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GROWERS

Name: Jared Yerg Age: 32 Occupation: Beards BeCAUSE Founder, Purchasing Agent for Shaw Group, & Organ Grinder Charlotte, NC I think that as one of the co-Founders of the charity my beard was overlooked as a potential winner of the Grizzliest Adams competition last year. That being the case, I have taken it upon myself to make sure my beard gets noticed this year. I have put together topographical maps and assigned numbers to each hair follicle on my face. I have been training them with mostly nautilus machines, but some free weights as well, and will be tracking their growth. All natural of course, and I will submit to any testing to squash rumors of doping. My training combined with the use of mane and tail shampoo on my face throughout the competition should bring home the steel beard statue for Grizzliest Adams!
Name: Scott Doerr Age: 33 Occupation:Beards BeCAUSE Founder & Civil Engineer Charlotte, NC I love to have fun, and I love to give back to the community…if I can combine the two, then life is truly rewarding. I’m pretty sure I can grow a burly beard, so those other growers better watch out! Thanks to everyone who are helping make this such a success.
Name: Nod Norkus Age: 31 Occupation: Owner/Designer Nod Original Designs and NodNorkus.com Charlotte, NC I do all things in the name of rock n' roll and the soul, so when it came down to the decision of whether to grow a beard or not to grow, I asked myself what I normally do with tough life decisions, "What would John Bonahm do? And it's as obvious from the pictures of Led Zeppelin to the hair on his chinny chin chin that he would grow the BEARD!
Name: Brenton Brown Age: 34 Occupation: Construction Superintendent for C.F. Evans and Co. Inc. Charleston, SC The reason I want to be part of this event is as a member of the Holy City Beard and Moustache Society, I take every effort to promote facial hair. The fact that it is for such a great cause is "icing"
Name: Nate Field Age: 31 Occupation: Mavic Service Courses Manager Newburyport, MA My growing season typically doesn't start until Nov, so the advanced date of BeardsBecause may hurt my chances at defending. But I am a pro grower, so I'll just have to suck it up and get my A-game going early. Or I could just wait and start growing in Nov to give the others a fair chance.... Hope we can make it down for the finale again. Either way, best of luck with the campaign this year and I hope it's even more successful than last year.
Name: Mathew Miller Age: 33 Occupation: Environmental Scientist/ Musician Charlotte, NC I think this is a great fundraising idea that would incorporate a fun and competitive event I am a musician in Charlotte and am involved with several cancer and childrens benefits and would like to be more involved with great causes such as this. I look forward to meeting everyone involved and possibly contributing some music at the end party. I just hope the hair on my cheeks can grow its been a long time since I have grown a beard.
Name: Xan Grayson Age: Occupation: World Geo Teacher Charlotte, NC Growing a beard and helping women? Really, this was a no-brainer. Also, it is not all too often that I can join the ranks with some of history's finest figures; St. Nicholas, Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Jeremiah, Jesus, Jim Morrison, Marvin Gaye, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Scott Avett, Ray Lamontagne, Uncle Billy, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco de Gama, Robert E Lee, Peter Tosh, Edward Hasbrouck, Jerry Garcia, Grizzly Adams, Theodore Kaczynski and Forrest Gump - just to name a few. And the perfect time of year to be doing this... Reconnecting with primal tendencies is always healthy. And did I mention we're helping women - fantastic.
Name: Tim Conlan Age: 32 Occupation: Database Developer, Tree.com Charlotte, NC This is something I've been practicing years for, and now that I've got my technique down pat I'm ready to bring it out into the wider world. I'm ready to sit on my backside and grow a beard for charity. So now my girlfriend can't complain that I'm lazy as I have a reason for being a hairy beast. That, and this is a great cause to do something for and I'm honored to get to be a part of it.
Name: Chris Sager Age: 28 Occupation: Payoffs Manager, Wachovia Charlotte, NC Why I want to be a grower: After years of being called a hippie and being told to shave my beard because it makes me look "creepy", it is refreshing to know I can still have those things happen while at the same time supporting a great cause.
