Moustache Party at Hudson House Bar to benefit local group's fight against 'man cancers'

Sporting a mustache in November is more than just a fashion statement. For those participating in the Movember campaign, growing out the facial hair is a way of rallying together in support of the Movember Foundation, the leading global organization dedicated to helping those living with “man cancers” receive the treatment and care they need.

Photo via FacebookRobby Ellender, the Handlebar Falcons
team leader, is a bartender at the Hud.

A Moustache Party to help support one local group’s Movember fundraising team will be held at the Hudson House Bar in North Beach Haven on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best ’stache and most raised funds. A Mr. and Mrs. Movember will also be named.

Although tongue in cheek, the event is dedicated to helping conquer some very serious diseases such as prostate and testicular cancers. Group leader and Hudson House bartender Robby Ellender, one of 12 participants on the Handlebar Falcons team, has committed to donating all of his tips from the event to the campaign.

“I’ve been doing this for six years. It started as just a way to do some good,” Ellender said. “In my lifetime one in two men will be diagnosed with cancer. That’s a staggering statistic. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men, just behind lung cancer.

“I found out about (the campaign) when I went to Temple University, and it seemed like a fundraiser that was right up my alley. I can’t really run marathons, and I’m not smart enough to organize anything monumental, but I can grow a moustache and ask my friends to help.”

All of the team members have their own reasons for joining the campaign. Ellender said he participates in honor of his grandfather who died of lymphoma when Ellender was in kindergarten. Ryan Zielinski does it for his father, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years ago and is now in remission.

“Cancer just plain sucks,” said Ellender.

So far this year the team has raised $1,490. Ellender has helped raise $210 of the total and hopes to reach his personal goal of $1,000. In order to entice people to donate to the group, he has offered some pretty bold stipulations, such as getting a tattoo chosen by anyone who donates over $200. Those who donate over $100 will receive a large painting by Ellender, and $50 will get donors a small painting. Any donation between $50 and $31 will get contributors a color, hand drawing signed by Ellender. Donations between $30 and $21 incorporate a signed hand drawing. Donations of $20 to $11 include a free beer, and a personalized thank-you will be given to anyone who donates between $10 and $1.

Last year, the group helped raise nearly $4,000 for the campaign, which is the most they have ever collected. They hope to at least match that figure this year.

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger,” Ellender said.

Although the group usually hosts a pancake breakfast benefit, this year they have all been “preoccupied” with one of the Falcon members’ wedding. They expect to “pick up the slack” next year, Ellender said.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.