A dedicated group of Ferris State University men are ready to get scruffy as part
of Mustache March to support the local Women’s Information Service Inc.
Participants in the month long mustache growing and grooming competition will be judged Tuesday, March 29 in Ferris’ Rankin Student Center Dome Room. The judging commences at 7:30 p.m. The top three students with the best mustaches will receive prizes.
“I think the competition will help draw awareness to WISE and the programs they do. We hope to increase awareness and show the campus community that students do care about programs Big Rapids has to offer,” said Matt Valleau, one of the event’s lead organizers and a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, the organization running the competition.
Phi Sigma Kappa plans to donate the money raised to WISE to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Mecosta, Osceola and Newaygo counties.
Currently, there are 10 students supporting the “stache” and Valleau hopes to have an official count of 25 after collecting dues. Participants were required to pay a $3 entry fee and be clean shaven on Feb. 28. The hair-growing rivalry commenced March 1 at midnight.
Valleau, a native of Traverse City, came up with the event as a continuation for the No Shave November crowd. He also plans to participate in the event. Valleau noted that male and female students can support the event through the purchase of buttons and fake mustaches for $1.
“It’s a great way to show support for WISE and encourage others to participate,” he said.
People who attend the judging will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite mustache, by placing dollar bills in the buckets in front of the participants.
The students with the most money in their buckets will receive gift cards from local businesses, new razors and shaving cream.
The participants will be growing a mustache or all facial hair. Mustache March tables will promote awareness around campus beginning March 16 in the Rankin Center Atrium.