Name: Jon Hinton Age: 25 Occupation: Admissions Counselor, Pfeiffer University Charlotte, NC Working at institution that prides itself in community service, I feel the need to give back. What better way than to raise for battered women and grow a beard at the same time. Plus, I'm a dirty hippie and my fiancee says (in my best Fat Bastard "Austin Powers" voice), that "I'm dead sexy" with facial hair!
Name: Nicholas Bantsolas Age: 30 Occupation: Asset Analyst Charlotte, NC I used to be known for my longer curly hair. Since, I have adopted the shorter hair that makes me blend in with the common folk, I was in search of another forum to allow people to revel in my hair growth. Beards beCAUSE was the perfect arena. Over the next two months I will harness and focus my hairy energy on my face in an effort to stop domestic violence.
Name: Joshua James Age: 32 Occupation: Network Engineer, Hearst Corporation Charlotte, NC Normally sporting a day or two growth the razor is not something that visits my face often, and it brings back horrid memories of high school. I did shave however for this event and will go past my 2 week record of not shaving just to raise money for the women's shelter. The beard gets noticed when I go more than a few days and now every one of those suckers who give me flack are going to get hit up for money
Name: Shawn Sluder Age: 31 Occupation: Master Bear Builder Charlotte, NC Well I rocked out some serious beard growth last year. There should have been a category for sexist beard, because I would have won. With all of that said, this will be my year to grow and raise the most! I can't wait to help a good cause again and have a reason not to shave for two months. I am very excited to do my part, to help raise awareness about Domestic Violence.
Name: Bradley Schmittle Age: 28 Occupation: Engineering Tech @ USI of Carolina Concord, NC I did this last year to help raise money for a good cause and also to be lazy by not having to shave my face if you ask my wife. We had a great time last year and cant wait to do the same this year. Good luck to every one.
Name: Eric Bandholz Age: 27 Occupation: I change lives as a salesman for Integraphx Fort Mill, SC/B> I am a man of many beards. Often done in secret. I have the greatest ability to grow facial hair the same color as my skin tone. I can go for months without anyone knowing I actually have a beard. I prefer the sleeper strategy; BOOM! people won't know what hit them! I plan to change battered women's lives one whisker at a time!
Name: Matt Menees Age: 33 Occupation: Ice cream taste-tester; Programmer Charlotte, NC Every one of us knows someone who is affected by domestic violence of some kind. I find sexual abuse of children particularly deplorable. Victims are affected for the rest of their lives, and with low self-esteem, they often find themselves in abusive relationships as adults. Wearing a scraggly beard for two months is the least I can do to help in a battle against what is truly evil, and for which there is no excuse.
Name: Matt Harris Age: Occupation: Co-Host Matt and Ramona Show Charlotte, NC My wife thinks that the salt and pepper beards that George Clooney and Brett Favre sport make them look sexy. On me, she says the gray beard just makes me look like an old guy on a 3 day bender. But then I remind her it's for the women's shelter, and suddenly I look sexy. Yes, single guys listen up! Ladies love dudes who help others!
Name: Brent "Bandy Boo" O'Brien Age: 29 Occupation: Radio Producer for "The Matt and Ramona Show" on 107.9 The Link Cornelius, NC Having participated in a lot of fund raising over the years I've dealt with numerous amounts of adversity. Let's face it, raising money for a good cause is never easy, otherwise there would be no need for fundraisers. BUT never in my life have I struggled so much as I am with growing this beard. The itching, the unrecognizable person in the mirror that has lost his baby face, the practical joke that God is playing on me by allowing me to grow hair on my face but not on my head! All that being said, there is no better cause out there than Beards BeCause and I couldn't be more honored than to be a part of a group making a difference in the battle against domestic violence.
Name: Trey Cox Age: 36 Occupation: Forester Clemson, SC Originally thought I was signing up for something to do with beer-batter and women. . .
