Central Middle School gets into the spirit of “No-Shave November” with a unique fundraising idea

To help donate, the faculty encourages parents to send cash donations to the school with their children

November is the month of Thanksgiving, holiday festivities and — beards? At least that’s what the faculty at Haddonfield Central Middle School will be sporting this month. Facial hair has been all the rage at the school after seven faculty members added their own, unique twist to “No-Shave November.”

Only a few weeks ago, seven teachers embarked on a journey to raise awareness for prostate cancer in a fun and lighthearted way by implementing a unique fundraiser in Central Middle School. With the collaborative efforts of Brendan Quigley, Travis Thomas, Garrett Watkinson, Jonathan Maxson, Mike Prevoznak, Matt Maguire and Craig Wille, “No-Shave November” spread rapidly throughout the school.

“No-Shave November” is a charitable effort that lasts throughout the month where participants will grow facial hair in honor of the many cancer victims who lose it during treatment. Adding to the traditional “No-Shave November,” faculty members envisioned and created a fundraiser in which students, as well as adults, could participate.

The fundraiser they conjured up allows for each student and faculty member of the school to vote on six unique facial hair designs — “The Biker,” “‘70s Mustache,” “The Tony Stark,” “The General Burnsides,” “The Pirate” and “The Dutchman.” At the end of the month, the style with the most votes, in the form of cash, will be chosen. The winning design will be worn by all participating faculty members on Dec. 1. The proceeds then go to supporting cancer research.

The students are able to help cancer research and share a few chuckles with each other along the way. The faculty is not only thrilled about raising awareness but are having a blast doing it.

“You don’t always have to take yourself so seriously to make a difference and make a meaningful impact,” said Maxson, who teaches seventh-grade social studies.

“This is something that teaches them about community and school. It teaches them about philanthropy and how to come together and join as a cause,” said Watkinson, a German teacher.

The faculty hopes its “No-Shave November” idea will not only be an informative learning process for the students but also raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the world’s leading philanthropic organization for funding and accelerating prostate cancer research.

“Even the smallest donations in the end are going to add up to something big, and you can make a difference, even if it’s donating a couple pennies here or a dollar here or there,” said eighth-grade social studies teacher Quigley.

According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and about one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

To donate, the faculty encourages parents to send donations in the form of cash to school with their children. Faculty, staff, parents and students are invited to cast a vote. The donations will be going to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. For more information on prostate cancer awareness, visit https://www.pcf.org or to donate to the school, send cash donations to the school’s No-Shave November Fundraiser at 5 Lincoln Ave., Haddonfield 08033.