Now this post isn’t really about beer, at least not specifically. It is about a charity event that takes place in a bar so there’ll probably be beer consumed. That’s good enough for me. Oh yeah, and it’s my blog so I’ll write about whatever the hell I want. From what I can gather from the press release and the website (which isn’t that great but gets the point across) is that some guy in Cleveland – my old hometown – has taken it upon himself to go an entire year without shaving. What started out as merely a personal goal has turned into something of a cult all of its own. They’ve even managed to turn it into some kind of charity bartending (or beardtending) event to help stop domestic violence in Cleveland and that’s always a good thing.

Now for the slight digression…I’m all for the beard. I feel a personal connection with Andy Bindernagel, the original beardy himself, in that I too have made it something of a personal quest to go without shaving for as long as possible. Back in March I was laid off from my corporate job (the employer will remain nameless, but they are a giant chemical company with four letters in their logo) after the company relocated me and my wife from Cleveland to Dallas. Three cheers for corporate America. Nevertheless, I pressed on. Since I was without a job and really didn’t have much reason to leave the house (and had no car) I decided to let the beard grow. I figured I could save money on razors and look completely disheveled at the same time…bonus. Here are some before and after pics of me just to give you an idea of how things are moving along. It probably won’t last, because when (if) I ever get another job it’s bound to go for conformance sake. After the pics, read on to hear more about the Year of the Beard charity event taking place on August 28th (TOMORROW) in Cleveland.

That’s me in Zurich in an Irish pub circa 2007

That’s me and my brother-in law toasting it up last month (Stone Arrogant Basterd Ale, yummm)

Year of the Beard Continues Its Growth with Guest Bartending Event Friday, August 28

CLEVELAND, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Andy Bindernagel has not shaved his beard in seven months and 27 days. The result, thus far, is untrimmed, untamed and in the name of charity. He’s hoping his venture into “beardtending” Friday August 28th at Forti’s in downtown Cleveland (746 Prospect Ave.) will inspire people to donate money for the Domestic Violence Center of greater Cleveland.

“I’ve never bartended in my life and I have no idea how to make a mixed drink, but besides that I think it should be a great time!” said Bindernagel. “It’s just going to be a fun evening, with proceeds going to a great cause, so I encourage everyone to come out.”

Friday’s event is part of a year long fundraising drive for the Domestic Violence Center Andy dubbed, “Year of the Beard.” To chronicle his progress and keep beard fans updated, he set up a website www.yearofthebeard.com. Designer t-shirts proclaiming his cause quickly followed (and are still available on the site) as momentum behind his cause grew.

Andy will be guest beardtending with a long-time friend and fellow beard-grower from 8 p.m. to midnight. A $10 donation entitles a beard fan to discounted drinks, as long as a Year of the Beard beardtender is pouring the beer. In addition to the one time donation, Bindernagel will be collecting “tips” all night, and 100% of those tips will be going to the Domestic Violence Center.

To most, the idea of beard growing doesn’t translate to fundraising, but that was exactly what Bindernagel liked about it. “I wanted to show that raising money, trying to help out, doesn’t have to be the most difficult thing. You don’t have to be a pro at this. Sure it’s been a challenge, but if I can raise money this way, everybody can think of a way to help something they care about.”

Bindernagel also wanted something that would be visible to everyone all the time. “My beard is long enough, and untamed enough, that people often ask me ‘What’s with your beard?’ It’s a great way to start up a conversation about the charity.”

The Domestic Violence Center of greater Cleveland is an important charity to Bindernagel because, “Domestic violence is something very real and it affects people’s lives daily. People who suffer with domestic violence can feel that there is no where to go and no way to get help. I think the Domestic Violence Center provides an invaluable service, and I wanted to help it however I could.”

Beardtending isn’t the only way Bindernagel collects donations for Year of the Beard. He takes one time donations, pledges-per-month he grows his beard, t-shirt sales profits, and charity events. At the first Year of the Beard event in March, with the help of prize baskets donated by local businesses, he was able to raise $1,412. Please see www.yearofthebeard.com for more information.

CONTACT: Andy Bindernagel of Year of the Beard, +1-216-571-3570, andy@yearofthebeard.com

Source: YearOfTheBeard.com

Web Site: http://www.yearofthebeard.com/