Name: Garrett Bryant Age: 29 Occupation: Retail and Photo Manager at US National Whitewater Center Charlotte, NC After my grueling mustache growing competitions, I recently found myself with a lack of facial hair cultivating excuses. Thankfully someone brought to my attention a beard competition w/ an actual cause. I figured what better to do than intimidate the follicley-challenged and raise money for something I support. Let the growing commence.
Name: Lucas Keipper Age: 28 Occupation: IT Consultant Charlotte, NC Let's not mince words. Without a beard I look like a fresh-faced 17-year-old. Yet despite my girlfriend's professed love for my blond whiskers, I've decided to shave my face smooth in the name of charity. It'll be humiliating of course, but I can handle the ridicule. And I'm fairly sure she won't leave me. Either way, despite the inevitable thin-and-scraggly phase, I 'm certain that by the end of this thing I'll have produced such an astonishingly thick and robust, altogether girlfriend-rousing new beard that even if the love of my life has left me, she'll soon be back. At least I hope so. Regardless of what happens, it'll be worth it for this exceptional cause!
Name: Rich Saner Age: 33 Occupation: Owner - RockHouse Events & Promotions Charlotte, NC In the immortal words of John 'Bluto' Blutarsky..."WHY NOT"! I was approached to do this last year, and while it was pretty darn itchy, it was for a great cause. Raising money, and more importantly raising awareness is such a worthy cause I couldn't say no this year. Plus a red beard gives me the chance to go as something unique for Halloween, like, uhm, red beard.
Name: Corey Marshman Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Ryan Ford Age: 26 Occupation: Engineer Charlotte, NC I have always considered beards an excellent concept. Lots of people don't like beards, but those people are wrong. Now, I hope that this event changes the way people envision the beard. I hope people will always grow a beard to spread awareness and raise funds for a noble cause. Men that abuse women should not be considered men and probably can't grow a beard. Anyway, if you actually need another reason to grow a beard here are a few: (1) Think of it as a winter coat. Why wouldn't you want to wear one? (2) I actually had a beard prior to this contest and it grew on me literally and figuratively (3) Doesn't God have a beard? (4) I will leave you with quote, which I feel pretty much sums everything up: " David and his followers taught no new doctrines, in their dispersion or when they came to power, that can be brought to countenance thee at all in shaving off thy beard. " -Lord George Gordon (who apparently knew Lord Sandwich, I rest my case)
Name: Boyd Harris Age: 26 Occupation: Graduate Student (i.e. unemployed Gastonia, NC I was blessed with a moustache at age eight, sideburns at age nine, and chin whiskers at age ten. These early years were wasted on purely selfish uses of this power: buying cigarettes, getting into R-rated movies, and voting. Now I have a chance to redeem myself and use my amazing facial hair growing capabilities to enrich the lives of others....as well as crush my competition.
Name: Daniel Lindley Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Richard Kalsky Age: 33 Occupation: Programmer Concord, NC I met Jared a few months ago, and he explained to me this worthwhile cause. I thought it was a great idea, and could help out many women in need. He didn't even have to ask me, I was already committed to join.
Name: Matt Gilligan Age: 30 Occupation: Graduate Student Charlotte,NC I'm participating in this fundraiser because I think it's an important cause, and the idea of growing a beard and looking even more like a disgusting slob really appeals to a guy like me. I think the events will be a lot of fun, and most importantly, we're helping raise money for people who are less fortunate.
Name: Steve Kissel Age: Occupation: Cleans Bird **** out of Coockoo Clocks Charlotte, NC Fresh from training at a Russian Gulag, where I learned from Beardiologist Yuri "The Mammoth" Zuklev; I have mastered the shadow arts of beard growing through appeal to the Elder gods. This year I hope to shame you by growing a beard which makes the rest of the contestants appear to be 10 year old girls: Here's to hoping that there are no tests for Doping.
