They came dressed as 1970s TV anchormen, Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz, and Mike Ditka, among others. Some looked snazzy and sophisticated; others—well—slightly scary.  But all 30 men who gathered to present a check for $30,661.50 to Children’s National Medical Center on Dec. 11, 2008, had one thing in common -- hair on their upper lip. It was all part of the ‘Stache Bash, an annual event that challenges men to grow mustaches and collecting money for charity from family and friends.

Why do they do it?  As they explain on the Mustaches for Kids website:

“We realize that braving the streets with a fledgling mustache can be every bit as physically and emotionally taxing as training for a marathon or any other pledge-sponsored fundraiser. And so we ask you to do two things: let your upper-lip hairs grow free for one month, and seek donations from friends, family, and hecklers for doing so, with all proceeds going to Children’s.”

At the ‘Stache Bash on Dec. 11, they gathered to admire each others efforts, award prizes for the best costume and most money raised, and to see who looked best with a beer mustache.  See their photos, and find out how you can join in next year--if you dare.

Learn how to plan your own event, or contact Liza Tanner by email.