“Wake me up, when Movember ends…” at least, that’s what was sorta in my mind this year, borrowing from the GREEN DAY song that says “September” while swapping in “Movember.” A “second year Mobro,” I once more grew a mustache (or moustache for extra-hipster style) in an effort to help raise funds and awareness to combat men’s health issues, with mental health of particular interest to me. This year, my campaign was generously-powered by Panasonic & Neutrogena, who partnered with me to draw attention to my cause. Through our #ShaveOff promotion, reader Lacey Burd scored a fantastic prize pack that included the PANASONIC ES-RT77-S Arc3 Wet/Dry Shaver and a full suite of shaving essentials from Neutrogena with a few other goodies thrown in. While it was all in good fun and got some people talking, this year’s fundraising efforts largely fell flat, causing me to start questioning my approach for next year.
My grand total this year was a mere $53 dollars, with $50 of it coming from longtime supporter of the site Liza Dier, who is also a second-year donor (THANK YOU, LIZA!). Meanwhile, the team of Dads I was running with raised a combined $8,553 – which I believe is less than 50% of what we pulled in last year. Out of 63 members, only 28 actually had donations, while 35 members raised $0. Overall, it felt like the Nationwide enthusiasm for Movember just wasn’t there this year, and even my wife pointed out that “last year Movember was everywhere,” and this year it barely registered as a blip on the radar. Locally, I didn’t hear it mentioned in any media coverage at all.
Admittedly, my own enthusiasm was lacking as well, and I shaved my ‘stache four days early. I’ve never liked having a mustache personally, opting for the 8″+ goatee instead, but I think the real reason for Movember being lackluster in 2014 is that people are being spread too thin.
After some huge success in supporting the efforts of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in August, the WWE’s partnership with Susan G. Komen in October, and then rolling into November when people are getting hit with Movember, No Shave November, St. Jude’s Thanks & Giving, and more.
In fact, tomorrow is #GivingTuesday, and I encourage all of you to give what you can to a worthy organization in the spirit of the season. The best thing about the end of Movember for me? My freshly-shaven face looks pretty good, but I got to start December by doing some giving of my own, delivering holiday gifts for families in need (stay tuned)…
Do you have any thoughts on the Movember movement?