Name: Mike Stephens Age: 38 Occupation: Owner of MLS Construction Services Concord, NC I am very proud of my good friends for starting this effort and look forward to raising awareness and funds for United Family Services. Having contributed to the cause last year without growing, the decision was made early on this year that a beard would be attempted. The last few months have found me whittling away at the ever graying hair on my chin in a feeble attempt to keep the dark ones and maintain my youthful image. Though that ongoing struggle made the initial shave very simple as few dark follicles remained. I’m excited to begin the quest for the much coveted Patch Adams award.
Name: Robert "Bob" Fredrickson Age: 32 Occupation: Mortgage Consultant Charlotte, NC I am honored to be a part of this event. In my former career as a Paramedic I witnessed so many cases of domestic violence that it would make you sick. I hope that my small contribution will help change someone's life and give them the strength to finally "get out". My master plan to achieve my goal is to start charging my wife $1 for every time she complains about my beard, she is already into me for $97 and it's only week 3! Personally I think the beard makes me look dead sexy but hey that's just me.
Name: Bost Roberts Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Mark Pierman Age: 54 Occupation: CEO – United Family Services Charlotte, NC As CEO of the agency that is receiving the benefits of this campaign for our Shelter for Battered Women, I decided to support all the beard growers, as well as the others who have stepped up to raise money to support women and children affected by domestic violence. I haven't grown my beard in 25 years and I was curious to see how much more "distinguished" I would look now than back in the day. The questions I get from friends and colleagues will allow me to raise the awareness of the issue of domestic violence another notch.
Name: Christian Crute Age: 39 Occupation: InterLink Managing Director Charlotte, NC I look AWFUL with a beard. And they itch! Been dreading it, but everytime I think about it, I realize how minor an inconvenience it is compared to what women we are helping go through. Yay beard!
Name: Jamie Kepley Age: 24 Occupation: Civil Engineer for Shaw Group Charlotte, NC Everyone hates to shaving especially for work! After knowing and hearing how fun a few of my friends had last year I had to give it shot. Who doesn't feel better about themselves when helping out a good cause, especially when you can have a blast doing it. Even though it's my first Beards Because event doesn't mean I don't know how to grow so beware growers. Beard growers and beardless beauties let our powers combine to stop domestic violence.
Name: Jeremy Kuster Age: 26 Occupation: Medical Photographer Charlotte, NC I'm definitely excited to do this for such a great cause. Being clean shaven will be an experience as I normally sport a beard, but it will easily be worth it. Plus, now I'll be able to have an excuse to not shave at all for the next couple of months!
Name: Brad Nathanson Age: 28 Occupation: Social Worker, Nathanson Adoption Services Charlotte, NC A returning grower (and arguably last year's crowd favorite), Brad considers his participation last year as a "moral victory" since he was able to help raise so much money and awareness for the Battered Women's Shelter. In addition to the generous support of his friends and family, this year he also applied for a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, as he expects to be able to sequester several pounds of Carbon in his beard. Brad has worked and volunteered for several causes centered around women and children, and is honored to be a part of such an important campaign.
Name: Kary Browser Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Ben Dolphens Age: 31 Occupation: Pricing Analyst – MillerCoors Charlotte, NC I haven’t tried growing a full beard since my college days, so I’m not exactly sure what is going to happen. I just hope and pray that it doesn’t grow in all white trashy like Joe Dirt. Although…I have always wanted to Moonlight as a Sanitation Engineer. Now that I think about it, this could be the subsequent income I need to afford gasoline for my Camaro. Regardless of how the beard turns out, I’ll sport it with pride knowing that it is for an extremely worthy cause. And who knows…I might just be the one standing there with the broom and dust pan at the shaving party in December! Rock on!
Name: Scott Graf Age: 30 Occupation: Radio Guy Charlotte, NC My name is Scott Graf. I'm 30 and live near Huntersville. By early morning, I'm on the radio telling Charlotteans what's going on in our corner of the world. By early afternoon, I'm on the couch taking a nap. I enjoy Crock Pots, Shop-Vacs, Q-Tips and other useful, two-syllable name brand products. I became aware of Beards Because last year through my work but couldn't participate at that point (was in a wedding…had lots of razors on hand…insecurity). But after a year of consuming unhealthy levels of red meat and eggs, I'm loaded with protein and ready to turn it loose on a good cause. I appreciate your pity/donations as we all set pride aside to help battered women.
