Yes, I am actually growing a mustache...again. And yes, I will look a little ridiculous (or awesome) for the next month.....again.
“The Wiggler” and I are excited to embark on our 8th growing season to improve the lives of children across Central Virginia.
Since sprouting its first whiskers back in 2012, “The Wiggler” has amassed $13,449 while M4K collectively has raised over $1,160,000 for some wonderful charities that do remarkable work to improve the lives of children across Virginia.
My Story
As many of you know, I’ve joined the Board of Directors for both M4K Richmond and Richmond Friends of the Homeless (RFH) in recent years to help support our local community. I’m proud to be part of two incredible organizations that are improving children’s lives EVERY DAY across Central Virginia so for them to again join forces this year makes me even more passionate about this growing season. M4K and RFH positively influence kids’ lives who are in incredibly difficult situations, mostly of no fault of their own, allowing them an opportunity and positioning them for greater success. For these organizations to accomplish such wonderful work, they need people like YOU to help them in their mission!
M4K Richmond improves the quality of life for local children through individual fundraising, partnering with local charities and businesses, and having a little bit of fun with facial hair. Basically, we grow mustaches for a month as a marketing tool to raise money for local children's charities. Founded in 2003, this volunteer-run organization began with just 2 philanthropic guys raising only a few hundred dollars for children’s charities while having some fun with facial hair. Now, with over 150 men participating, we have raised over $1.4Million to spread across the community. In 2010 M4K Richmond was incorporated and received recognition as a 501(c)3 nonprofit public charity by the IRS. Last year “The Wiggler” raised $2515 and with your help, I’m looking to eclipse that this year. Being able to deliver huge checks to these various foundations confirms the amazing things M4K is able to accomplish and the impact made possibly by loyal and generous donors.
Last year we gave over $308,000 to local charities focused on helping children and families in our community. This year we will again be supporting some of the same wonderful charities such as ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), Children's Hospital Foundation, Feedmore, Friends Association for Children, Cameron K Gallagher, and Richmond Friends of the Homeless.
RFH was founded to strengthen and enrich the lives of the disadvantaged and homeless in our community. RFH supports underprivileged children across Central VA by working to alleviate hunger, providing supplies and tools to help children excel through school and providing enrichment activities and warmth.
Nourishing Meals: We serve meals 7/days a week many of whom are children and provide baskets full of nourishing foods to struggling families to avoid children going hungry.
Back to School: RFH provided 319 stocked backpacks this fall to underprivileged children to help position them for success along with various other supplies/tools to allow them to be aligned to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Enrichment Activities: From Thanksgiving meals to Christmas parties including Santa, toys and gifts, RFH is able to lean into those children missed by the Angel Tree and other giving organizations. Impoverished children are often not afforded the tools, support, or environment to thrive and RFH has found numerous creative ways to engage and empower children who perhaps don’t get the support elsewhere. The support includes every aspect of their lives from health/hygiene to school supplies and mentoring to providing tools and opportunities to make something special of themselves.
Warmth: RFH provides shoes, mittens, blankets, sleeping bags and jackets to children as there are so many homes without heat, particularly in the Gilpin Court neighborhood.
