By Amelia Kibbe
Staff Writer
Keep calm and mustache on! This month, St. Bonaventure University will be participating in “Movember 2013.” This is the second year Bonaventure has taken part in the month-long event, and the goals for this year are twice as high.
The idea of “Movember” is simple. In order to raise donations for prostate and testicular cancer research and spread awareness about men’s health issues, participants are asked to join a team and grow a mustache.
Both men and women are encouraged to participate in this year’s event. Women who participate have their own nickname, MoSistas, just as the men have theirs, MoBros. Team MoBonas will appreciate any kind of mustache, real or the finger variety.
At Bonaventure, “Movember” is dedicated to Jeff Peterson, who died last February after a battle with cancer. Peterson served as a professor of finance for 29 years and as chair of the Department of Finance for 16 years.
David Hilmey, associate professor of chemistry, said he is excited for this event. As the captain of last year’s team, Hilmey played a crucial part in raising more than $2,000 for research. After such a success, Hilmey said he has high hopes for this year.
“As of right now, we have doubled our team from last year, and our goal is to raise over $5,000 and to get as many mustaches on campus as possible, ” Hilmey said.
Hilmey said he believes “Movember” is more than just raising money. He hopes this program will also raise awareness for men’s health in general.
“Men often do not like to talk about health issues, and going to the doctor or describing health problems is not easy for them,” Hilmey said. “We want to raise awareness for these issues and get students to talk with their families and friends to start the conversation.”
Another leader of “Movember” is Brother Kevin Kriso, O.F.M. Along with Hilmey, Brother Kevin said he is looking forward to a successful month of fundraising. He believes the idea puts a fun twist on something very serious and important.
“Movember is a fun idea,” Brother Kevin said. “It’s a quirky, positive look at something that is usually such a dark subject. Growing mustaches to support men’s health is not only effective, it also puts a smile on people’s faces.”
Brother Kevin also said he loves the feeling of community “Movember” inspires.
“This is such a good plan because it is so easy to get involved,” said Brother Kevin. “In fact, we even have a member of the community who is willing to add a $1,000 to our total as long as we beat last year’s amount. It’s a great incentive.”
As for their great leadership abilities, Brother Kevin said he thinks it has to do with the fact that he and Hilmey decided to grow mustaches at the same time, without knowing of the other’s plan.
“About three years ago, Hilmey and I both grew mustaches,” said Brother Kevin. “We found it very ironic and thought it would be great if we could make something special out of a fun thing we decided to try. Team MoBonas is the result.”
Senior chemistry major Nick Turgeon said he believes something as simple as growing a mustache can really make a difference. He said the fact that this event honors Peterson makes it extra special, and he hopes it will encourage participation.
“Our cause will prevent events like (Peterson’s passing), and that is what we hope to accomplish,” Turgeon said. “We urge all people to donate to our cause, ask the men in their life to get their health checked, and even join our team, MoBonas2013.”
To sign up for Movember 2013, visit either the MoBonas website or Facebook, and join to support the cause.
As the website says, “Grow a mo, do some good.”