Name: Alexander Shaw Age: 28 Occupation: Bartender at Sanctuary Charlotte, NC Inspired by watching the growers last year and a drunken assertion made to one of the founders i have decided to grow this year. My beard is patchy and frankly ridiculous and may cause me to lose my job, girlfriend and residence, but hey ho. Perhaps our erstwhile philanthropists will throw a crust of bread my way. Good luck everyone and happy itching.
Name: Tony Leone Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Mark Landon Age: 38 Occupation: Assistant Pastor, King of Kings Church Charlotte, NC It is often brought to my attention by strangers, friends and giggling children, that my dog, Lucy, sports a pretty fine beard. I've heard it said that dogs often look similar to their owners, so I guess its about time I set the record straight and grow a beard. I love the concept these guys thought up...men (and bearded ladies) helping to heal the wounds of abuse that women carry. Wow, I don't have to shave and it benefits someone other than me!
Name: Jerry Jenkins Age: 30 Occupation: Account Manager Integraphx Gastonia, NC I'm a long-time semi-pro at the art of the beard. This will be the first time my chin has seen daylight in 9 years - razor burn sucks! I'm glad to get a chance to help a good cause in the process. Maybe next year we can add a back hair competition.
Name: Johnny Osbourne Age: 27 Occupation: Promotion Director for WNKS and WKQC Charlotte, NC Here's to a great cause and to saving shaving cream at the same time!
Name: David Crotts Age: 25 Occupation: Virginia Tech Internal Audit Blacksburg, VA
Name: Rob Colyer Age: 35 Occupation: POS field tech Concord, NC Now I have an excuse to see how gnarly of a beard I can grow. Oh and its for a good cause too.
Name: Joe Eichorn Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Glenn Dahlen Age: Occupation: VP – Finance United Family Services Charlotte, NC Thirty-some years ago, I entered a beard growing contest and came in second. Now, for the first time since 1978, I am clean shaven again and expect to win this time. J Afterwards, who knows? I kinda' liked just the mustache as I was shaving, or maybe the OCC Paul Sr. look! Definitely not clean shaven…I HATE shaving.
Name: Shawn Ring Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC I finally have a fullproof plan, to thwart those you would seek a spike in magazine subscriptions by shamelessly exploiting my image (GQ, Esquire, and Mens Health to name a few) What a relief to have some respite from their constant, though flattering, pursuit. All the while supporting a great cause. It is my pledge to grow a beard worthy of Robinson Crusoe and Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks, Castaway) Let the Beards begin!!!
Name: Mathew Ring Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC After reading many of the profiles of my fellow cohorts I realized that the gauntlet has been 'thrown down'. I proceeded to ponder if I could compete in such a hairy arena. Naturally, it was but a nano-second later in which I realized that it just so happens that 'throwin down' falls smack dab in the middle of my Wheel-House; be it on the volleyball court, performing at my ballet recitals, or just simply keepin' it real!!! Why not channel such a god-given gift to aid such a worthy cause...if I can kick a little butt along the way...well, let's just say that I will be riding the gravy train with biscuit wheels.
Name: Jason Hooker Age: 30 Occupation: Electrical Engineer Charlotte, NC It took me several tries over many months to get the patchy excuse for a beard I sported proudly for nearly two years. When I heard about Beards BeCAUSE I knew I wanted to be involved but I had to ask myself one question: "To shave or not to shave?" With the beard (patchiness aside), I looked almost adult-like. Without it (as you can see I decided to shave) I look like a fat faced twelve year old. I am hoping that I can get some good whiskerage over the next two months and raise a bit of money in the process. I think this will be a fun experience and I'm willing to embarrass myself for such a good cause. To all those who will laugh at my expense, all I can say is "PAY UP!
