Photo by Stacey Viera

Have you ever wanted to grow an outrageous mustache, but were afraid your narc coworkers would disapprove, you’d look like a cheesy ’70s porn star, or that your significant other would dump you? Well, now you have a valid excuse for donning that Dr. Fuzzenstein — 826DC is hosting a mustache-growing contest/fundraiser for their free writing and tutoring programs for students ages 6 through 18. And ladies, no need to feel left out: there are weekly challenges and prizes for you as well.

Contestants will start off clean shaven on February 28 and grow their “nose neighbors” until March 28. Along with weekly progress/support meetings at Meridian Pint, 826DC will arm you with explanatory postcards and buttons for any quizzical looks and sidelong glances.

Fundraisers will be separated in to five levels: the John Waters ($72.83), the Alex Trebek ($155.55), the Tom Selleck ($297.42), the Mark Twain ($558.13), and the Oliver Uberti ($2,860.20). The deadline for registration is February 23. Each participant will be asked to donate a $10 entry fee, to be collected at the February 28 kickoff.