Basic Information:  

     Welcome to the official site of the 2008 - 2009 Yeard for Charity, my first Beard-Growing-for-Charity event.  First, let me give credit for the word "yeard" to Michael Eades, the hirsute mastermind behind such wonderful social events as Whiskerino and Moustache May.  Feel free to visit Mr. Eades' sites (www.whiskerino.com/about and www.moustachemay.com/about) to foster your love of beards and moustaches. 

          For those of you who aren't down with the beard lingo, a yeard is the mythical creature formed when a strong-willed man refuses to shave for 12 months.  Yes, an entire year.  Impossible, you say?  I laugh at the weak-minded fools who doubt my dedication to all things beard.  From September 20th (approximately), 2008 to September 20th, 2009, my razor will be locked away, unable to fulfill its dastardly purpose - denying my face the manly mane that it rightfully deserves.

        This year, instead of merely focusing on the undeniable awesomeness that is a beard, I wanted to grow for a purpose.  That purpose is helping to fund the mission of Cents of Relief, a charity dedicated to fighting sex trafficking in India.  For more information, check out www.centsofrelief.org. 

        Throughout the bearded odyssey to follow, I will send out bi-weekly photo updates and change the picture to the above left to track my progress.  If you would like to be included in the mailing list, please send me an e-mail: danielposkevich@mac.com.  Along with the photos, I will keep you updated as to what kind of reaction the beard gets among both friends and strangers, as well as how the beard is affecting Shelley, my girlfriend.  Although I currently have her begrudging approval for the cause, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the "shave-or-we're-breaking-up" ultimatum.  I'll keep you posted.   

    Donating through this website is simple, fast and, from what I've been told, completely secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising/beard growing efforts.  Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too.  I leave you with these parting words that foretell of my bearded future:

“There was an old man with a beard,

who said: 'It is just as I feared!

Two owls and a hen, four larks and a wren

have all built their nests in my beard.’”

-Edward Lear

Weekly E-mail Update (E-mail me if you would like to be added to the mailing list):

NOTE: All weekly e-mail updates on the Firstgiving page have been suspended.  To read all of the previous Yeard posts, please visit: www.yeard.blogspot.com.  Thanks!