Members of the Enfield Police Department and other public safety personnel have begun "The Great Mustache Challenge IV", but this time around, the stakes are a bit different.
Historically, competitors enter the challenge by contributing $20 into a pool. The first five men to shave have to kick in an additional $20, and the last one still wearing their new mustache wins the pot, said Officer Tom Chagnon, the event coordinator.
In view of the tragedy that struck students and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December, participants are aiming for a much different goal.
All money collected will be donated to the Ana Marquez-Greene Music Scholarship Fund at Western Connecticut State University and the Artist's Collective in Hartford. Ana was one of 20 children killed in the Dec. 14 massacre in Newtown that also claimed the lives of six adults.
Chagnon said a total of 55 people have contributed to the challenge, including some members of the North Thompsonville Fire Department. In addition to those growing new facial hair, contributors include honorary members (those already sporting mustaches) and others wishing to support the cause.
About $1,200 has already been collected since the challenge began on Jan. 18. One participant has already shaved off his mustache, and when four others follow suit and drop out of the contest, all the money collected will be donated to the scholarship fund, Chagnon said.
"It is a great cause to which people can still contribute," Chagnon said, adding that donations will still being accepted at the police department on Elm Street.
Is there still incentive for participants to keep the facial hair as long as they (or their spouse/significant other/family) can stand it? Yes. Although there is no cash prize for the longest holdout, Chagnon has graciously donated a pair of New England Patriots tickets for the winner.