The 'stache is back

Just about a year ago, 25 daring Milwaukee men grew their first mustaches.

For 54 long and humiliating days, they were chastised by their families, friends and the fairer sex. What resulted was a surprise to many, included most who were involved. These silly looking dudes raised $10,000 for to the Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Fund under the guise of Mustaches for Milwaukee. That is how things started … now it is time for the next chapter.

In short, the 'stache is back. Mustaches for Milwaukee will kick off 30 days of charitable mustache growth on Thursday, April 10, at Fitzgibbon's Pub 1127 N. Water St. Party goers will be treated to free beer from Sprecher and of course, a stylish mustache t-shirt. All we ask is for a $5 donation at the door.

This year, the concept is the same: Not a beard, goatee or anything that will make your friends envy you. We are bringing back the non-ironic mustache, and we need your help. You will look like a '70s porn star, assistant basketball coach, cop or even your dad. And we promise you'll love it.

"The success of Mustaches for Milwaukee surprised many of us involved," says co-creator Jason Parry. "While we thought the novelty of the event would spark a bit of interest, we didn't expect to have the means to make such a sizable contribution to the Child Abuse Prevention Fund.

"Now we find ourselves in a dubious situation -- build on the novelty and success of the first installment of Mustaches for Milwaukee while at the same time keeping it interesting for everyone involved. It won't by easy, but I can guarantee it will be a lot of fun."

There are a couple of key differences with this year's event. For starters, the growth period has been cut from 54 days to a mere 30. While the mustaches may not be as thick, the abbreviated incubation period has already drawn rave reviews from several potential mustache growers.

"The amount of time spent nurturing their mustaches was a topic of conversation amongst last year's participants," said charity co-creator and co-owner of OnMilwaukee.com, Andy Tarnoff. "People were excited to be participating in the cause, but we all began to grow tired of the 'stache as we entered the second month."

On top of that, the bounty has become even more plentiful. Concert tickets, restaurant gift certificates and autographed sports memorabilia have all returned with a pair of tickets on Midwest Airlines going to the 'stache with the most cash. Needless to say, the stakes have gone up.

"We wanted to continue to offer a wide array of prizes as it had a direct impact on the competition that existed amongst last year's participants," said Parry. "These are some competitive mustached men."

As if you needed more, there have been some additions to the home of Mustaches for Milwaukee -- mustaches.onmilwaukee.com. For example, you can play "Mustache-tris." Take the Nintendo standby Tetris and add a pinch of 'stache. Mustache fun for all ages.

Join philanthropic Milwaukeeans and grow your first (or second) mustache. Tell your friend, brother or cubicle partner -- Mustaches for Milwaukee is back for 30 days of mustache growing hijinks.