor Steve here

Mark Kamal
Brian Mead
Jeff Roodman
Wasiuddin Wahid
Martin Cagan
John Scott
Elizabeth Shafer
Teresa Hu
Desiree Pool
Kevin Roon
Fernando Padilla
Andrew Hoffman
Rachael Parsons
John Furbush
Owen Johnson
Eunice Lee An
Craig Shull
Dana Conneally
Rachael Parsons
Craig Shull
MyFantasyAdvisor.com
Susan McClelland
Simone Alpen
Sam McClellend
Andrew Hoffman
Brian Steele
Emily Arkin
Tricia Tang
Scott Walker
William Whitlow
Beth Shaferpo
M. Kerns
Fernando Padilla
Marc Hedahl
Michael McVey
Lucas Ruprecht
Nicholas Hoh
Mary Bentley
Michael Madick
Neumann Volker
Philip Grabner
Samuel Judd
Drew McGillivary

* * *

EVAN

Sponsor Evan here

Dara Perales
Jessica Orrell
Kristen Hogan
Robert Cuadra Jr
Edward Sharpless
Blaine Robichaud
Basma Rajper
Gregory Mann
Elizabeth Cruz
Joey Mateo

* * *

JASON

Sponsor Jason here

Leanne Vanderbyl
Amanda Linder
Ann Vanderbyl
Ryan Torres
Devon LaRussa
T. Brown Trust
G. Driscoll
Mates
Jason Torres
Ryan Torres

* * *

GRAHME

Sponsor Grahme here

Sharyn Gantt
Lisa Bounds
Heather Petersen
Jeanette LaFors
Sarah Williams
Catherine Winship
Kari Williams
Allison Howard
Julia Prebilich
Timothy Enstice (Message: That 'stache better be a hairy animal)
Alex Algones
Margaret Smith
Kristin Russo
Rachel Eaton
Timothy McCall
Ghita Harris-Newton
Leslie Uptain
Sarah Collick
Naomi Kellar
Mathew Sherman
Phiroz Austin
Sujata Ganpule
Abby Benedetto
Lauren Patti

* * *

JON

Sponsor Jon here

Karen Grove
Alan Perkins
Aretz Rosner
Joel Scheingross
Eric Lentz Gauthier
Laurel Sousa
Deborah Roquet
Kevin Williams
Carolyn Domrose
Michael B Perkins
Michael Travis
Kevin Williams
Theresa Hoyt
Emily Sousa
Stephen Provencia
Betty Sousa
Jonathan Polly
Skye Corbett
Marine Zangeneh-Azam
Katherine Roquet
Ellen McCoy
Christopher Perkins

* * *

RICK

Sponsor Rick here

Lee Kieran
William Robb
Dan Henig
Jennifer Corteville
Greg Berman
Richard Meskill
Kathryn Higgins
Katia Dimitrova
James Schrader
Melissa Marron
Chris Portella
Emily McInerney
Jay Seideman
Tim Glacomino
Kimberly Spiegelberg
Rick Corteville
Elizabeth Tsai
James Piper

* * *

Sponsor JB here

Barlee Rumburg
Tulasi Johnson
Juliett Chi
Brennan Murphy
Michael Brezinski

* * *

CHARLES

Sponsor Charles here

Stephen Dodson
Catherine O'Conor
Kathleen Ruiz-Healy
Vanessa Schwartz
Eric Hankinson
Elizabeth Sperry
Cheri Whitehead
Mark Clancy
Ede Ziemathis
Charles F Cook
Patricia Barrigan
David Marc Yelton
Pierson Bourquin
Shauna Swartz
Suzanne Lightstone
Diana Liu
Jessica Andre
Eric Ayala
Jennifer Rollerson
Mark Sugarman
Jeff Camp
Lara Fellin
Michele Hule
Margaret Orendain-Goodloe
Daniel S Weeks
Marcie Lowe
Erme Maula
Michael Enfield
Wallace Lee
Katherine Cook
Lora Tomova
Tracey Parker
Frederick Schnider
Kathleen Wilcox
Yvette Harrington
Lisa Gardner
Jonathan Monetti
Sarah Hedges
M. Catherine O'Conor
Matthew Besgen
Shawn Pearce
Tracy Solomon
Amy Lesnick
John Keller
Daniel Loflin

