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Blue Ridge CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is launching its first “Mustaches for Kids” (M4K) fundraiser, a fun and creative campaign aimed at raising funds to support abused and neglected children in the community.
“This initiative is a unique way for men to come together, engage in friendly competition, win great prizes, and make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children,” said Sherri McKinney-Frantz, CEO of Blue Ridge CASA, which serves the Rockbridge area.
Throughout the month of November, men are encouraged to grow mustaches and seek sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues. The funds raised from this campaign will directly benefit Blue Ridge CASA’s mission to provide trained volunteers who advocate for the best interest of children in the foster care system.
“We believe in the power of our community to make a difference in the lives of children who have experienced trauma and adversity,” said McKinney-Frantz. “M4K not only raises essential funds but also raises awareness about the critical need for advocates to ensure these children have a voice in court.”
She noted that in the Rockbridge area, Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman, local entertainer Mark Cline, long-time farmer Reid Mackey, Virginia Military Institute economics professor Sam Allen are among those who have already agreed to participate. Rockbridge Barbell is also planning to field a team.
Here’s how others can get involved: 1. Grow your mustache. Register as a grower at www. m4kblueridge.org, then grow your mustache throughout the month of November.
2. Seek sponsorships. Reach out to your network and ask for sponsorships from family, friends and colleagues to support your mustache-growing efforts. (CASA provide all the tools you need.)
3. Share your progress. Share your mustache-growing journey on social media using the hashtag #M4KBlueRidge and tag @BlueRidgeCASA.
4. Donate. If you’d like to support the cause but can’t participate in growing a mustache, you can make a donation on the website at www.blueridgecasa.org.
5. Participate in M4K events. Throughout the month of November, CASA will host events designed to bring growers together and facilitate camaraderie. On Nov. 1, CASA will host launch events so growers can network and discuss their mustache-growing journeys. All growers and sponsors will be invited to a Stache Bash on Dec. 1, where CASA will recognize the award-winners and unite in the commitment to making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children in our community. (Lexington events will be held at Devils Backbone.)
For more information about M4K, visit www.m4kblueridge. org or contact Chelsey Hughes at chelsey@blueridgecasa. org or Rosanne Facciolo at rtfacci@gmail. com.
