LWA teacher gets involved in "Mustaches for kids"

December 18, 2007

James Bogdan, a Middle School science teacher, has been looking a little different lately in an effort to inspire people to raise money for kids.

Mustaches for Kids is a nationwide organization. James, along with three friends from Long Island, created the Long Island chapter, which has inspired three dozen other men in the area to grow their own mustaches.

On Friday, November 16, the starting gun sounded as they shaved their faces to begin the growing season. The faculty participants at LWA include James; Mark Hoyle, Upper School Dean; Kristofer Pischel, Middle School English and social studies teacher; and Jon Bingham, Upper School science teacher. Every day the four men come to LWA with pins saying, "Ask me about my mustache" so they can spread the word about the cause.

"We're having a good time for a good cause," James said, "it's a great way to make some money and have some fun while we're doing it."

The growing season ended with the "Stache Bash" on Friday, December 14. The final fundraising effort was a big success, James said. The LWA community raised $2,020, while the entire Long Island organization raised approximately $17,000.

The proceeds from all of the Long Island volunteers go to the Pediatric Free Care Fund at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This fund helps families who are having trouble paying for their children's cancer treatment.