GROW THAT BEARD and SAVE LIVES!

A backwoodsy beard and human trafficking.

It’s pretty rare to see these two things in the same sentence but that is precisely what this fundraiser aims to combine.

After a conversation with a friend a few months ago, we figured a way to leverage my ample facial hair to accomplish something as profound as providing freedom to human trafficking victims as well as spreading awareness about this critical issue. So I began growing my beard and talking to people about the horrors of human trafficking.

I really like my beard. My wife really likes it...a lot shorter. We are united in our stand against slavery across the world.

So here is the plan: For the month of July, my wife and I are doing DUAL fundraisers with the same goal--to raise as much money as we can to rescue victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. You can either give to the GROW IT page (which you are currently on) or you can give to the SHAVE IT page (here: http://www.mightycause.com/story/Shave-That-Beard-And-Save-Lives ). All the money given goes to the Project Rescue Foundation to bring freedom to women and children and restore lives broken by sexual slavery.

Whichever of these accounts has more money donated by July 31st, wins. If the SHAVE IT page raises more money, then my double chins will be on display for all to see. If the GROW IT page raises more money, I get to let this thing grow for the rest of 2012.

Here are some compelling reasons why you should give to the GROW IT campaign:

1. Beard as symbol- There is perhaps no greater symbol of masculinity than a beard. When you think of a beard, you likely picture a dude like Chuck Norris. Unfortunately, human trafficking is perpetuated almost entirely by men. Men who are greedy for power and money manipulate, use, and abuse anyone who will help them get more. This is broken masculinity. True masculinity is men using their strength to help those who can't help themselves.

2.Beard as signage- I can't tell you how many times a day someone mentions my beard. I'm essentially a walking billboard for "something." Why not utilize this feature to advocate against human trafficking? Well, that's exactly what I've been doing with this beard and it is amazing to discover how many folks simply don’t know how vast and horrific this problem is.

3. Beard as silliness- Beards are honestly one of the goofiest things on the planet. The vast array of beard styles men have come up with is enough to make even the most curmudgeonly soul smile. The juxtaposition of the silliness of a beard with the seriousness of slavery catches people off guard. Because of this, the potential to invite people into the solution is vastly expanded. Just because the issue is incredibly sad doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun and raise a whole lot of money to meet the need.

So help us fight against human trafficking by giving to grow or shave my beard!

Visit Project Rescue's website here:

www.projectrescue.com