Name: Conor McCauley Age: 26 Occupation: A proud Gaylord Focker (male nurse) Colorado I have not been clean-shaven for 8 years. I look like a 10 year-old boy without my beard, I'm not sure my wife will respond to me until I look 26 again, and I'm actually pretty attached to my facial hair. But- none of that really matters. This is for a great cause, I'm proud of my brother for all of his hard work and dedication, and I'm really excited to be a part of Beards BeCAUSE this year. Go Steelers
Name: Eric Rhew Age: 34 Occupation: Pool Doc's Concord, NC I saw two great things in Beards Because. Helping out a charity and having an excuse to grow a beard that will look terrible and my wife can't say anything about it. This will be fun. Raising money for a good cause and have people laughing at my facial growth. Also, a little facial hair will keep me warm in the winter time when tending to my pools.
Name: Luke Stemmerman Age: 29 Occupation: Student/Organic Food Peddler Charlotte, NC Until' this summer, the state of North Carolina had never seen my pretty little face. I Stay bearded most of the time, but I have started to like a clean shave every once in a while. I have settled on a winter beard. Shaving in the winter stinks anyway. How convenient that when I decided I was going to grow it back, I found Beards BeCause. Now I have an amzing reason to hate shaving.
Name: Brandon Wolfe Age: 24 Occupation: Kitchen Manager @ the Comet Grill Charlotte, NC I love facial hair. I love charities. I love my family (certain ones work for family services, others have given me awesome hair genes). I love my girlfriend for tolerating the scruff. I work @ the Comet Grill in dilworth. I'm there way too much. Come have a beer & donate towards a beard!
Name: Adam Bailey Age: 31 Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Darren Ciotoli Age: 37 Occupation: Teacher of knowledge Rock Hill, SC I can grow a mean beard, so I figured why not do it for a good cause?! Plus it'll make my mom feel bad when she gets on me about having a beard at Christmas. I'm really happy to be a part of this event and I hope that we can make a difference in the lives of such amazing and deserving women.
Name: Jeremy Spielman Age: Occupation: Charlotte Secondary School Principal Charlotte,NC When I heard about the opportunity to put my facial hair to work in an altruistic fashion, I had to join. It is a lot more fun if you have some local competition, so I recruited the rest of the male teachers at our school. Not only will we thoroughly enjoy taunting each other on our exuberant growth, or lack thereof, we will create awareness for our students to an issue that affects countless families. The Charlotte Secondary School Staff will provide an experience worth remembering.
Name: Karl Topping Age: Occupation: Charlotte Secondary School Science Teacher Charlotte,NC I am participating in Beards BeCause because it is fun idea for a great cause, and it nice to actually have an excuse to not shave! The male staff at Charlotte Secondary School are already talking trash due to there extreme jealousy of my facial hair growing ability, but hey, I don't mind. Although I really don't like the itchiness of a beard, I will do it for this cause. I am looking forward to this because of the dedication and the sense of competition that our middle school teachers possess. This is going to be a riot.
Name: David Miller Age: Occupation: Charlotte Secondary Language Arts Teacher Charlotte,NC
Name: Hugh Sproul Age: Occupation: Charlotte Secondary Social Studies Teacher Charlotte,NC I have never grown out my beard before. I am doing it as a way to show my support for your campaign to stop domestic abuse.
Name: Anthony Gardzielik Age: Occupation: Charlotte Secondary Math Teacher Charlotte,NC I would like to thank the organizers of this effort and appreciate their time. This is a great cause, with an interesting twist as a contest. It is a privilege to be a part of a group of men that would take a stand for a cause in the community. I and my fellow colleagues at Charlotte Secondary School have decided to partake in the endeavor because we cherish strong relationships within the community and relish in the fact that we can make a difference (even if the impact may be immeasurable).
