Working Thoughts

It has been too long since I’ve mentioned one of my favorite charity organizations – Donorschoose.org. I’m sure giving is down with the economic conditions – I know I’m guilty – but Donorschoose has such a great business model and their people are so creative. Below is an email from a friend of mine: Mike “EL GRANDE BIGOTE” Szarowicz. As you can tell he has a lot of fun with the drive and students benefit. I especially love the mustache logo.

Here’s how I like to think about it though – $50 is not memorable, but I won’t forget Mike’s costume and I know that kids, who have a trailer as a classroom, just got four bean bag chairs to read in.

——————————————

To my loyal mustache aficionados:

Another tremendously successful Mustaches for Kids campaign is in the books!   Our Charlotte Chapter raised over $58,000 and impacted the lives of over 26,000 students.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support.  Every year I’m amazed by the generosity of my friends and colleagues (and by the power of the MUSTACHE)!

All of your help also allowed me to retain my “Top Fundraiser” crown with $5,516 raised.  Here’s the series of pictures we all hoped to see:

Three-peat!!!

And if you’re of sane mind you’re likely asking yourself – “what the heck is that outfit on the right?!?!”  Well, that’s my 2010 Mustache Persona – “El Grande Bigote”.  He was inspired by a Hispanic wrestling show I saw in LA about 11 months ago.

Here are some close-ups:

The second picture there is now my facebook profile.  And that’s right – that’s a customized “E.G.B” cape and “El Grange Bigote” logo.  I owe credit on the cape to my lovely and talented wife Katie.  The logo I made myself.  I promised I’d top the prior two year’s costumes and in my mind I delivered.  I’m very concerned about 2011. 

Alas, I did not win best costume, as the police officer below took home the big prize:

Those are the five “best costume” finalists.  I’ll let you decide if the judges made the right decision.  [Note my boots!]

Oh well, it was another great year.  I hope you’ve enjoyed my crazy pictures.  I know our local schoolteachers and students are extremely grateful for everything we’ve done in this campaign.

Until next year…..

Michael
[a.k.a. “EL GRANDE BIGOTE”]