Bearduary: Hirsute for Noble Pursuits

As winter sets in and we brace ourselves for the coldest days of the year, we begin contemplating one of our favorite topics here at Peep: male grooming.

It’s that time of year, when men start to grow beards…and we can’t help but stare. At Peep, we’re fans of all things masculine. Over the years we’ve sponsored screenings of the Glorius Mustache Challenge, attended Movember, and most recently became advocates of Bearduary.

2009 brings much talk of positivity and good ideas that inspire change. We can’t think of a better way to do good and show off one’s sense of humor than by participating in Bearduary. What is it all about you ask? – Answer: it’s about growing facial hair for good causes.

We spoke with the founders of Bearduary, Chris Rubino and Sean Donnelly, to get the full scoop. They explained that the concept behind Bearduary is quite simple: “in times of inclement weather when the wind bites and snarls and the sun sets before the start of happy hour, a true gentleman grows a beard”. As the Bearduary web site explains, lesser men with smooth, soft skin risk succumbing to these harsh conditions or worse yet, completely abandoning their moral fortitude by giving into the temptation of corporate culture’s castrating comforts in the form of sweatshop ski masks and mufflers when alas, the undeniable solution lies just below their noses, literally. Bearduary asks men to celebrate their gift of follicle virility.
A little history on things male and hairy:

Movember raised money and awareness for men’s health issues in November. Overall men lack awareness about the very real health issues they face. Many feel they have to be tough – “a real man” – and are reluctant to see a doctor about an illness or to schedule regular medical check ups. The aim of Movember is to change these attitudes and make men’s health fun by putting the “Mo” back on the face of American men while raising funds for the number one men’s health issue, prostate cancer. Since its inception, Movember has raised over $24 million USD.

Luckily, it is not too late to get involved with beard growth for a cause. Bearduary calls for growth to begin on the dawn of the New Year, or thereabouts. How participants choose to sculpt beards is left entirely to each’s own choosing. The event culminates in a ribald night of revelry at the end of February.

Last year’s beneficiaries were Operational Smile and The Muscular Dystrophy Parents Project. This year each group is allowed to raise money for a charity that has meaning to them. Chris and Sean are currently raising money for CurePSP. Participants have selected a diverse set of beneficiaries including, Homes for our Troops, Sustainable South Bronx, and the American Diabetes Association.

Sean claims the movement has grown organically and is thrilled with the exponential rise in participation this year. They even appeared on the Today Show recently. So embrace the winter with the emergence of a beard and help Bearduary’s fourth year be its best ever.

-Contributed by Peep Insights