Dunkirk resident Joe Gould is looking to bring back the mustache with his Team Mullet Cup to support an important cause.
"Movember is about bringing back the mustache for the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men's health. It's about having some fun for a very serious cause," Gould said about the team he set up to raise awareness about men's health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer programs and awareness initiatives.
Gould said his interest in Movember began several years ago. "I have had interest in setting up this event for the past few years. A few years back, I was curious as to why most of the players in the NHL were growing mustaches. After a little online investigating, I realized they were growing them for Movember," he explained.
According to the website www.movember.com, "Movember is a global movement, helping to change the face of men's health, not only by raising vital funds but also by improving awareness of health issues affecting men. With funds raised, Movember's men's health partners around the world are implementing world-class awareness, education, survivorship and research programs."
Team members, called "Mo Bros" will grow mustaches during November, and solicit sponsorship from others in their mustache-growing efforts. At the end of the month, "Mo Bros" and their "Mo Sistahs" host a celebration or join in one of many Movember-sponsored parties held worldwide. "Mo Bros" start Nov. 1 clean-shaven and have 30 days to grow their mustache, or "mo" and raise money. Participants are encouraged to be creative in their mustache styling, and recognized styles such as the box car, the rock star, the connoisseur or the wisp.
Fund generated are donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG Foundation.
The interest in setting up a team for Movember recently became personal for Gould. "What really got the ball rolling this year was the recent diagnosis of prostate cancer to one of my pond hockey teammates from Chicago," Gould said. "Every year I play in the USA Hockey Pond Hockey National Championships in Eagle River, Wisconson. The Mullet Cup, the inspiration of our team name, is our own personalized Pond Hockey trophy that has become a bit bit of a icon," he said.
Gould said he wanted to help but being eight hours away from Chicago posed practical problems, but he quickly remembered Movember from watching NHL athletes. He decided to take action when he thought of "close friends and family who have had scares of being diagnosed with prostate cancer over the past year ... (and) a few friends who have successfully beat prostate cancer in the past few years."
Gould said his team has six official "Mo Bros" signed up, and at least 10 others have committed to our team. He said some members are local while others are in Chicago and New York City. "My goal is to raise $1,000, with each member donating or raising $20 each. ... Since Movember doesn't officially start until November 1st, we still have plenty of time to get teammates to sign up!" Gould told the OBSERVER.
According to Movember's website, "Mo Bros" and "Mo Sistahs" bring awareness to their communities by "effectively become walking, talking billboards for the month of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issues of men's health."
Gould's team name is Team Mullet Cup, and can be supported by visiting us.movember.com/team/510633
On Nov. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Coughlans Pub in Fredonia, Gould has organized a "Shave the Date" Movember kick-off party. He said, "The idea of the party is to show up, clean-shaven, and begin Movember!" Participants can register for the team at the event and receive information on Movember. Wristbands will be handed out, along with "mo" style guides and other information.
Anyone who wants to participate but cannot attend the kick-off party can become a member of Team Mullet Cup by registering at us.movember.com/team/510633.
Gould said donations can also be made at the website. "You can make a tax deductible donation to the overall team, or if you know of a 'Mo Bro' or 'Mo Sista,' you can donate directly to them." Gould said those who donate will receive a form to complete for tax returns.
On Saturday Dec. 1, Team Mullet Cup will return to Coughlan's Pub at 7 p.m. for the official Team Mullet Cup Mo Party. Gould says details aren't entirely worked out, but will include drink specials, food and music. "This party has actually been approved by the national Movember and Sons organization out of California," he said. Potential prizes that will be given out that night for Man of Movember, Miss Movember and other categories for participants.
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