Sophomores Alex Belman and Kenny Ness promote the“Beards for Boobs” event to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. (Beards for Boobs | The Miami Student)
The month-long beard-growing competition commonly known as "No Shave November" is being redefined by Miami University sophomores Alex Belman and Kenny Ness, who will ignore their razors for a purpose other than growing the most impressive scruff; they plan to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.
After Belman and Ness combined National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and "No Shave November," the campaign they named "Beards for Boobs" was born.
Gaining national popularity over the past few years, "No Shave November" is a whole month dedicated to men growing out their facial hair. Through Belman's and Ness' event, men will now raise money for breast cancer for not shaving during November.
"Guys who decide to participate grow out beards for the month of November while receiving donations from family and friends in order to raise money and awareness for breast cancer," Belman said.
According to Belman and Ness, the fundraisers inception was held last year and went really well, but they hoped to expand it even more. More students became interested in being a part of "Beards for Boobs" after Belman and Ness presented their idea to their fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike).
"We're looking forward to this year because 'Beards for Boobs' has already grown so much in just the first year," Ness said.
The amount of success and involvement from last year's event has increased expectations for the second year of "Beards for Boobs" at Miami, according to Belman.
"We raised $2,500 last year and we've almost made that much with just T-shirt sales alone [this year]," Ness said. "We have over 300 orders as of right now. This year, we have a goal of $10,000, which I think we can accomplish."
According to President of Pike senior Pat Ryan, the main source of participation includes both fraternities and sororities. Since many Greek organizations are interested in the "Beards for Boobs" campaign, they have the potential to raise a lot of money for Susan G. Komen, which is the largest breast cancer organization in the United States.
"Sororities will sponsor and pair up with fraternities to help raise money for the cause," Ryan said. "Hopefully we'll have a social at the end and have a prize for the team the raises the most money."
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However, "Beards for Boobs" is not strictly a Greek event. According to Belman, anystudent can get involved by ordering a T-shirt, donating money online to Susan G. Komen foundation online under the "Beards for Boobs" team at Miami or forming a team
According to Belman, "Beards for Boobs" is an event that only Miami holds. However, participation has quickly grown around campus, and he hopes to expand the event to other college campuses.
"Even though it's not a nation-wide event, I hope it grows so more and more people can get involved, not just at Miami," Belman said.
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