‘Tis the season…to sport a mustache. Now that Breast Cancer Awareness month is behind us it’s time to embrace the hairiest month of the year: Movember (mustache + November, get it?).
You’ve probably noticed your once clean-shaven fathers, classmates, professors and even that cute hipster barista at Starbucks flaunting a prickly mustache lately, all in the fight to change the face of men’s health (See what I did there?).
However, what many believe to be a funny mustache-growing competition between men is an act to help raise both money and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer around the globe and right here in Austin.
So how exactly does a mustache help fight against cancer?
The international Movember movement challenges men to change their physical appearance by committing to grow a mustache for the entire month of November. The mustache then becomes a symbol for men’s health and a means to spark a conversation and subsequently raise awareness (and funds) regarding cancers that affect men.
Although December is right around the corner, (who’s excited for 25 Days of Christmas to start?), there are still fun Movember events for Austinites to participate in.
Tuesday, Movember Austin had its Million Mo March as a last hoorah for Movember. At noon, Movember Austin volunteers and supporters walked or ran one lap around the Texas State Capitol in the annual charity event to raise funds benefiting The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG.
On Wednesday, The HandleBar hosted their last “SoCo and Mo Happy Hour” from 6-9 p.m. A donation was made to the national Movember organization with every SoCo drink purchased. Drinks and a good cause, what more could you ask for?
On Friday, the official Movember Austin Gala Parté will be held at Emo’s to celebrate the month-long campaign from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are required for attendance.
And lastly, the final Movember party will be held December 1st at the Bungalow on Rainey Street. Raffles, shave-downs and a silent auction will be held.
Even if you don’t or can’t grow a mustache– ladies I’m looking at you– you’re welcome to show your support at all of these Austin events. Show your man or the men in your life you care and help them talk about their health.