Name: Adam Murray Age: Occupation: Musician Charlotte,NC
Name: Derek Murray Age: Occupation: Musician Charlotte,NC
Name: Tim Ross Age: 45 Occupation: Associate Producer Charlotte Talks, WFAE Charlotte,NC I used to grow a beard every winter "just because." Now it's for an awesome cause. My father always used to say to me that my mom continued to be the most important person in his life even though his children meant the world to him. I always remembered that. He taught me to respect and protect loved ones. I'm the Associate Producer of Charlotte Talks on WFAE public radio in Charlotte. I've lived in Charlotte for the last 12 years and I'm married with two little boys.
Name: Brian Gay Age: Occupation: Charlotte,NC
BEARDED LADIES
Name: Libby Hooker Age: 27 Occupation: Jewelry Artist, Shop Girl at The Boulevard in NoDa Charlotte, NC A friend informed my husband and I about Beards BeCAUSE, I don't have a beard, but he did...Before I moved to Charlotte I helped to support a domsetic violence women's shelter and thought it would be nice to continue to support a cause I feel good about!
Name: Miranda Leaver Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Lindsey Hess Age: 26 Occupation: Real Estate Marketing & Photography Charlotte, NC I am glad to see that this year us ladies are allowed to participate. Since I am already enduring my boyfriend's beard for this cause (& I have high expectations for his beard being Grizzliest Adams), I might as well get in on the action too. Plus, I get to call myself a bearded lady for a great cause, what's not cool about that??
Name: Jenn Barrack Age: 30 Occupation: Staffing Manager Charlotte, NC Why I want to be a grower: No facial waxing or shaving for two whole months?? WOO! I'm in! Look out boys...this bearded lady can't wait to sport the new grizzly look for such an exceptional cause.
Name: Monica Welch Age: 27 Occupation: Cost Analyst for the Shaw Group Charlotte, NC A close family member of mine spent 10 years in an abusive relationship. I am honored to be able to raise money for those women that were strong enough to get out. It is causes like this one that give them a safe haven and the chance at a new start. I am honored to help them in any way that I can.
Name: Lisanne Matrulli Age: 21 again... for the 12th time Occupation: Lead Records Manager Charlotte, NC This is a real great cause and it feels good to be able to help out women in need. besides, you don't think i can just sit back and let the guys have all the fun... do you?
Name: Meredith Lee Age: 21… seriously Occupation: Records Management for the Shaw Group Charlotte, NC Raising money for a wonderful cause and having the opportunity to see bearded men on a regular basis… who wouldn't want to participate?
Name: Wendy Shanahan Age: So not telling Occupation: Partner at Asterisk Creative & Master Behind the Scenes for Beards BECAUSE Charlotte, NC As the inaugural winner of the Bearded Lady Award, I felt the need to defend my furry crown. While I am stoked to stop shaving, I am not sure how people are going to take it when I win both the Bearded Lady AND Grizzliest Adams Awards!
Name: Elizabeth Condrick Age: 28 Occupation: Business Manager, Pursley Architecture, Inc. Charlotte, NC My mom always said that if I didn't like the way world worked, I could either endeavor to change it for the better or I could just join the circus. Little did she realize that one day she would be hearing her daughter proudly proclaiming herself as a bearded lady!! Oh, the irony....... In the spirit of being given that choice, I am a proud participant in this campaign to give women the opportunity to change their world and stop cycles of violence.
Name: Laura Ciotoli Age: Forever 21 Occupation: Sales Associate at The VUE Charlotte Rock Hill, SC I love this charity event. It's close to my heart and I think my hubby looks so hot with a beard. If I could only get him into a red and black plaid shirt and some red suspenders.... But in all seriousness, I am so happy for the opportunity to be involved this year helping to raise money for the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women. Team Ciotoli is going to rock it!
Name: Amber Toy Age: 31 Occupation: Youth Program Manager @ US National Whitewater Center Charlotte, NC Why? Im WAY excited to try and grow a beard! No really… what a wonderful cause. My hope is that this will help to give women a voice!