* * *

RHODES

Sponsor Rhodes here

Keren Kama
Julie Glantz
Metthea Yepsen
Avi Klein
People at work!
Amy Sheif
Nancy Ganner
Nicole Shankey
People at work again!
People at work yet again!
Olivia Verdugo

* * *

JEFF

Sponsor Jeff here

Jeffery Elliott
Natalie Nevard
James D Kirkham
Justine Elliott
Michael Schulman
Herbert Elliott
Madhuri Pottahil
Lauren Weeman
Amy Love
Brian Bowen
Hillary Read

Mustache-a-What?

2007-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Have you been staying up late nights, wondering “How can I help more kids? Why aren’t more handsome folks cultivating mustaches this spring? Am I the only person in the world who has these two thoughts consecutively?” No, no you are not. 826 Valencia has exactly the same thought pattern as you. Beginning in April and running through May we’re hosting our first ever Mustache-a-Thon.

Here’s how it works. The 'stache-farmers start off clean-shaven. Then, over six weeks, they carefully tend to their emerging mustache, meeting at a neighborhood bar once a week to show us how they’re doing, and to swap tips on waxing ends and whether metal or plastic combs work best. We will take weekly photographs to add to our online library of the 'stache-stages. At the same time, they find wonderful people to sponsor them for farming their follicles. That can be done either by handing (wads of) cash directly into their hands, or by clicking on the PayPal links below their weekly pictures that you'll see here. Easy! Finally, the winners for various categories will be announced at the end of the sixth week.

Can't grow, won't grow?

Worry not – you can still take part in our hirsute pursuits. 826 Valencia and the 'stache-farmers need your support. Please.
1. Browse this website, find your favorite 'stache-farmer, track their progress, and sponsor them online!
2. Encourage one of your loved ones to dabble in the art of pogonotrophy (the cultivation of facial hair) for our cause.
3. Tell all your friends. Send them links and information. Let’s make this a mustachio-ed movement of marvelous minds on a grand scale. Or something.

Why $500?

Here are some examples of what $500 could do to help 826 Valencia's mission...

*Sponsor a neighborhood student for half a year of drop-in tutoring
*Help 16 students experience our famous Storytelling & Bookmaking field trip
*Send five to seven volunteers into a local classroom for an hour to support a teacher and work one-on-one with students on their writing
*Allow seven students to attend a two-hour writing workshop session on anything from journalism to cartooning
*Buy 25 new chairs for our writing lab
*Send one of our staff members to Seattle for our annual staff retreat to exchange ideas and best practices with folks who work at other 826 chapters nationwide
*Provide t-shirts for 75 volunteers to build spirit and morale

Info for Farmers

2007-05-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend of 826,

Have you been staying up late nights, wondering, “How can I help more kids? How can I update my look? How can I keep my upper lip warm and conceal that weird mole under my nose?” Well, wonder no more. 826 has the answer. We’re hosting our first ever Mustache-a-thon, and we’re thrilled that you, a pioneer of follicle-farming, are keen to participate.

Here’s how it’ll work: you’ll stop shaving for six weeks. Each week, we’ll gather at a Mission bar to ply you with free beer and take pictures of your progress. We’ll post your picture on a website with a Paypal link where folks can sponsor your mustache’s growth. We’ll also provide all the materials you’ll need to ask friends and family to sponsor you too.

The growing will take place from April 23rd – June 1st. That way, you’ll have time to shave the thing off before you have to go to your sister’s graduation. Or don’t! How handsome you’ll look!

