Movember is wrapping up at St.Thomas University as participants are dusting off their razors, and the girls are coming out of hiding.
Although we tend to forget what those magnificent moustaches walking around campus are all about, this Movember STU saw more participants and funds raised than in previous years.
“Participation has increased. There are more and more females becoming aware of the cause and a lot more men seem to be sporting the ‘stache this year,” said STU student’s athletic association co-president, Rosalynn Alessi.
Movember has become a worldwide fundraising campaign to gain awareness for prostate cancer. Last year over $302 million was raised to support the cause.
STUSU representative at-large, Jonathan Munn, represents the off-campus team and he says the most important aspect is raising awareness across campus, and the fundraising comes second.
“The way fundraising teams work is that you need to first get a team together, if you can do that then it becomes easy to fundraise,” said Munn.
Participation grew significantly among first years as well, with the help of residence-organized teams.
“There are more first years than there ever has been. They are more eager to participate and grow a moustache for a good cause” said Munn.
Luke Robertson, residence advisor in Harrington Hall, says their team came up with some interesting ways to raise money for Movember.
“Say if somebody locks themselves out of the room before 8 p.m., we ask for a dollar or any change they have and that goes towards Movember. We have about 40 or 50 dollars just from that,” said Roberston.
Harrington also raffled off hoodies and held a house party with funds going towards Movember. In total Roberston says the house raised over $350.
Alessi says the real source of fundraising comes from the annual Movember gala.
“Last year we raised about $2,100 and we are expecting to make about that again this year. So far we have raised over $1,000 but our major fundraising event is the gala itself,” said Alessi.
This is the third annual Movember gala, which has traditionally been hosted at the Hilltop Bar. This year, the event was moved to Nicky Zees in the newly renovated Lava Lounge.
“That night cover charge will be $6, with $3 being donated to Movember as well as $1 from every drink purchased that night.”
The event was the perfect way to show off the moustaches, and enjoy a live DJ, all while supporting and raising awareness. The event also had several prizes being won throughout the night, including Man of Movember, Miss Movember and a $200 door prize.
