Henrico CASA (CASA) announced its participation in Richmond’s 2023 Mustaches for Kids (M4K) campaign. Every November, M4K encourages community members to grow mustaches to raise both funds and awareness for local child-focused nonprofit organizations. Last year, CASA’s M4K participation resulted in $55,000 of support for their mission of advocating in court for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Growing Season with Mustaches for Kids
Mustaches for Kids is a unique way to generate support for children’s causes. The fun and energetic campaign is a breath of fresh air to CASA, who works with children and families in crisis on a daily basis. Through M4K, CASA aims to bring attention to the vital role that advocates play in ensuring that these vulnerable children are seen, heard, and supported so that they can thrive.
This year, CASA’s team of mustache growers are aptly named ‘Henrico Heroes’ because the team is a collaboration with Henrico County Firefighters and other county service employees.
“Service is at the heart of everything we do in the fire service, and the connection between mustaches and firefighters is a fun aspect of our culture,” said Henrico Fire Chief Jackson Baynard. “A fundraiser that combines those two things and that also supports great organizations like Henrico CASA is a natural fit.”
Bill Boger, a longtime Henrico Firefighter and president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1568, agreed. “The Mustaches for Kids campaign resonates with firefighters,” he said, citing the IAFF’s 2022 participation. “We had 26 members combine to raise $13,000 for M4K last year. This year, we hope to exceed that, and we invite all county emergency responders, county employees and their friends and families to join us on team ‘Henrico Heroes’.”
Support Henrico Heroes in Stache-Growing Season
Throughout November, CASA’s ‘Henrico Heroes’ will be cultivating mustaches of all shapes and sizes, and supporters can contribute to the cause by making donations in support of their favorite ‘staches. Donate at M4K. You can join this mustache-growing journey by registering on M4K’s website or follow the fun on Henrico CASA’s social media. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of local children.
“Every child deserves a safe home, and our team of mustache growers are stepping up in a creative way to make that a reality,” said Jeannine Panzera, Executive Director of Henrico CASA. “We are thankful for the many ways ‘Henrico Heroes’ serve our community every day, and especially grateful for their commitment to this campaign. Our county’s children will be better for it.”
Since 1994, Henrico CASA has trained and supervised more than 400 volunteer advocates who have intervened in the lives of 4,000+ abused and neglected children in Henrico County. Learn more at HenricoCasa.org.
M4K Richmond also has a long-lasting legacy of raising funds to aid local children. M4K participants have collectively raised $3,700,000 in the past twenty years. Learn more at M4Krichmond.org.