Are you in? Of course you are. You won’t have to shave for six whole weeks. You’ll save thousands on shaving cream and razors (approximately). And, if you’re like us, this provides the excuse to grow the mustache you’ve longed for lo these many years. You’ll get to join the proud brotherhood that includes Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds, as well as Marcel Proust and John Steinbeck. And you’ll raise tons of money for a great cause doing it.

Answers to your Mustache-a-thon FAQs are below. For more information, or to sign up, simply email us. It’s going to be the most fun ever, and we sure hope you’ll join in.

1. How, exactly, does my not shaving raise money?
It’s simple: friends, family, and curious strangers sponsor you to let your mustache grow in for six weeks. We’re setting the bar at (a minimum of!) $500 per stache. This will be a piece of cake. Surely, you know 20 people who’d pay $25 each to see you with a mighty ’70s-style mustache. To make the fundraising easier, we’ll be posting your picture on a weblog with a Paypal link.

2. Will I be ridiculed?
No. You will be a hero. The funds raised by your participation in the 826 Mustache-a-thon will benefit thousands of Bay Area students, so wear that ’stache with pride. We’ll provide you with “Ask me about my mustache” informational cards and buttons you can pass out to scoffers, potential donors and curious lookylous.

3. I want to participate, but I’m not sure my facial hair is up to the challenge. It comes in all patchy. I look like the bassist in a really bad high school band. Am I wrong to be embarrassed by this?
Yes. You’re very wrong. The natural mustache is beautiful, however it chooses to come in. And besides, patchy mustaches are very attractive. Trust us. High school band bassists have to fight the girls off, and you will too.

4. What will the money that I raise be used for?
Well - a bunch of stuff. The main thing is to help us continue with our free programming for students here in the Mission. Precisely how we can do that is listed on the "What $500 can do" post!

5. Sure thing! I'm in! What do I need to do now?
Email us! mustaches@826valencia.com . We'll get back to you shortly. And in the meantime, start massaging your upper lip and start taking your Vitamin E supplements...

MUSTACHE-A-THON RULES!

1. The Growing Season
Mustache-growing will take place from April 23rd till June 1st. Entrants will start with a clean shave and their progress will be documented in weekly photo sessions. The competition will conclude with a pageant and the giving of prizes. After June 1st entrants are free to do what they wish with their facial hair, but are strongly discouraged from selling the clippings on eBay, unless for charity; or for giving the clippings to unrequited loves.

2. Proxies
All mustache growers must grow their own mustaches. Proxies and surrogates are strictly prohibited.

3. Performance-Enhancing Drugs
The application of Rogaine, Miracle-Gro, or fancy imported placenta creams is prohibited. Hoof n’ mane creams are permitted but frowned upon. Vitamins, however, are encouraged, as good nutrition is just common sense.

4. Extensions
Mustache farmers may not supplement their facial hair with extensions (human-hair or artificial) or theatrical makeup of any kind.

5. Other Facial Hair Formations
Mustache farmers are to grow mustaches only. Those interested in growing beards, goatees, soul patches or mutton chops should enter Beard-a-thons, Goatee-a-thons, Soul-patch-a-thons or Mutton-chop-a-thons, respectively. Some stubble is acceptable. Eyebrows are exempt from all Mustache-a-thon rules.

6. Styling Products
The use of waxes, mustache mousses, and gels is permitted. Dyes are not encouraged but are not grounds for disqualification; however, we warn you that the use of “Sun-In” can rarely be justified.

7. Artistry
All mustache formations—including handlebar, Fu Manchu, wispy teenage peach fuzz, and the feminine “Lady ’Stache”—are permitted, though some styles are certainly more favored than others. Entrants are advised that they will be judged.

8. Ornamentation
Do not braid your mustache hair. While not grounds for disqualification, it is certainly grounds for ridicule. Under no circumstances should you ornament your mustache with one of those hair wrap thingies with a shell hanging off it, even if not for aesthetic reasons, then for the potential physical side-effect of permanent stretch marks on your upper lip. Mustache jewelry is permitted, but will not earn you any extra points.

That Mustache Feeling...

2007-05-01T09:00:00.000-07:00