AC Beard and Mustache Club Gives Back
By Krystle J Bailey
For the love of all things facial hair, the members of the AC Beard and Mustache Club are doing their part to serve the community and help those in need. All while celebrating their various beard lengths. You do not need to have facial hair to join this club of pure happiness, just an appreciation for it and a willingness to serve the community.
The AC Beard and Mustache Club founded by president and Mays Landing resident, Sam Barbey meets monthly at various restaurants in Atlantic County. The group is currently comprised of 20 active members but meetings are open to the public.
The main goal of the club is not actually beard growth techniques, as one may assume. The main goal of the club is to serve those less fortunate and to raise money for those in need.
Of course, beard care isn’t off the table entirely. ACBMC offers their own proprietary line of beard care products including oils, wash, and moisturizer. All proceeds from this line are donated to various charities.
Their first fundraiser raised money for a young kid in the area who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. After Hurricane Maria, the club raised money to purchase solar lights for those affected by the storm in Puerto Rico. They continue to raise food donations and funds for The Community Foodbank of New Jersey.
This past October the club held their 2nd Annual “Taco Stand Against Youth Homelessness” in partnership with Little Water Distillery. Guests were invited to come sample 5 different tacos while networking and hanging out at the distillery. Proceeds went to The Covenant House in Atlantic City, donating $2,500 in cash, an iPad mini, and enough for them to buy dinner to serve and interact with the children at The Covenant House.
This summer, ACBMC is hosting their first Beard and Mustache Competition. The event will be held at Bourre on New York Avenue in Atlantic City. Various categories will be presented and contestants will showcase their best kept facial hair. Judges will vote for their favorite natural mustache, styled mustache, three different beard length categories, and did you know that artificial beards were a thing? They will vote on those too. All proceeds from this event will go to a charity of choice (to be determined). The event will include musicians and karaoke with the band, food, and drinks at one of Atlantic CIty’s newest hot spots.
This group of big hearted, bearded guys welcome everyone who wants to be a part of the club – beard or no beard and regardless of gender. It’s a fun place to celebrate the love of facial hair while also doing good for the community.
Find ACBMC on Facebook and at www.ACBMC.org to get involved!
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, freelance writer, and self published author.
