The Crazy Beard Campaign is back for its tenth year. But this year, we have a new cause in honor of my kiddo, Oliver.
A Little About Our Ollie
Ollie is an incredible kid. He loves running, jumping, climbing and dancing. He has a smile that takes over his whole face and a laugh that lights up the room.
Ollie also has autism.
He was diagnosed this past summer, but we've suspected he was somewhere on the spectrum for the last year and a half or so.
It's been an emotional journey for us all. But it’s also been a journey full of love. Ollie adores our family and friends, loves his teachers and lights up when he sees his therapists.
He's in a great school and is figuring out how to interact with other kids. He has a pretty significant speech delay, but he's finding his words along with new ways to communicate with us every day.
A New Cause for 2022
So this year, it felt right to tie the Crazy Beard campaign to the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). They're doing some pretty amazing research on the science of autism. And on the effectiveness of different therapies. And on promoting life outcomes. And on how to be a supportive caregiver for a kiddo on the spectrum.
The thing I love about them is they aren't trying to "cure autism." They're trying to empower people with autism to live their best lives.
We don't want to cure Ollie's autism. It's part of what makes him who he is. But we want to open as many doors as we can for him down the road to live the kind of life he wants to live.
So this year, during Ollie's birthday month (February), we're fundraising for OAR.
The Quick Backstory of the Crazy Beard Campaign
When November rolled around nine years ago, I had a nasty playoff beard on this face (thanks to the Cardinals). It seemed like a waste to just shave it off. So instead, after a bit of encouragement from friends, I decided to donate my face to charity.
And for the last nine years you all have been incredible. The outpouring of generosity and love has been overwhelming. Together these last nine years, we’ve raised over $19,000 to do a whole lot of good.
How the Campaign Works
The Growth
I’ll grow my beard for all of February. At that point my face will be shaggy, nasty, and ready to be molded in whatever wild pattern you can dream up.
The Shave
After a month of growth, my beard will be in desperate need of a shave. That’s where you come in.
Everyone that donates to this campaign will be entered into a random drawing. No donation is too small. If you give, you’re in the running.
On January 1st, I’ll select a donor at random to pick how I shave my beard. As long as what you suggest isn’t offensive, I’m in.
Here are some past designs for inspiration:
Every Donor Adds Time
The number of donations will determine how long I wear this beard. For each person that donates, I’ll wear the beard for an additional hour. So 24 donors means an additional day. 168 donors would be a full week. It’s up to you all.
Donate Now
If you’re ready to be part of funding some groundbreaking research, click on the Donate button on this page.
Thanks so much for reading and for your continued interest year after year. You all are the best.
- David