BEARDLESS WONDERS
Name: Jason Yerg Age: 35 Occupation: Public Relations Baltimore, MD My profession doesn't afford me the opportunity to grow a beard; however, this new category allows me to join the fun. I couldn't be prouder of my brother and efforts that he and his co-founders have put into creating this wonderful charity. I have seen first-hand countless instances where victims of domestic violence get trapped in the cycle of abuse when they feel as though there is no way out. I am honored to be apart of the fund-raising efforts with the hope of helping to surpass last years phenomenal start!
Name: Ted Kozlowski Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Andrew Wehr MD, PhD, CFP, CFA, OB Gyn, ESQ. Age: 33 Occupation: Software Sales Philadelphia, PA When my friend// fraternity brother Jared Yerg told me about this cause it really struck me as something that I could be a part of and make a difference in some woman's life until I was told that this entailed growing a beard. Are you kidding me? Me grow a beard? I am 33 and grow a beard about as well as a pre-pubescent teenage girl. I was about to go to the bar and drink myself under the table when he told me that I could contribute just as much and save myself the embarrassment by becoming a Beardless Wonder. So here I am to help raise funds and awareness for this very worthy cause. This is my story and I'm sticking to it.
Name: Kevin Hughes Age: 27 Occupation: Commodity/Currency Trader Charlotte, NC With one of the only other Slippery Rock Alumni in Charlotte and my girlfriend helping to organizing the event, I was compelled to back such an excellent cause. Unfortunately at the ripe old age of 27, my beard comes in totally grey. And while I may be up for winning the Old Man River Award in the future, not this year. So I pledge to beat the street and do my best as a Beardless Wonder!
FULL BLOWN GROWN
Name: Bo Wiseman Age: 36 Occupation: Hardwood Floor Installer/Sander/Finisher Mathews, NC Every year I grow my beard around August or September. This pastime was never a problem until I got Married. My wife hates my beard, so for her benefit I usually shave it for her birthday on November 2. This Random act of kindness (which is why I am probably still married) hasn't let me experience the benefit of having it during cold weather. I am so glad I stumbled on this event. Looks like Lucineia is going to have to wait until at least December to see a clean shaven Mr. Wiseman.
Name: Seth Martin Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Paul Roof Age: 36 Occupation: Charleston, SC This is one of the best charitable causes I have ever come across & I hope to copy it soon & franchise it here in Charleston, SC! I attended the finale party last year & came away impressed. This cause combines my two loves of beards & helping those in need. For two years I served on the board of directors of Family Crisis, a domestic violence shelter in the Four Corners region of New Mexico & understand how much these women need our help & support. I currently run the Holy City Beard & Moustache Society & anything we can do to encourage other men in their bearded adventures is something we support. I have a head start on others considering I haven't had a clean shave in 4 years & don't even own a razor, so I appreciate this category to participate. I did actually trim up just for the event. Jared, Scott, & Wendy deserve our praise for such a worthy cause. Get bearded & start raising some money!
Name: Patrick Harris Age: Occupation: Statesville, NC As a member of the full blown grown beard community, i think that beards because is one of the best charities that i can possibly be involved with because it promotes beard growth and the fight against domestic violence, two very worthy causes indeed. i just wish that i had known about it sooner so that i could have used it as a valid excuse when all of the naysayers naysayed my initial choice to grow a beard.
Name: Sam Fedele Age: Occupation: Charlotte, NC
Name: Kerry Yerg Age:58 Occupation: Pipe Fitter and Father of Founder Charlotte, NC My face hasn't seen the light of day in nearly 25 years. So, while I am not willing to shave and start fresh, I am going to support my son and his friends in the worth while cause.

*Friends who want to donate checks for Beards BeCAUSE can write the check to United Family Services and put Beards BeCAUSE in the note line on the check so we'll know how much we have raised.*

Please Mail checks to United Family Services
P. O. Box 36667
Charlotte, NC 28239
The gift is tax deductible.

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